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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When does a pastor start to prepare for his transition? What responsibility does he have in helping his flock find another shepherd? Is there a unique challenge if you are a solo pastor versus a plurality?
Jim and Brian discuss planning for the next pastor on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow should pastors care for grieving church members before, during, and after the funeral of a loved one? What questions should pastors ask to care for practical needs of those who are grieving? How important is being there for church members in their grief?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench talk
Read MoreWhat practical steps can ministry leaders care for seasonal visitors? How can they encourage their church to excel in hospitality with visitors? What about those who don’t intend to join the church?
Brian and Jim address these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow does a church appropriate missions giving? How can pastors lead their congregation to be strategic and intentional in missions giving? How can a church prioritize giving when church funds are limited? How do you determine who receives support and who doesn’t?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow does a church appropriate missions giving? How can pastors lead their congregation to be strategic and intentional in missions giving? How can a church prioritize giving when church funds are limited? How do you determine who receives support and who doesn’t?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat responsibility does a pastor bear to shepherd his flock through counseling? How can a pastor engage in the ministry of counseling? What pressures might hinder a pastor in counseling?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIntroducing Advancing the Church (ATC) and what is it? Who is involved in ATC and are we looking to add more organizations? Why do we think a coalition like ATC is necessary and why now? How can pastors, partners, planters support ATC?
Brian Croft is joined by Steve Bray of Mile one Mission and Matthew Spandler-Davison of 20schemes to discuss this important coalition of ministries on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhy is it important for pastors to read books? What types of books do Brian and Jim recommend?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhy do pastors struggle with perfectionism? How can a pastor be self aware of his perfectionism, but also combat it? Does our pursuing perfectionism affect us or those around us?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat are common ministry wounds a pastor might receive? How vital is it that pastors respond to these wounds rightly? What practical ways can pastors show faithfulness in ministering amidst hurt?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat questions should a pastor be asking to discern if his church is becoming more healthy? What important elements of a church should a pastor be looking at to measure health? Do finances play a role in church health?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow vital is it for pastors to be unhurried in their ministry? Where did the premise for The Unhurried Pastor come from? What elements of being hurried do Brian and Ronnie address in the book?
Brian Croft and guest Ronnie Martin address these, and many more questions on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs it more important to live closer to your building or your people? How do Brian and Jim feel about the benefits and burdens of a parsonage? What are practical considerations a pastor should think through about their housing?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat does Harbor Network do to care for pastors? What are common hardships that pastors are facing? How can pastors develop a resiliency to stay in a hard place? What words of encouragement do pastors need today?
Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin address these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhen does a pastor have to take responsibility for his problems? How can he identify what needs to be changed and how should he go about making those changes?
Brian and Jim answer these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow can your church become a caring church for those with disabilities? What practical steps might you need to take to care for those with physical disabilities? How might you instruct and train your church to be welcoming to those with disabilities? How do you care not only for the one with the disability, but also for the family?
Brian and Jim answer these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk
Read MoreWhat practical tips do Brian and Jim have for making hospital visits? What are musts when visiting members in the hospital? What fears might a pastor need to overcome to minister faithfully in a hospital context?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat do pastors do and what do members expect them to be doing? What does the Bible expect and require for pastors to do? How can pastors guard against unhealthy expectations?
Brian and Jim discuss these and much more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat should a man do when he is seeking a pastorate but is unable to get hired? How might a man asses his own character, gifting, and call when seeking a pastorate? Isn't pastoring just about the pulpit ministry? How important is shepherding in pastoring?
Jim and Brian discuss these and much more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIn this episode of Trench Talk Brian and Jim discuss their early ministries as they share about the joys, sorrows, and surprises of pastoral ministry.
Enjoy their reflections from 60 years of combined ministry experiences.
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