This is the official page for the Practical Shepherding Podcast entitled, “Trench Talk” where we tackle the issues pastors face and provide practical advice and wisdom for them. Practical Shepherding exists to “help pastors thrive in the trenches of pastoral ministry.” On this podcast, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio are asked the questions that you as pastors and aspiring pastors want them to address. If you would like a particular question addressed, please leave it in the comments section of this page.
Find us on iTunes here.
How does a pastor faithfully shepherd single mothers? Are single mothers like and therefore need similar care as widows? What needs can you meet when the resources of your church are sparse? Is there a responsibility for the church to help as matchmaker? If so, what cautions might be needed?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more questions on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreAre there times when a pastor must return while on a family vacation? If so, how does he know? How can he work against the perception of being indispensable and how can he raise up and empower other to step up while he is away?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs it important for pastors to regularly fellowship with one another? What might it look like to start your own pastoral fellowship? What non-negotiables should be required in a formal environment like this? How is the Practical Shepherding Pastoral Fellowship on Practical Theology setup?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs it more difficult for pastors to have friends in the church? If so, where might he go to find friendships? What if a member desires friendship for selfish gain?
Jim and Brian discuss all these things on this new episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow should a pastor process physical and emotional weaknesses? While weaknesses may hinder ministry, how can pastors be God-centered in embracing weakness? Are there ways pastors can put supports in place for times of weakness? How important is having pastoral friendships to endure weakness?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat legal protections are most important for churches? Why should Pastors know what the church's insurance covers? Are there ways churches can implement policies in an effort to protect them?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs it important for a church to understand the Biblical role of a Pastor? How does that serve the congregation and promote further health? What if the church has an unbiblical view of a pastor and his expectations?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow do pastors pursue rest while laboring faithfully? Isn’t rest a natural and needed aspect of the rhythm of humanity? How should pastors think about the guilt that prevents them from taking time to rest?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreBrian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat, if any, metrics should we use to gauge our effectiveness in ministry? How can we look beyond the things that are seen to perhaps what cannot be seen? Why is it important to focus our attention away from the B’s (budgets, buildings, butts) of ministry? If not those, then what is most important to see the Spirit’s work in your local church?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreAre businesses and churches synonymous? Should they be run similarly? What does it mean that Scripture is sufficient? Is Scripture sufficient in everyway? Are the means of ministry pragmatism worth the ends of church growth?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow important is it that a pastor watch over his own character and life? Is it more noticeable when a ministry leader falls to sin? What harm can be done when a pastor falls? How can a pastor implement safeguards to seek to prevent such harm?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs it important for a local congregation that their preacher has a unique preaching voice? What does it mean to have a unique preaching voice? Is there value in sounding like other faithful preachers? Isn’t imitation the greatest form of flattery? How does a young developing preacher develop a unique preaching voice?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat is the correlation between anger and expectations? How do those unmet expectations then produce pastoral guilt? Are anger and guilt completely positive or negative? What does the Bible have to say about these things?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIf you preach the word faithfully are you promised numerical growth, conversions, and other blessings? If this growth doesn’t come are the pastors unfaithful in some way? What example do we see in Jesus’ earthly ministry? How can young and new pastors set themselves up for success with realistic expectations for ministry?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs there something to setting an intentional ambience surrounding the act of preaching? Should the corporate gathering by one filled with levity or seriousness? Should a church member be relaxed when coming to corporate worship? Is there a point where a pastor directs more attention than he should?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhen do you re-enter ministry from being fired from a church? Can the answer to this question sometimes show that our identity is tied into pastoral ministry more than Christ? How do you address the anger and/or bitterness that is tied to being fired by a church? Is there a set duration of healing before a pastor can re-enter ministry? How do you know if you should or not? What steps can you take in preparation for this?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat are the differences between denominations? What are the differences within each denomination making a local church distinct? How much agreement should there be for a pastor, or be a faithful member, at a specific local church? Should your primary goal be to move a congregation to a certain doctrinal position?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreBrian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreThis Trench Talk episode is a little different as Jim Savastio asks Brian specific questions about concluding his ministry at Auburndale. They include: How do you conclude over 17-years of faithful ministry? When the final sermon comes what do you say and how do you prepare? What aspects of ministry are you anticipating missing the most?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
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