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.
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Should you plant a church where there are many healthy churches already doing faithful ministry? What aspects should we think about as it pertains to church planting? When should a church consider planting or replanting a church? Why should you not want to plant a church?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat should pastors be reading? What books might be more accessible for bi-vocational pastors? What doctrines should a pastor be well versed in? Should there be a balance between “heady” and “devotional” reading? Should a pastor buy a set of commentaries or individual volumes?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreShould a pastor raise up Elders or move toward the process of having an Elder-led polity? How can pastors identify other Elders within their congregation? How can pastors intentionally raise up men to be Elders? What 3 qualities does Brian look for in an Elder?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs making a transition a wise decision? Can you begin to shepherd and establish a relationship with a new church in the midst of a pandemic? Should a church proceed with calling a pastor in the midst of a pandemic? Should you leave a church in the midst of a pandemic? Is the financial situation of the new church an important aspect to know?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow do we pursue pastoral care in the midst of the pandemic? What biblical foundation do we turn to for wisdom in a pandemic? How should pastors shepherd the flock through social media? Should you meet face-to-face with couples for counseling?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow do we prepare to gather again? What do we need to be thinking about before we reopen? Should your church allow your members to hug, shake hands, etc.? Do you continue children’s or nursery ministry? Do you gather if less than 50% of your church is not attending?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow should a pastor address underlying sin within the congregation? What biblical passages inform us on this topic? Should sin be confronted from the pulpit? What are practical steps pastors can take to correct but also provide hope?
Read MoreWhat should cause us to choose the books of the Bible that we preach through? Should you look at the specific flock God has given you when selecting books to preach? What would be some books you would start with as you begin your preaching ministry? Should we use some forms of caution when selecting the books we preach through?
Read MoreWhat should cause us to choose the books of the Bible that we preach through? Should you look at the specific flock God has given you when selecting books to preach? What would be some books you would start with as you begin your preaching ministry? Should we use some forms of caution when selecting the books we preach through?
Read MoreNo one knows and loves the sheep of their flock like the shepherd; the pastor. As a pastor how do you shepherd your flock through crisis? Does crisis call a pastor to alter his sermon series? How can pastors fulfill their calling in new and creative ways given the circumstances? How can we care for our flocks when we cannot be with them?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused churches to think about things they had not done previously. How should churches (and Pastors) navigate these times? What changes and what stays the same? The call to minister the Word in season and out of season stays the same. How can this be done well outside of the preaching of the Word? Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow do we show vulnerabilty while being careful? What is the balance? What Biblical texts should we refer to for information? Is this propensity to put on a strong persona ultimately driven by fear? How do you fight to be vulnerable with your congregation?
Read MoreHow can pastors exhibit a tender heart while still having thick skin? How do you keep loving the flock when you fear them breaking your heart? Where are you most prone to error, tender-heartedness or thick skin? Should you deny close friendships due to the risk of being hurt? How do we wisely pursue tenderness and thick skin simultaneously?
Read MoreWhat should cause us to choose the books of the Bible that we preach through? Should you look at the specific flock God has given you when selecting books to preach? What would be some books you would start with as you begin your preaching ministry? Should we use some forms of caution when selecting the books we preach through?
Read MoreWhere does pastoral lonliness show up most vividly? Is the lonliness pastors experience unique in some ways? What biblical grounding do we have to define this and chart a course to pursue Christ and shepherd the flock in the midst of lonliness? How should pastors seek a support system while in a difficult situation?
Read MoreHow do you introduce the appointment of pastors? Is ordination a biblical requirement? What is the difference between biblical affirmation versus ordination of pastors? What questions can be asked in examining the biblical qualifications of a pastor?
Read MoreHow can pastors encourage members (particularly the men) in their church to read good books? Is “I just don’t read” a good enough excuse? Should a pastor be careful with the books he recommends his members read? What other tips would you give to assist your members in taking in good books?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these questions and more on this week’s edition of Trenchtalk.
Read MoreHow do pastors pastor other pastors? What scriptures address this charge? What responsibility do pastors have to call other pastors to repentance for the good of the flock? How do you encourage a healthy eldership that causes equality among other pastors?
All of these questions and more covered on this episode of Trenchtalk with Brian Croft and Jim Savastio.
Read MoreWhat is cynicism when it comes to pastoral ministry? When diagnosed how do you confront it? What biblical texts provide hope in confronting cynicism? How do we strive to be faithful in what God has entrusted to us while leaving to God what is God’s?
These questions and many more, all tackled in this episode of Trenchtalk with Brian Croft and Jim Savastio.
Read MoreHow does a pastor lead his family and children when they may be the only ones that age in the church? How do you lovingly shepherd your family in a difficult situation? Is it okay to have the mentality that my kids and wife should sacrifice for my ministry? How do we parent in a way that will lead them to love the Lord and the Church?
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