Can pastors come to different conclusions on how to navigate the days in which we find ourselves? What biblical guidance do we have to help us navigate what is before us? What about when brothers disagree with contention rather than unity? Should you address this contention through social media? How do we pastor contentious church member?

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.

Should you plant a church where there are many healthy churches already doing faithful ministry? What aspects should we think about as it pertains to church planting? When should a church consider planting or replanting a church? Why should you not want to plant a church?

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.

What should pastors be reading? What books might be more accessible for bi-vocational pastors? What doctrines should a pastor be well versed in? Should there be a balance between “heady” and “devotional” reading? Should a pastor buy a set of commentaries or individual volumes?

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.

Should a pastor raise up Elders or move toward the process of having an Elder-led polity? How can pastors identify other Elders within their congregation? How can pastors intentionally raise up men to be Elders? What 3 qualities does Brian look for in an Elder?

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.

Is 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.

Trench Talk Extended Edition (40+ minute)

How do we pursue pastoral care in the midst of the pandemic? What biblical foundation do we turn to for wisdom in a pandemic? How should pastors shepherd the flock through social media? Should you meet face-to-face with couples for counseling?

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.

How do we prepare to gather again? What do we need to be thinking about before we reopen? Should your church allow your members to hug, shake hands, etc.? Do you continue children’s or nursery ministry? Do you gather if less than 50% of your church is not attending?

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.

How should a pastor address underlying sin within the congregation? What biblical passages inform us on this topic? Should sin be confronted from the pulpit? What are practical steps pastors can take to correct but also provide hope?

What should cause us to choose the books of the Bible that we preach through? Should you look at the specific flock God has given you when selecting books to preach? What would be some books you would start with as you begin your preaching ministry? Should we use some forms of caution when selecting the books we preach through?

What should cause us to choose the books of the Bible that we preach through? Should you look at the specific flock God has given you when selecting books to preach? What would be some books you would start with as you begin your preaching ministry? Should we use some forms of caution when selecting the books we preach through?

No one knows and loves the sheep of their flock like the shepherd; the pastor. As a pastor how do you shepherd your flock through crisis? Does crisis call a pastor to alter his sermon series? How can pastors fulfill their calling in new and creative ways given the circumstances? How can we care for our flocks when we cannot be with them?

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused churches to think about things they had not done previously. How should churches (and Pastors) navigate these times? What changes and what stays the same? The call to minister the Word in season and out of season stays the same. How can this be done well outside of the preaching of the Word? Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.

How do we show vulnerabilty while being careful? What is the balance? What Biblical texts should we refer to for information? Is this propensity to put on a strong persona ultimately driven by fear? How do you fight to be vulnerable with your congregation?

How can pastors exhibit a tender heart while still having thick skin? How do you keep loving the flock when you fear them breaking your heart? Where are you most prone to error, tender-heartedness or thick skin? Should you deny close friendships due to the risk of being hurt? How do we wisely pursue tenderness and thick skin simultaneously?

What should cause us to choose the books of the Bible that we preach through? Should you look at the specific flock God has given you when selecting books to preach? What would be some books you would start with as you begin your preaching ministry? Should we use some forms of caution when selecting the books we preach through?

Where does pastoral lonliness show up most vividly? Is the lonliness pastors experience unique in some ways? What biblical grounding do we have to define this and chart a course to pursue Christ and shepherd the flock in the midst of lonliness? How should pastors seek a support system while in a difficult situation?

How do you introduce the appointment of pastors? Is ordination a biblical requirement? What is the difference between biblical affirmation versus ordination of pastors? What questions can be asked in examining the biblical qualifications of a pastor?

How can pastors encourage members (particularly the men) in their church to read good books? Is “I just don’t read” a good enough excuse? Should a pastor be careful with the books he recommends his members read? What other tips would you give to assist your members in taking in good books?

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these questions and more on this week’s edition of Trenchtalk.

How do pastors pastor other pastors? What scriptures address this charge? What responsibility do pastors have to call other pastors to repentance for the good of the flock? How do you encourage a healthy eldership that causes equality among other pastors?

All of these questions and more covered on this episode of Trenchtalk with Brian Croft and Jim Savastio.

What is cynicism when it comes to pastoral ministry? When diagnosed how do you confront it? What biblical texts provide hope in confronting cynicism? How do we strive to be faithful in what God has entrusted to us while leaving to God what is God’s?

These questions and many more, all tackled in this episode of Trenchtalk with Brian Croft and Jim Savastio.