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 does a pastor evaluate spiritual fruit? Is there fruit even if a pastor can’t see it? What role does spiritual fruit in the life of the church play in a pastor assessing or growing in gifting? Is faithful ministry enough to be called a fruitful ministry?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trenchtalk
Read MoreHow do Brian and Jim use social media? What safeguards should a pastor put in place to keep himself from conflicts and vices while using social media? What beneficial ways can a pastor leverage social media for ministry purposes?
Brian and Jim discuss these and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat are some of the reasons for unjustified terminations? What should a pastor do when presented with termination paperwork that includes a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)? What are his options when a movement to unjustly terminate him are presented? How should the congregation be involved in these things?
Brian and Jim discuss these and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat is there to say about 15 years of ministry at Practical Shepherding? In this special episode Brian and Jim discuss the beginning of what has become Practical Shepherding, how God has blessed it over these 15 years, and where Practical Shepherding is headed in the years to come.
Read MoreHow should a pastor prioritize his wife amidst difficult ministry? What questions should he be asking to discern how ministry is affecting her? How can a pastor reconcile with his wife when he has prioritized other things above her?
Brian and Jim discuss these and more on this episode of Trench Talk
Read MoreHow do you create an environment where new members are not often welcomed well? What practical steps can you take to become a welcoming church? What do you do if you’ve failed in this area?
Jim and Brian discuss these questions and much more on this episode of Trench talk.
Read MoreHow can pastors fight comparing themselves to other pastors? What common ways do pastors compare themselves to others? What role does calling, gratitude, and contentment play in avoiding comparison?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench talk.
Read MoreShould a pastor be involved in serving on ministries outside of his local church? How ought he prioritize his time to both the external ministry and his local church? What advice would you offer to someone when committing to ministry outside of the local church?
Jim and Brian discuss these questions and much more on this episode of Trench talk.
Read MoreHow important is lament for pastoral ministry? What are categories of lament a pastor faces? How can pastors engage in the work of lament?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat does life and ministry look like when you serve in one church for 20-years? What joys and sorrows come through a long ministry in the same church? How do you raise up fellow pastors while avoiding cynicism? How should pastors be encouraged to labor faithfully in their own context?
Brian and Jim discuss these things and more with pastor Robert Briggs on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow important is friendship among elders? What role does affection and trust play in eldering? Is there a scenario when a biblically qualified man is not a good fit relationally among elders? Is it important for elders to have a genuine affection for the families of other elders?
Brian and Jim discuss these and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhen do you know if you should hire another pastor? What qualifications do you prioritize? Should they possess complimentary skills or be similar?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat are some symptoms of a backslidden pastor? How can he prevent himself from backsliding and pursue Christ? If a pastor is backsliding how can he pursue recovery?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trenchtalk.
Read MoreWhat is pastoral grit and how can a pastor prepare for the long haul of ministry? Is grit just being strong and shut off emotionally from your flock? How can a pastor develop grit in ministry?
Brian and Jim discuss these topics and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreShould a pastor lead his church to join a denomination or network? What questions should he be asking when deciding between independence or affiliation? What are the blessings of independence? What are the blessings of affiliation?
Brian and Jim discuss these topics and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow can a pastor be aware of his proximity to burnout? What symptoms should he be aware of that might point to burnout? What steps can he take to prevent burnout?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more in this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow should a pastor approach shepherding an older church member? How aware of his own age should a pastor be when shepherding older saints? How can a pastor help older members find their place of ministry in the church?
Jim and Brian discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow do different temperaments impact a pastor's ministry? Does temperament change during the course of ministry? How can a pastor be aware of strengths and weaknesses to better shepherd?
Jim and Brian discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs a pastor responsible to have an opinion on every topic in politics and society? How can a pastor be wise about when, how, and what he speaks on?
Jim and Brian discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow does the fishbowl of ministry affect pastors? What pressures face pastors as they seek to be faithful in ministry? How can pastors remember their ministering in the sight of God, not merely serving and shepherding the flock?
Jim and Brian discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
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