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.
Your a pastor and you aren’t sure how to discern a credible profession of faith, or your a new pastor trying to get a pulse on the spiritual state of your congregation; what questions should I ask, what actions does the Bible say I should I be looking for to evaluate conversion? What fruit is evident, and what are its roots?
Brian and Jim discuss these and much more on this episode of Trenchtalk.
Read MoreHow should a pastor seek to provide for his family’s needs when the church isn’t able to fully financially support him? At what point do you go and work an additional job and what might be a good fit? What are some creative solutions to this problem?
Brian and Jim discuss these and much more on this episode of Trenchtalk.
Read MoreAre there things pastors should not disagree on? Are there things they should disagree on? What about when there are disagreements, how much do you share with the congregation? What if the worst happens and a pastors steps down?
Brian and Jim discuss these and much more on this episode of Trenchtalk.
Read MoreRaising kids is difficulty no matter what your occupation. Listen as Jim and Brian discuss how hearing their children talk about being pastors kids, and what their relationships with the Lord (and His church) looks like now. They’ll answer questions like: What was it like for Brian and Jim to hear their kids be interviewed by one another? Was there anything their kids said that took them by surprise?
All this and more on this episode of Trenchtalk
Read MoreWhat would the kids of a longtime pastor have to say about the church? Will they still love the church, the pastor, and the Lord? What advice might they give to pastors with young kids?
Jim Savastio asks these questions and more to Claire, Isabelle, and Abby Croft.
Listen to this special podcast. Part 2 in a series on Pastor’s Kids.
Read MoreWhat would the kids of a longtime pastor have to say about the church? Will they still love the church, the pastor, and the Lord? What advice might they give to pastors with young kids?
Brian Croft asks these questions and more to Erin, Olivia, and David Savastio.
Listen to this special podcast. Part 1 in a series on Pastor’s Kids.
Read MoreAre there topics that you, as a pastor should not confront? Are there topics that, as a pastor, must confront? How are you to know which is which? And what is a helpful and healthy posture of confrontation? What if this issue is not prevalent in your church?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more questions on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhen does a pastor know that it is time for him to move on? Are there indicators with his family, calling, or soul that might direct him to do so? Are there ever legitimate reasons to leave? If so, what might some of those be? Where in Scripture do we have a foundation for enduring hardship in ministry?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more questions on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat is plagiarism? Is plagiarism prevalent in pastoral ministry and preaching in particular? What about ghost writers for authors? If a pastor is too busy to prepare his own sermons should he consider another calling or vocation? Does this mean that we cannot use another preacher’s headings in our sermons?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more questions on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs disagreement always sinful or can it be tied to biblical principles? How can clear expectations help guard from disappointment and disagreement? How should you handle disagreements as it pertains to conscience issues?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more questions on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreShould pastors keep their own autobiography from coming through in the Pulpit? How should they balance the difficulties while not communicating or blaming your members? Does the Bible give examples or guidelines for this?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more questions on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat are the differences between paid, bi-vocational, and lay pastors? How should these different roles work with one another? Should lay pastors be expected of the same commitment and time as paid pastors? How should each of these compliment one another in service to the church?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more questions on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow 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 MoreIs 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.
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.
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