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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What lessons can be learned in 50 years of ministry? What might be some joys and regrets of a ministry of that length? How might a pastors wife experience ministry differently from her husband? Upon reflection, what lessons can pastors wives learn from a ministry example like this?
Jim and Brian talk with special guest Mai Walker as he shares on this episode of Trenchtalk
Read MoreHow can parents faithfully shepherd their kids through sports? When does a pastor talk with a member about non-attendance due to sports? How important should Lord’s Day worship be for a believer?
Jim and Brian discuss all these 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 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 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 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.
Read MoreHow 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.
Read MoreHow much should our families determine where we go in ministry? How do you balance leading your family and following at times in ministry? What might a pastor’s wife struggle with in ministry situations? Pastor, are you caring for your wife as you would other members (or worse) or are you treating her as your wife?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs making a transition a wise decision? Can you begin to shepherd and establish a relationship with a new church in the midst of a pandemic? Should a church proceed with calling a pastor in the midst of a pandemic? Should you leave a church in the midst of a pandemic? Is the financial situation of the new church an important aspect to know?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow does a pastor lead his family and children when they may be the only ones that age in the church? How do you lovingly shepherd your family in a difficult situation? Is it okay to have the mentality that my kids and wife should sacrifice for my ministry? How do we parent in a way that will lead them to love the Lord and the Church?
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