Practical Shepherding: Trench Talk

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Practical Shepherding is a Gospel-driven resource center for pastors and church leaders to equip them in the practical matters of pastoral ministry. In this podcast, pastor Brian Croft sits down with other pastors to discuss the gritty details of pastoral ministry. Our goal is to examine the life an…

Practical Shepherding


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 301 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Practical Shepherding: Trench Talk podcast is an invaluable resource for pastors and ministry leaders. Brian Croft and Jim Savastio provide a wealth of encouragement, wisdom, and practical advice for those in the trenches of ministry. Whether you're battling with challenges in the church or wrestling with doubts and struggles in your mind, this podcast addresses a wide range of issues that pastors face on a daily basis. As someone who often finds themselves driving between ministry meetings and pastoral visits, I have become a binge listener of Trench Talk. The conversations between Brian and Jim feel like an invitation to join in their discussions on the highs and lows of ministry life.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the authenticity and relatability of Brian and Jim. They share their own experiences and vulnerabilities, making it easy to connect with them as fellow ministers. Their approach to topics is always grounded in Scripture, offering biblically-based guidance that is both theological and practical. As a pastor, I have found their insights to be incredibly helpful in navigating the complexities of pastoral leadership.

    Another strength of Trench Talk is its ability to address topics that may be difficult to discuss elsewhere. Being a pastor can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you are the only pastor at your church. This podcast provides a safe space for pastors to explore issues that they may not be able to discuss with others. It offers a sense of community and support, reminding pastors that they are not alone in their struggles.

    While there are many positives to this podcast, one potential weakness is that it may not appeal as much to non-pastoral listeners seeking general spiritual growth or theological discussions. The content is heavily focused on pastoral ministry specifically, which may limit its audience outside of those involved in church leadership.

    In conclusion, The Practical Shepherding: Trench Talk podcast is an essential listen for pastors seeking encouragement and practical guidance in their ministries. Brian Croft and Jim Savastio provide a relatable and authentic perspective on the joys and challenges of pastoral leadership. Their biblically-based insights, coupled with their willingness to address difficult topics, make this podcast a valuable resource for those in ministry. Whether you're a new pastor or have years of experience, Trench Talk offers wisdom and support that will strengthen your journey as a shepherd of God's flock.



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    Latest episodes from Practical Shepherding: Trench Talk

    Ep. 291: How to stay refreshed and hopeful

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 34:16


    Contact us. We'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveFind out more information about the Advancing the Church Conference. Request a stay at the Shepherd's HouseWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(02:40) Biblical foundation and setting up the conversationBeing refreshed spiritually:(06:40) abiding in Christ(11:35) Laboring in hope with the end in viewBeing refreshed physically:(16:27) People, places, and things that are life giving(30:28) Final words(31:01) Develop an off switch(32:08) Being connected emotionally(33:42) Prayer

    Ep. 290: The finding and function of deacons

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 36:27


    Contact us. We'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveApply to stay at The Shepherd's House this Fall!Find out more information about the Advancing the Church Conference. Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(01:36) Setting up the conversation and biblical foundation (07:36) The importance of the right balance of plurality(09:55) What do deacons do? (15:29) How [not] to find deacons(20:08) How to find deacons(22:15) Qualifications of deacons(23:17) Congregational ways to find faithful deacons(26:25) When you have no qualified deacons (27:38) Can women be deacons?(33:42) Final words and prayer

    Ep. 289: Pastoral vision versus pastoral plodding

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 30:05


    Contact us. We'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveFind out more information about the Advancing the Church Conference. Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(02:37) Setting up the conversation and biblical understanding(08:36) The tension that exists(12:35) Vision versus being creative(17:28) The definition of faithfulness(23:19) Faithful ways to shepherd creatively(27:44) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 288: Growing through the seasons of Ministry

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 40:20


    Contact us. We'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(03:44) Biblical foundation and setting up the conversation(07:44) The first 5-years of ministry(16:35) The first 10-years of ministry(17:10) Cultivating patience and avoiding idealism (19:40) Almost a second ministry(22:30) The first 20-years of ministry(23:10) Excitement in and around our church(28:30) Personal and ministry growth(30:19) Growth in raising up other leaders(32:28) The next 20-years(33:08) The importance of living (and ministering) consistently and with integrity(33:05) Shepherding smarter not harder(36:50) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 287: Ministry to kids this summer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 37:49


    Contact us. We'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(03:30) Biblical Foundation(10:18) How location is important in thinking about ministry to children(15:35) Specific programs for different maturity levels (17:38) Intentionality in your children's ministry and VBS(22:15) Questions to ask as you plan your outreach to children(29:54) Safety when ministering to children(34:50) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 286: Careful and gracious membership process

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 34:45


    Contact us. We'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(01:42) Setting up the topic and biblical foundation(08:21) The standard for being a member: commitment(16:14) A clear profession of faith(18:45) A history of regular contention(21:55) Moral issues (24:45) Things that are not a red flag as it pertains to membership(25:24) A lack of theological precision(29:58) Don't fit the culture of the church(34:26) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 285: An announcement about Advancing the Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 33:43


    (00:46) What is the coalition of Advancing the Church?(06:38) Why another conference?(08:10) Providing unique partnerships and relationship(09:12) Who are the speakers and what is the format?(13:11) Focus on training faithful and strong women in ministry(17:57) 10ofThose: a faithful ministry partner(18:58) Ministry showcase not exhibitors(21:40) Graceland Baptist Church: a faithful ministry partner (25:02) One thing you're hopeful God will do during this conference(32:30) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 284: Doing ministry while caring for aging parents

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 37:07


    Contact us. We'd love to serve youVisit the Shepherd' s HouseGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(03:38) Biblical perspective and setting up the conversation(12:42) Caring for your family as a pre-requisite to ministry (14:13) What do you do when your parents are located many hours away?(19:36) Is there a way to care for your aging pastors and serve faithfully in your post? (24:58) The difference between extended family and your immediate family(33:29) Stepping away for the sake of your immediate family(34:45) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 283: The importance of pastoral application in sermons

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 30:33


    Contact us. We'd love to serve youVisit the Shepherd' s HouseGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(02:51) Biblical Framework and Setting up the Topic(09:48) Balancing exposition and application(16:15) Keeping the congregation engaged in application(19:26) Thinking through application(21:26) Application from shepherding the flock(23:00) Beware of oversharing or abusing the pulpit (24:16) Sniper versus Shotgun(26:52) Encouragement to apply the text(28:22) Avoid laziness in preparing application(29:12) Get your applications from the text(30:17) Prayer

    Ep. 282: Shepherding and Social Media

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 33:05


    Contact us. We'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(02:08) Biblical Framework and Setting up the Topic(05:05) Uses for social media (09:15) Benefits of Social Media in shepherding(12:30) Using social media to edify(13:15) Using social media as a Prayer chain(16:15) The ability to build up and tear down(18:30) Connecting with family(19:28) Utilizing social media to know your peple(21:00) Harms of Social Media in shepherding(21:30) Driving unintentional wedges between members(24:40) Perception of replacing incarnational ministry(27:41) Members being shepherded by influencrs(29:20) Shepherding is done in real life. Social media is not(30:39) Final words and prayer

    Ep. 281: How long should a pastor preach?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 36:01


    (01:40) Setting up the topic and biblical foundation(05:37) Appropriate sermon length: considering the setting, hearers, and your own experience(14:40) Growing in editing(18:41) Expositional preaching and the pressure to comment on every verse(23:30) Awareness of time in preaching(29:07) Avoiding sloppiness in sermon prep(32:45) Final words and prayer

    Ep. 280: Ministry tips to aspiring pastors

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 30:32


    Contact us we'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(01:36) Biblical framework and Setting up the topic(06:13) Connection to seminary(10:00) Know your English bible(12:59) Teach a children's Sunday School class(14:19) The care and cultivation of your own soul(17:04) Caring for those who are hurting(24:45) Develop instincts to care for people(27:30) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 279: Expectations on Lay Pastors and Staff Pastors

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 30:05


    Contact us we'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyResources(02:19) Setting up the topic and Biblical Framework(06:33) Other life circumstances matter (08:29) Expectations of functions of the pastors(12:40) Expectations of lay pastors(16:15) Expectations of time for lay pastors(20:05) Expectations for deacons(25:46) Ways to recognize and acknowledge those who support the work of ministry(29:19) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 278: Evaluating Ministry Effectiveness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 38:50


    (02:23) Biblical background and setting up the topic(08:42) Evaluating your preaching ministry(12:35) Ministry of the Word, private and public(19:30) Effectiveness as you grow older in ministry(22:44) Knowing our gifting in ministry to be effective(25:37) How should people leaving our church cause us to evaluate our effectiveness(31:37) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 277: Pastoral Ministry Convictions with George McDearmon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 44:00


    Listen to part 1 with George McDearmonContact us we'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(01:13) Jim introduces George McDearmon(02:49) Details of his ministry: the size of the congregation and its community(05:15) The call to ministry: internal aspirations and character externally confirmed by a local church(07:41) What is the role of seminary in the call to ministry?(10:16) How convictions changed over time(11:39) Jim's response seminary at the recommendation from George, breadth in ministry, etc. (14:38) Being a small church with kingdom impact(21:25) God's providence in 2 church plants(24:55) Biblical priorities for a pastor(31:47) Caring for your own soul in ministry: relationship with the Lord, his family, and physical exercise(39:41) Final words and prayer

    Ep. 276: Life and Ministry with George McDearmon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 41:55


    Contact us we'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(01:19) Jim introduces George McDearmon(03:10) Getting to know George McDearmon(07:24) The call to ministry and beginning in the work(14:16) Joys of shepherding a church for 46-years(19:16) Challenges of shepherding a church for 46-years (23:28) Challenges to your family in ministry(26:19) Knowing when it was time to transition from pastoring (35:09) Life after full time ministry(39:33) Jim reflects on this conversation(41:10) Prayer

    Ep. 275: Ministry in the second half of life

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 38:27


    Contact us we'd love to serve youApply to stay at the Shepherd's HouseExplore the Practically Trained Pastors Cohort NOW in Spanish! Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(01:39) Setting up the conversation(04:14) Biblical foundation: Making the best of the opportunities(08:08) Reasons pastors are devalued as they get older(09:19) The cool and young culture(11:08) What is trying to be accomplished in the church(13:49) Pastors pivoting as they get older(14:48) Essentials and circumstances(17:41) Doing ministry in weakness as long as you can(22:13) Build, stabilize, transition(26:33) Transitioning from full-time ministry in a local church(31:02) Potential fruitfulness in the second half of your ministry(37:48) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 274: End of year church budget conversations

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 42:04


    Contact us we'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(01:25) Setting up the conversation and biblical foundation(06:42) Practical steps to develop a church budget(11:08) Steps to take when your church doesn't meet budget(18:58) Creative ways to meet shortfalls while not compromising mission(24:45) When pastors disagree on spending categories(31:17) When the pastor's salary is being questioned(36:20) An encouragement to pastors when money is tight(39:00) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 273: The tension of prophetic voice and gospel warmth

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 32:00


    Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveContact us we'd love to serve youExplore our online resourcesFind rest at a Shepherd's House location nearest youWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(02:12) Biblical background and setting up the topic(08:42) Moral clarity or Gospel clarity?(12:20) Practical ways to balance the tension(13:02) What kind of ministry do you want? Word-centered or world-centered(15:40) Train your people to love everyone who enters the doors of your church(17:46) Be knowledgeable about who your congregation is (20:48) Preach pastorally for the good of your people(22:37) Remember love involves hard things(29:30) Final words and prayer

    Ep. 272: The blessing of older pastoral mentors

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 40:31


    Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveContact us we'd love to serve youExplore our online resourcesFind rest at a Shepherd's House location nearest youWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(01:58) Biblical foundation and setting up the topic (2 Timothy 2:2)(06:43) Finding mentors as a young man(12:23) Impact of mentors in your early adulthoodEp. 199 with Austin WalkerEp. 200 with Mai Walker (17:57) The impact of finding a mentor mid-ministry(24:22) Benefitting from the mentors of others(26:08) Advice for finding a mentor: have a posture of teachability(30:51) Reasons you should find an older man to be mentored by(38:42) Final word and prayerIf you are looking for a ministry mentor contact us. We would love to connect you to a faithful ministry mentor.

    Ep. 271: Thriving pastors roundtable

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 56:06


    Show notes will be added shortly.

    Ep. 270: Understanding administration and delegation

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 35:07


    Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveContact us we'd love to serve youExplore our online resourcesFind rest at a Shepherd's House location nearest youWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(01:36) Biblical foundation and setting up the topic(06:36) The pastoral struggle with delegation and administration(09:34) Two pastors: too much or too little administration(18:04) The importance of administration(23:43) Practicing and growing in administration(32:18) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 269: Preparing our people to suffer well

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 35:55


    Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveContact us we'd love to serve youExplore our online resourcesFind rest at a Shepherd's House location nearest youWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(01:33) Setting up the topic and biblical framework(07:15) Distinguishing sufferings(11:55) Important questions: Who are you?, how do you live?, and how do we suffer well?(16:51) Pastoring in the realities of grief and death with the goodness of God(21:11) Public versus private handling of these crises(23:30) Tension between focus on the eternal and today(30:05) Practical ways to prepare your people to suffer well(32:17) Final word and Prayer

    Ep. 268: Pastoring as the election draws near

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 36:23


    Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveContact us we'd love to serve youExplore our online resourcesFind rest at a Shepherd's House location nearest youWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(01:37) Setting up the topic and biblical framework(07:31) The pressure of how much do you say or not say? (09:42) Handling congregational pressures (13:12) Distinguishing pastoral responsibility, and responsibility as a citizen(17:52) Should church members vote in elections?(22:58) Should you encourage your members to vote for a particular candidate?(32:19) Determining your line as a pastor in a local church(33:29) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 267: Pastors battling spiritual warfare

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 36:32


    Contact us we'd love to serve youExplore our online resourcesFind rest at a Shepherd's House location nearest youApply to the 2025 Practically Trained Pastor's CohortGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(02:07) Biblical understanding(13:59) Ways to discern warfare versus failure(19:33) Signs the enemy is attacking the church(24:22) Combatting fights from the enemy(35:27) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 266: Becoming life long learners

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 29:41


    Contact us we'd love to serve youExplore our online resourcesFind rest at a Shepherd's House location nearest youApply to the 2025 Practically Trained Pastor's CohortGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(03:19) Biblical understanding and setting up the conversation(06:43) Strive to master the Bible(09:48) Perfect your preaching craft(12:54) Learn to wisely access and digest information(16:48) Learn from a wise older mentor and mentor a younger pastor(18:44) Cultivate an intellectual and biblical curiosity(23:22) Audit formal theological courses(25:41) Develop a new hobby(27:04) final word and prayer

    Ep. 265: Learning from ministry falls

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 31:03


    Contact us we'd love to serve youExplore our online resourcesGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(03:41) Biblical Framework and setting up the conversation(08:01) The misconception that good theology protects us from falling(10:57) The misconception that being older protects us from falling(13:42) The combustible nature of our own heart—1 Corinthians 10(19:18) Genuine safeguards to stand and be accountable(24:52) Protecting and shepherding the flock when a prominent pastor falls(28:04) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 264: Advancing the Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 36:16


    Brian, Stephen, and Matthew provide an update on how SBC went and other developments from the last few months for ATC.

    Ep. 263: Feeling enslaved to the study

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 36:50


    Contact us we'd love to serve youExplore locations of The Shepherd's HouseRegister for the Practically Trained Pastors Cohort Explore our online resourcesGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(02:24) Setting up the topic and biblical foundation(12:42) The pursuit of a home run sermon(15:00) Fear of man in preparation and preaching(18:21) A healthy rhythm for sermon preparation(24:21) Preparation in your early days of ministry(26:06) Encouragement to pursue faithfulness in preparing sermons(29:19) Strategy in using commentaries in preparation(34:29) Practical ways to fight isolation in the study(38:13) Final words and prayer

    Ep. 262: Am I called to be a missionary or pastor?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 38:05


    Register for the Practically Trained Pastors Cohort Explore our online resourcesContact us we'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveExplore locations of The Shepherd's HouseWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(01:41) Setting up the topic and biblical framework(04:49) Defining what a missionary is and the Internal and external call(11:32) Supporting versus being a missionary(16:39) Helping someone discern the call to mission work(22:29) The unique gifting of missionaries (23:37) The difficult toll on the family(25:59) Helping someone discern the call to pastor(26:32) Do you have language skills and do you travel well(28:40) Is your wife supportive and do you have a shepherds heart(32:35) Shepherding as the training ground to join the missionary work (33:30) The congregations roll in affirming and sending missionaries and pastors(36:33) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 261: Planning for the next pastor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 31:55


    Explore our online resourcesContact us we'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveExplore locations of The Shepherd's HouseWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(01:06) Setting the conversation and biblical understanding(08:54) Should a pastor stay in his congregation after he transitions from being a pastor?(15:11) Should the long-term pastor be involved in the process of finding his replacement?(24:47) What can a pastor do to prepare himself and his flock for his transition?(29:09) Thoughts for the solo pastor(31:01) Final words and prayer

    Ep. 260: Walking with the Grieving

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 35:55


    Explore our online resourcesContact us we'd love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveExplore locations of The Shepherd's HouseWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(02:08) Biblical understanding (08:01) The pastor's role in helping members grieve(16:40) Pastoral care for families during funeral planning and visitation (24:03) Pastoral care after burying a loved one(31:13) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 259: Caring for seasonal visitors

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 36:33


    Discover articles written by pastors for pastors so that they might thrive Financially support the work of Practical ShepherdingIf you have a question or need encouragement contact us!Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(03:07) Biblical support for caring for seasonal visitors(05:57) Practical ways to welcome seasonal visitors(09:47) What a church should share/not share with seasonal guests(18:13) Showing hospitality to frequent visitors who don't intend to join(24:00) Embracing being a sending church(29:25) Showing hospitality to frequent visitors who might intend to join(34:50) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 258: The Kingdom-minded Pastor with Joel Littlefield

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 26:17


    Show Notes:Explore our resourcesFind rest and retreat at one of the many Shepherd's House locationsWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVisit the contact Page(02:00) Introducing Joel Littlefield(05:10) The unique challenges to ministry in Maine(08:00) Why the topic of Kingdom-minded pastor?(12:42) The ministry of Isaac Case(15:36) The Kingdom-Minded Pastor(19:54) Who is The Kingdom-Minded Pastor for?(22:33) How do you hope this book will impact other pastors

    Ep. 257: Decisions around missions giving

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 36:02


    Show Notes:Explore our resourcesFind rest and retreat at one of the many Shepherd's House locationsFind offerings provided to Women in Ministry Advancing the Church (ATC) Podcast EpisodeWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVisit the contact Page(02:07) Biblical framework for giving for gospel advancement(06:02) How Reformed Baptist Church Louisville determined missions giving(10:00) Cooperative Program giving for Auburndale and other Southern Baptist Churches(14:48) How do we appropriate missions giving as a church?(18:12) Being strategic and intentional in missions giving(22:44) Prioritizing when church funds are limited(25:57) Determining who receives support and who doesn't(29:12) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 256: The pastor and counseling the flock

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 34:32


    Show Notes:Explore our resourcesFind rest and retreat at one of the many Shepherd's House locationsWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVisit the contact Page(03:34) Biblical understanding of overseeing the flock in counseling them(08:14) Important aspects of shepherding/engaging in this wayStay in your lane with the ministry of the WordThe ministry of [physical] presenceThe ministry of [emotional] presenceGeneral wisdom and discernmentListening patiently and ask probing questions(20:30) The pressures that pastors might face when counseling(32:39) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 255: Advancing the Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 32:54


    (01:46) Steve Bray of Mile One Mission(06:08) Matthew Spandler-Davison of 20schemes and Church in Hard Places(12:17) What is Advancing the Church (ATC)?(16:24) Are we adding more to this coalition? (23:11) Why ATC?(28:20) How you can support Advancing the Church

    Ep. 254: Pastors and Reading Books

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 41:16


    Why 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.

    Ep. 253: The Peril of Pastoral Perfectionism

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 31:30


    Show Notes:Visit the contact PageRequest a stay at one of the 6 locations of The Shepherd's HouseNew Resources: Pastoral Perseverance and The Unhurried PastorWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(02:09) Biblical understanding(05:43) Reasons why pastors pursue perfectionism(14:29) Rooted in Pride(15:10) How pastors can work on their perfectionism(18:06) Before God, before others, before ourseleves(26:09) How perfectionism affects us and those around us(27:08) Final words and prayer

    Ep. 252: Dealing with Pastoral wounds

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 37:01


    Show Notes:Request a stay at one of the 6 locations of The Shepherd's HouseVisit the contact PageNew Resources: Pastoral Perseverance and The Unhurried PastorWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(02:40) Setting up the conversation and biblical understanding (07:53) Members who reject our ministry and leave (12:28) Members who are always criticizing not blessing(18:47) Members who criticize our family(21:06) Acknowledge the guilt of our humanity(26:03) Don't be passive aggressive, beware of the cumulative effect, don't be suspicious of all new members(30:28) Think servantly(32:20) Strive toward a balanced approach(34:01) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 251: Revitalizing or Revitalized?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 36:16


    Show Notes:Request a stay at one of the 6 locations of The Shepherd's HouseWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVisit the contact PageNew Resources: Pastoral Perseverance and The Unhurried Pastor(03:09) Biblical understanding of what a church is, what is a healthy church, what is membership, and more.(10:05) Measuring the involvement of members (15:07) Measuring the receptivity of the Word(20:57) Measuring the number of people involved (24:43) Measuring the financial stability(31:29) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 250: The Unhurried Pastor

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 33:58


    Show Notes:Write a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyExplore resources that help pastors thrive at practicalshepherding.comVisit the contact Page if we can serve you in any wayIf we've served you please consider a tax-deductible donationPurchase The Unhurried Pastor at The Good book company or 10ofThose(02:42) The background of The Unhurried Pastor(07:33) The essentials of ministry and The Unhurried Pastor(10:12) How detrimental are the regular distractions to faithful pastoral ministry? (17:05) The purpose of the book: reorient your ministry around the essentials of faithful ministry(18:01) The structure of the book(23:48) Tools for re-orienting your day-to-day schedule as a pastor(25:40) The need for silence and stillness(28:21) Personally wrestling with being the hurried pastor(30:26) Testimony of burnout being hurried(32:10) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 249: Where should a pastor live?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 37:02


    Show Notes:Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotifypracticalshepherding.comVisit the contact Page(01:55) Biblical understanding(06:05) How the church changing effects your housing(12:48) Jim's ideal location for ministering near the church(14:22) Brian's story and changes in ministry(19:31) Practical considerations (19:43) Where are your people?(24:08) What can you afford?(26:17) Can you be hospitable there?(31:13) Final word and Prayer

    Ep. 248: Pastors caring for other pastors with Ronnie Martin

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2024 32:35


    What 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.

    Ep. 247: Pastors fixing what we break

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2024 30:53


    Discover articles written by pastors for pastors so that they might thrive Request a stay at one of the 6 locations of The Shepherd's HouseIf you have a question or need encouragement contact us!Explore resources from our Women's MinistryWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(02:54) Biblical Background(06:23) When a pastor shifts theological positions(10:37) The blessing of mentors in helping not break more things than you need to (14:15) Something Jim needed to fix: my own combative attitude(16:13) Something Brian needed to fix: my preaching(17:49) Something Jim needed to fix: More grace less law (20:06) Something Brian needed to fix: too rigid decision-making(22:20) Something Jim needed to fix: too rigid expectations for new members(24:42) Something Brian needed to fix: pastors and deacons, and training and investing in women(27:09) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 246: Caring for those with Mental disabilities

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 26:49


    Need help in the trenches of ministry? Contact us here.Explore our many digital, print, audio & video resources Find out how Practical Shepherding is working to see churches planted and revitalized in the world's poorest communities through Church in Hard PlacesImpact pastors around the globe by giving a financial gift to the ministry here. Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify(02:36) Biblical background (04:35) Auburndale's ability to care for those with physical disabilities(06:57) Making this a priority among your congregation(13:47) Differing degrees of care to meet differing degrees of needs(16:56) Practical ways to care for those with disabilities(17:29) Ways to care for those with physical disabilities(20:45) Ways to care for those with mental disabilities(25:09) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 245: Caring for the sick and dying

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 34:12


    Give a financial gift and help pastors thrive in the ministryContact us if we can serve youWrite a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify(01:48) Jim's Brazil trip Recap(04:01) Biblical Framework(08:41) Why going to the hospital is important(10:48) Seize the moment to minister amidst difficulty (13:10) Overcoming fear and anxiety(19:20) Practical ways to minister in this context(19:22) The ministry of presence(20:18) Stay for only 5 to 10 minutes(22:45) Pray with them(23:20) Bring a physical bible(25:05) Dress appropriately(29:38) Ask if you can help them with something(31:25) Final word and prayerResources: Visit the SickThe Pastor's Ministry

    Ep. 244: Managing Expectations

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 30:05


    Explore new Shepherd's House LocationsDiscover services available to women in ministry and pastor's wivesContact us if we can serve youWrite a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify(02:21) Biblical framework (06:21) Pastoral limitations and the expectations of others(09:10) Expectations a pastor faces(09:12) You'll be able to fix every problem(10:28) You will preach your best sermon every Sunday(12:10) My family will have it all together(12:32) How to die to expectations without letting them kill you(14:57) Awareness of your own limitations(16:27) Acknowledging I cannot change anyone(18:27) Paul and the Thessalonians(21:26) A balancing act in pastoring(25:21) Realizing what you are responsible for(26:36) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 243: I feel called, but no one will hire me

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024 34:11


    Find our online ResourcesShepherds house expansion brings refreshing closer to you than everOut Now: Pastoral Perseverance Contact us if we can serve youWrite a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify(02:30) Biblical framework (06:47) Scenarios that create a difficult hiring (08:04) Misinterpreting calling and evaluation of gifts(10:25) Misjudging their gifting(13:50) Misunderstanding the role of seminary(17:00) Too narrow of requirements in an ideal church(18:49) A propensity to be with the sheep(25:35) Practical Steps to preparing for vocational ministry(25:45) Look for opportunities to preach(28:24) Look for areas to grow(29:20) Engage in widow care(30:54) Trust God's providence(32:11) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 242: Joy, sorrows, and surprises of ministry

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 22:56


    Support the ministry with a financial giftExplore our resources onlineRequest a stay at The Shepherd's House in 2024Women's MinistryContact us if we can serve youWrite a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify(01:37) Setting the table and theological understanding (04:00) Aspects of ministry that were surprising(09:31) Aspects of ministry that were most difficult(15:19) Aspects of ministry that were the most joyful (21:35) Final word and prayer

    Ep. 241: Writing Books together with James Carroll

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2024 43:09


    Explore our resources onlineRequest a stay at The Shepherd's House in 2024Women's MinistryContact us if we can serve youWrite a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify(02:23) Introduction and how Brian and James got to this point(04:26) Background and ministry of James Carroll(08:55) How Facing Snarls and Scowls came to be(18:11) How Being a Pastor came to be(21:56) How Practically Trained Pastors came to be(32:13) What is Pastoral Perseverance about?(38:47) Friendship, Final word and prayer Purchase Pastoral PerseverancePurchase the Practical Shepherding Pack

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