Ep. 137: Humor in the Pulpit

Is humor prohibited in the preaching of the word of God? Are there certain times to employ humor? Does the bible give helpful guidance on this topic?

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.

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Ep. 135: Developing Pastoral Fellowships

Is 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.

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Preaching in Weakness

How 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.

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Guilt Amidst Pastoral Rest

How 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.

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Celebrating Healthy Sheep

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.

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Measuring True Spiritual Fruitfulness in your Ministry

What, 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.

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Business Models and the Sufficiency of Scripture

Are 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.

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Safeguards around ministry success

How 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.

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Finding your Preaching Voice

Is 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.

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Pastoral Expectations, Realistic, but Hopeful

If 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.

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Creating an Intentional Preaching Atmosphere

Is 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.

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When to Re-enter Ministry

When 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.

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