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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What 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 MoreIs the role of shepherding more difficult in the midst of a pandemic? What is the biblical role of a pastor/shepherd? What are the best ways to combat being disconnected from church members?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow do you bear the burden of your congregation when you sense that your sheep are overwhelmed in this life? What impact does the regular care of members have on the pastor? Is the pastor called to fix the burdens of members?
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 MoreHow can pastors face the pressure self, or externally, imposed for their Advent sermons to be “home runs”? Does a John 3:16 bring more weight than a sermon in Leviticus? How do you continue preaching each and every sermon as the inspired word of God?
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 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.
Read MoreAs a pastor, you are unfortunately not absolved from criticism from your flock? How should a pastor discern if the criticism is true or false? What scriptures can we point to in helping receive criticism? How can you determine if the one bringing the criticism is regenerate?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreAre you seeking the approval of man or God? Do you perhaps shy away from applications knowing that members might receive it harshly? Do you feel pressure to cater to your people? Do you struggle making a decision at the cost of losing members or hurting feelings?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs this the most important election in history? Should a Pastor lead and shepherd his congregation through elections and civic responsibility? Do our marching orders or responsibilities change with a new president? What about when your church is split on social issues? Should you encourage your congregation to vote a certain way?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow can you shepherd those in your congregation who are straying away from the church and perhaps nearing apostatizing? What if a pastor has pursued a person drifting away, and they simply don’t want to return? Is every member who doesn’t attend the regular gathering of the church in danger of apostasy? What if a church member continues in doubt, when is it necessary to pursue church discipline?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow can a younger pastor shepherd congregants who have more life experiences than him? Is there wisdom that he can provide? What if your church is made up of one age and stage in life? Does biblical wisdom and authority provide help for a pastor without life experiences? Is there a requirement for a pastor to relate with all of his people?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhen it comes to gathered worship and COVID restrictions, how should we think about essentials in worship? What changes should be made when it comes to the circumstances in worship? Are some authorities crossing the line on their authority within local churches? How should pastors respond in a biblical way? How should pastors proceed and plan for the next 6 months?
Read MoreHow do you pursue being a safe pastor? How do you cultivate a culture of safety and trust when it comes to discussions you have with church members? What role does empathy play in this? How do you pursue your people for their own safety? How does this culture trickle down to the congregation?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHas the western church forgotten the importance of corporate prayer? What role should prayer play in the life of the church? How can we ensure that our churches are a place that prioritizes deep prayer? How much do you preach when you pray? and is this a good thing? What role should prayer play in the gathered worship service?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow do you transition out of ministry well? How do you assist your church in finding the pastor who will succeed you? What responsibility does shepherding place on transitioning well? What if there is no clear successor? How much of a leadership role do you take in presenting a new pastor? What about the pastor who doesn’t feel like he can leave?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
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