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 well do you celebrate the blessings of your sheep? Should there be categories of sheep that are difficult and those that are a blessing? How can we love those who bless us in the way they are faithful and encouraging members? How can we seek to shepherd all of the sheep, even the difficult ones?
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 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 More
