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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How 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 MoreWhat is the difference between a vacation and a sabbatical? How can a pastor try to unplug during his sabbatical? How important is rest during a pastoral sabbatical? Is the place you take a sabbatical important?
Listen as Brian and Jim discuss these questions and much more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat is a sabbatical? Do pastors deserve an extended vacation? What should pastors do on sabbatical? Should there be any requirements for a sabbatical?
Join Brian Croft and Jim Savastio as they discuss these things and much more!
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 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 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 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 important is it that a pastor watch over his own character and life? Is it more noticeable when a ministry leader falls to sin? What harm can be done when a pastor falls? How can a pastor implement safeguards to seek to prevent such harm?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat is the correlation between anger and expectations? How do those unmet expectations then produce pastoral guilt? Are anger and guilt completely positive or negative? What does the Bible have to say about these things?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs the role of shepherding more difficult in the midst of a pandemic? What is the biblical role of a pastor/shepherd? What are the best ways to combat being disconnected from church members?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow do you bear the burden of your congregation when you sense that your sheep are overwhelmed in this life? What impact does the regular care of members have on the pastor? Is the pastor called to fix the burdens of members?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhen do you re-enter ministry from being fired from a church? Can the answer to this question sometimes show that our identity is tied into pastoral ministry more than Christ? How do you address the anger and/or bitterness that is tied to being fired by a church? Is there a set duration of healing before a pastor can re-enter ministry? How do you know if you should or not? What steps can you take in preparation for this?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow can pastors face the pressure self, or externally, imposed for their Advent sermons to be “home runs”? Does a John 3:16 bring more weight than a sermon in Leviticus? How do you continue preaching each and every sermon as the inspired word of God?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreBrian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreThis Trench Talk episode is a little different as Jim Savastio asks Brian specific questions about concluding his ministry at Auburndale. They include: How do you conclude over 17-years of faithful ministry? When the final sermon comes what do you say and how do you prepare? What aspects of ministry are you anticipating missing the most?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreAs a pastor, you are unfortunately not absolved from criticism from your flock? How should a pastor discern if the criticism is true or false? What scriptures can we point to in helping receive criticism? How can you determine if the one bringing the criticism is regenerate?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreAre you seeking the approval of man or God? Do you perhaps shy away from applications knowing that members might receive it harshly? Do you feel pressure to cater to your people? Do you struggle making a decision at the cost of losing members or hurting feelings?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
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