Trench Talk

Contact us we’d love to serve you

Explore locations of The Shepherd’s House

Register for the Practically Trained Pastors Cohort

Explore our online resources

Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive

Write 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

Register for the Practically Trained Pastors Cohort

Explore our online resources

Contact us we’d love to serve you

Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive

Explore locations of The Shepherd’s House

Write 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

Explore our online resources

Contact us we’d love to serve you

Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive

Explore locations of The Shepherd’s House

Write 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

Explore our online resources

Contact us we’d love to serve you

Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive

Explore locations of The Shepherd’s House

Write 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

Discover articles written by pastors for pastors so that they might thrive

Financially support the work of Practical Shepherding

If 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

Show Notes:

Explore our resources

Find rest and retreat at one of the many Shepherd’s House locations

Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Visit 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

Show Notes:

Explore our resources

Find rest and retreat at one of the many Shepherd’s House locations

Find offerings provided to Women in Ministry

Advancing the Church (ATC) Podcast Episode

Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Visit 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

Show Notes:

Explore our resources

Find rest and retreat at one of the many Shepherd’s House locations

Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Visit the contact Page

(03:34) Biblical understanding of overseeing the flock in counseling them

(08:14) Important aspects of shepherding/engaging in this way

Stay in your lane with the ministry of the Word

The ministry of [physical] presence

The ministry of [emotional] presence

General wisdom and discernment

Listening patiently and ask probing questions

(20:30) The pressures that pastors might face when counseling

(32:39) Final word and prayer

(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

Show Notes:

Visit the contact Page

Request a stay at one of the 6 locations of The Shepherd’s House

New Resources: Pastoral Perseverance and The Unhurried Pastor

Write 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

Show Notes:

Request a stay at one of the 6 locations of The Shepherd’s House

Visit the contact Page

New Resources: Pastoral Perseverance and The Unhurried Pastor

Write 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

Show Notes:

Request a stay at one of the 6 locations of The Shepherd’s House

Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Visit the contact Page

New 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

Show Notes:

Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Explore resources that help pastors thrive at practicalshepherding.com

Visit the contact Page if we can serve you in any way

If we’ve served you please consider a tax-deductible donation

Purchase 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

Show Notes:

Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

practicalshepherding.com

Visit 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

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 House

If you have a question or need encouragement contact us!

Explore resources from our Women’s Ministry

Write 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

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 Places

Impact 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

Give a financial gift and help pastors thrive in the ministry

Contact us if we can serve you

Write 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 prayer

Resources:

Visit the Sick

The Pastor’s Ministry

Explore new Shepherd’s House Locations

Discover services available to women in ministry and pastor’s wives

Contact us if we can serve you

Write 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

Find our online Resources

Shepherds house expansion brings refreshing closer to you than ever

Out Now: Pastoral Perseverance 

Contact us if we can serve you

Write 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

Support the ministry with a financial gift

Explore our resources online

Request a stay at The Shepherd’s House in 2024

Women’s Ministry

Contact us if we can serve you

Write 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

Explore our resources online

Request a stay at The Shepherd’s House in 2024

Women’s Ministry

Contact us if we can serve you

Write 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 Perseverance

Purchase the Practical Shepherding Pack

Show notes coming soon.

Explore our resources online

Request a stay at The Shepherd’s House in 2024

Women’s Ministry

Contact us if we can serve you

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(02:04) Biblical Understanding

(03:39) Life: “You’ve got to have more faith”

(05:53) Preaching: “You’ve got to find your own set of jokes”

(07:45) Altar call: “Learn how to manipulate the emotions of your congregation”

(10:56) Friendship: “don’t make friends in the church”

(12:23) Ministry: “change everything at first”

(14:16) Ministry: “You can only spend 5 years at a church”

(16:51) Preaching: “Don’t write your own sermons”

(18:00) Ministry: “you can’t build a church on doctrine”

18:37 Ministry: “Grow the church by catering to needs”

(19:51) Ministry: “throw away the methods of how church used to be done”

(23:40) Training: “don’t get in the way of a persons calling”

(25:31) Preaching: “Have your pulpit ready for the recent headlines”

(27:10) Preaching: “you can adequately shepherd the flock from the pulpit”

(28:25) Ministry: “if you do everything right you will have ministry fruit”

(30:00) Final word and prayer

Explore our resources online

Request a stay at The Shepherd’s House in 2024

Support the ministry with a financial gift

Contact us if we can serve you

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(02:59) Biblical understanding

(08:31) Serious accusations where an investigation must take place

(11:15) Different levels of accusations and how to handle them

(13:48) The importance of qualified Elder/Pastors within the church

(16:46) Technology and the secret lives of pastors

(19:21) Technology and the destruction of ministries through false accusations

(23:22) Advice to pastors to minister in the tension

(29:15) Final word and prayer

Explore our resources online

Contact us if we can serve you

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

Find more information about Practically Trained Pastors in Spanish

(02:25) Biblical foundation

(08:15) Faithfully evaluating spiritual fruit

(14:13) Lack of fruit and evaluating calling

(19:48) Fruit from following a faithful ministry

(22:04) Lack of fruit tied to gifting

(25:11) Finding a pastoral mentor to help grow in gifting

(26:19) Is faithful ministry enough to be labeled as fruitful?

(31:11) Final word and prayer

Explore our resources online

Request a stay at The Shepherd’s House in 2024

Support the ministry with a financial gift

Contact us if we can serve you

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(01:58) Biblical Foundation

(05:37) Jim’s complicated relationship with social media

(10:17) Brian’s intentional use of social media

(14:39) Awareness in social media use

(19:32) Avoiding conflict on social media

(24:37) Guarding from sensual vices on social media

(26:22) Leveraging social media for faithful ministry purposes

(36:13) Final word and prayer

Explore our resources online

Request a stay at The Shepherd’s House in 2024

Contact us if we can serve you

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(03:34) Biblical foundation

(09:46) The use of NDA’s in unjustified terminations

(11:29) How this HappensPainting the picture

Reasons why this happens

(17:42) Unclear expectations of the qualifications of a pastor

(19:50) The hiring process is broken from the beginning

(23:48) You upset the wrong person

What do you do?

(25:58) Challenge the termination honestly

(28:45) Amend the NDA

(30:47) Encouragement to the congregation

(32:50) Challenge the leadership

(36:15) Final word and prayer

(02:20) How Jim, as an outsider, viewed the beginning of the ministry

(07:04) Brian’s reflecting on how the ministry began

(09:18) Auburndale Baptist Church as Practical Shepherding began

(17:03) Who came up with the name Practical Shepherding and why?

(22:00) The formation of the ministry

(27:20) What does a typical week look like for you?

Find out more about the NAMB Replant Cohort

(30:40) How will the growth of the ministry continue to help pastors thrive?

(34:28) How do you evaluate the core calling when opportunities of growth arise?

The event mentioned has already taken place at the time of posting

(36:58) The stewardship of the ministry for years to come

(39:51) Jim’s view from the beginning of the ministry

(43:53) Prayer

Thank you to all who have supported the ministry through out the years!

Access our resources

Contact us and recommend a podcast topic

Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

(02:20) Biblical foundation

(08:28) Where do you start?

(16:54) Steps to reconciliation

(25:35) Your priority in ministry is your wife

(31:26) Final word and prayer

Explore our Resources

Look into staying at The Shepherd’s House

Give a financial gift that Helps Pastors thrive

(01:53) Biblical framework

(04:20) Challenges in bringing in new members

(05:20) Shepherding the delivery person

(08:49) Challenges in a Revitalization context

(10:00) Practical Ways to welcome new members well

Welcome them through preaching

Welcome them through living life together

Welcome them through connecting them to others

Welcome them through connecting them to serving

Welcome them through theological contextualization

Welcome them through committed prayer

(22:13) Final word and prayer 

Explore our resources

Apply to stay at The Shepherd’s House

Support the ministry with a financial gift

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(03:16) Biblical framework for this discussion

(07:25) Reasons for comparison and pulling back the curtain

(10:19) Questioning your calling

(11:29) A stewardship of pastoral gifting

Ways to avoid the comparison game

(14:51) Content but longing for more

(17:15) Pray for spiritual eyes

(19:32) Growing in gratitude

(20:48) Recognize the stewardship you’ve been given

(25:00) Getting away from asking, “how big is your church?”

(29:30) Final word and prayer

Mea Culpa and the importance of place

Explore our resources

Contact us if we can serve you in any way

Support the work of helping pastors thrive

(02:08) Biblical foundation for ministry in a local church

(06:54) Jim’s personal journey in ministry outside of the local church

(11:54) Jim’s reaction to being invited to do ministry outside of the local church

(14:01) Brian’s personal journey in ministry outside of the local church

(17:37) An encouragement to prioritize your local church

(20:13) The primary calling of local church ministry

(28:20) Advice to discern when to serve outside the church

(33:57) Final word and prayer

(02:16) Biblical framework for lament

(08:42) Categories of pastoral lament: church members leaving 

(12:58) Categories of pastoral lament: Shepherding through tragedy

(17:18) Categories of pastoral lament: Feeling ineffective in ministry

(20:33) Categories of pastoral lament: Limitations in ministry

(22:58) Categories of pastoral lament: state of the church and the world

(26:38) Engaging lament: taking it to the Lord

(29:01) Engaging lament: taking it to another person

(30:27) Engaging lament: public expression 

(31:17) Engaging lament: model it before your people

(32:49) Final word and prayer

Find more information about Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy from Mark Vroegop

Explore our resources online

Contact us if we can serve you

Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

(02:20) Getting to know Robert Briggs

(05:14) a difficult start of ministry

(07:24) Training for ministry

(10:11) Discerning the Lord’s call to move

(15:51) Pastoring a church after pastoral trauma

(19:17) Joys and sorrows in ministry

(22:38) The state of the American church

(26:24) Training other men for ministry

(28:54) The importance of family in ministry

(31:26) Encouragement to other pastors

(33:54) Final word and prayer

Explore our resources online

Contact us if we can serve you

Support the ministry with a financial gift

Request a stay at The Shepherd’s House this Fall

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(02:35) Biblical understanding and setting the foundation

(06:10) The example of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus

(08:36) How important is having an affection toward your elders?

(12:45) How important is trusting your fellow elders?

(17:32) Determining fit among biblically qualified men

(19:50) How important is a relationship with an elders family in serving together?

(22:31) Final words and prayer

Explore our resources online

Contact us if we can serve you

Support the ministry with a financial gift

Request a stay at The Shepherd’s House this Fall

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(03:10) Theological framework for multiple (and paid) pastors

(06:54) Jim Savastio’s church staff experience

(09:39) Brian Croft’s church staff experience

(13:15) Reasons you would or wouldn’t hire another pastor

(17:48) Hire a pastor first then look for a pastor skilled in complimentary ways

(22:23) Using the term pastor when the role isn’t to shepherd or teach the Word

(25:19) FInal word and prayer

Explore our resources online

Contact us if we can serve you

Support the ministry with a financial gift

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(01:42) Biblical foundation and setting up the topic

(05:17) Preaching a gospel you don’t know

(09:21) Prevention: Love for the Word

(10:55) Prevention: pursue silence over noise and busyness

(12:05) Prevention: Relationships with family, friends, and church members

(13:57) Prevention: serving Jesus and intimately walking with him

(17:44) Recovery: Identify your hearts condition

(21:07) Recovery: talk with somebody

(23:01) Recovery: courage to endure the consequences

(26:31) Final words and prayer

Explore our resources online

Contact us if we can serve you

Request a stay at The Shepherd’s House

Find out about Sponsor a Pastor

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(02:37) Biblical foundation

(07:44) Differences of context and personality as it pertains to grit through hardship

(12:20) Tough skin and a soft heart

(13:11) Is grit related to calling?

(20:06) Gauging grit in ministry

(26:00) Grit is not strength

(26:29) Final words and prayer

Explore our resources online

Contact us if we can serve you

Request a stay at The Shepherd’s House

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(03:10) Biblical foundation and setting up the conversation

(07:28) Personal history with denominations

(16:52) Benefits of joining a denomination or network: missional impact

(19:18) Benefit of remaining independent: avoiding denominational scandals

(23:00) Benefit of joining a denomination or network: foundation of fellowship

(24:29) Benefit of remaining independent: focus on the churches not the denominational structure

(28:33) Wisdom to discern joining a denomination or network

(33:51) Helping new generations see the joys of denominational life

(36:41) Final words and prayer

Consider supporting the ministry financially

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

If we can serve you please reach out and contact us.

(02:33) Biblical foundation and setting up the conversation

(08:36) Burnout versus the normal wear of ministry

(11:55) Questions to aid diagnosing burnout

(18:36) Refilling the tank when burnout is near

(27:40) Prayer for pastors

Reach out to us if we can serve you in any way

Find resources, articles, videos and more on practicalshepherding.com

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(03:18) Biblical understanding and setting up the topic

(09:35) Uncovering potential immaturity and valuing practical maturity

(12:51) Practical ways to care for the older members in your congregation

(13:11) Go to their home

(14:47) Be conscious but not self conscious of your age

(19:18) Be humble in your relationship with them

(21:00) Be ready to learn from them.

(24:45) Helping older members find their place

(29:18) Older members want to be heard and honored

(32:05) Final words and prayer

Request a stay at The Shepherd’s House

Reach out to us if we can serve you in any way

Find resources, articles, videos and more on practicalshepherding.com

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(02:02) Biblical Foundation and framing the conversation

(5:42) Temperament and personality in the Bible and church history

(07:38) Contrasting temperament 

Extrovert/introvert 

Four classic categories

Optimist/pessimist

(15:12) Strengths and weaknesses of an extroverted temperament 

(20:15) Strengths and weaknesses of an introverted temperament 

(28:02) temperamental changes during ministry

(30:13) Temperament and relationships with staff and spouse

(34:00) Final word and prayer

Request a stay at The Shepherd’s House

Reach out to us if we can serve you in any way

Find resources, articles, videos and more on practicalshepherding.com

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(03:33) Biblical Foundation and framing the conversation

(06:09) Topics that pastors feel pressures to comment on:

Political issues

Cultural issues

Ecclesiastical/church issues,

(14:26) When to talk and when not to talk

(24:38) Helpful ways pastors can talk about politics

(29:42) Final words and prayer

Reach out to us if we can serve you in any way

Find resources, articles, videos and more on practicalshepherding.com

Support the mission of Practical Shepherding financially

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(02:09) Biblical Foundation and framing the conversation

(05:47) Discerning reality from our own expectations and insecurities

(09:51) Evaluating if you are operating out of fear or insecurities

(~16:00) Recognizing we minister in the sight of God

(20:21) Functioning out of the freedom of serving Christ

(21:20) Faithful ministry of the Word

(23:45) Examples of pressures when preaching

(25:32) Addressing patterns of sin and public disruptions

(28:30) Shifts in cultural pressures

(31:00) Final word and prayer

Reach out to us if we can serve you in any way

Find resources, articles, videos and more on practicalshepherding.com

Request a stay at The Shepherd’s House

Support the mission of Practical Shepherding financially

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(02:51) Biblical foundation

(09:18) Public aspects to recognize you are becoming their pastor

(18:47) Private aspects in recognizing you are becoming their pastor

(25:07) Leading when credibility has been built

(33:05) Final word and prayer

Explore our Sponsor a pastor campaign

Find resources, articles, videos and more on practicalshepherding.com

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

Reach out to us if we can serve you in any way

(02:55) Biblical foundation

(05:50) Balancing loving them where they are while pushing them toward maturity

(09:25) Differentiating immaturity versus newness of faith

(12:00) The personal responsibility of maturity

(18:40) Handling the frustration that comes from an immature congregation

(20:40) Trusting the Lord to use His Word

(22:21) Aligning expectations with the Lord’s

(26:30) Final Word and Prayer

Find resources, articles, videos and more on practicalshepherding.com

Request a stay at The Shepherds House

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(02:50) Biblical foundation for this discussion

(05:05) Take heed to: yourself, the doctrine, the flock

(07:17) It’s okay to have stepped away from ministry

(08:10) Practical determinations for when to step back into ministry

(12:04) Was I carrying un-needed burdens or expectations?

(14:55) Operating outside of your gifting

(17:17) Taking heed to the flock that you shepherd

(23:21) Taking heed to doctrinal shifts in your congregation

(28:45) Assessing do I love difficult people?

(30:13) Prayer

Contact us

Support the ministry with a financial gift

Find out how you can Sponsor a pastor

(1:44) The biblical foundation for hospitality

(6:12) Planning to be hospitable

(10:42) Never showing hospitality is a problem

(16:30) Hospitality does not mean extravagance

(20:31) Affording hospitality

(27:41) Final word and pray

Visit practicalshepherding.com for videos, articles, and more!

This Fall find rest at The Shepherd’s House

(03:03) Biblical foundation of pastoring and being pastored

(07:45) Is it them or is it him?

(10:51) Is it me?

(12:30) Competency, Integrity, and affection

(15:40) Evaluate our ministry while avoiding paranoia

(20::05) A righteous expectation for the shepherd and the sheep

(25:00) Don’t neglect them, continue pursuing them

(29:20) When a family begins to no longer receive your ministry

(33:33) Final word and prayer

Visit practicalshepherding.com for articles, videos, and more

Find out how you can Sponsor a pastor

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(01:41) Biblical Foundation

Savastio and Croft kids Podcast interviews

(07:50) How to do ministry with little kids

(12:33) Making wise decisions to pastor, husband, and father well

(17:24) When able, guard your day off as much as possible

(19:40) Use the flexibility of ministry well

(21:30) How can the congregation help a pastor guard his family time

(30:05) Biblical qualifications for pastors to love their families well

(31:05) Practical ways to care well for your family when your kids are young

The Pastor’s Family

(36:00) Unique benefits of parenting well with young kids

(38:28) Final word and prayer

Visit practicalshepherding.com

Request a stay at The Shepherd’s House

Contact us if we can serve you

(02:18) Biblical understanding of living in tension and seeking balance

(06:20) The importance of balance in a pastor’s life

(09:27) Balancing administration, teaching/preaching, and shepherding in ministry

(15:46) Virtuous or sinful justification for imbalances in ministry

(20:00) Brian’s message to bi-vocational pastors

(22:37) Balance and keeping watch over your own soul

(30:05) Balancing and caring well in family responsibilities

(34:05) Being fully there with your family

(35:55) Final words and prayer

Find us online

Sponsor a pastor through financial support

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(02:14) Biblical framework of abuse and caring for the abused

(08:25) What abuse are we talking about?

(12:59) The category of safety and taking it [abuse] seriously

(17:11) When a victim doesn’t want to report

(23:02) Being aware of the dynamics of abuse

(27:18) Practical steps pastors can take to care well for victims

Find our resource library online

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(03:30) Biblical framework for pastoral ministry as a servant

(07:48) Setting expectations in ministry; to serve the flock

(11:22) The benefit of the flock seeing you serve (in many ways)

(15:04) Wisdom to keep this up without going crazy

(16:49) Find joy in the presence of the saints

(18:40) You are one person and you can only do so much

(20:38) Think of ways to hand off tasks

(22:47) Lovingly instruct the congregation of what a pastor is and what he does

(26:23) Don’t be a control freak

(28:12) Final word and Prayer

Contact us if we can serve you in any way

Visit Sponsorapastor.org

(01:53) Setting up the topic

(07:00) Advising men based on gifting

(09:55) Size of the congregation and the reality of bi-vocational ministry

(16:10) Should a gifted pastor preach to more people

(21:00) When to change shepherding strategy as the congregation changes

Pastor smarter not harder

Add additional pastor/elders

(30:55) Final word and prayer

Visit sponsorapastor.org

Find resources that help pastors thrive online

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Contact us if we can serve you in any way

(3:12) Setting up the topic: The Importance of Doctrine

(6:30) Convictions

(10:30) Permissible doctrinal changes

(16:35) Reformed doctrinal shifts

(20:05) Political shifts

(21:43) Polity shifts

(23:37) Gifts of the Spirit

(26:15) Women in leadership

(28:36) Wisdom in shifting positions

(33:55) Final word and Prayer

Explore our resources and listen to other Podcasts

To learn about how we help pastors thrive visit sponsorapastor.org

(1:55) Biblical Understanding of Church Membership

(6:07) a Church Covenant: What it means to be a member of the church

(8:38) Commitment of membership Members one of another

(12:04) What do you do with regular attenders who won’t join?

(13:37) Tethered or Untethered: How do you determine who is a committed member?

(17:44) What do you do with them member who watches online and is engaged?

(19:31) How does a pastor then call members to this commitment?

(26:00) Difficulties and directives surrounding correction and discipline of members

(28:26) Getting practical: 2 examples and how to handle them

Contact us if we can serve you in anyway

Financially support the work of helping pastors thrive

Visit sponsorapastor.org for more information

(02:55) Biblical framework of discouragement or losing heart in ministry

(06:00) The discouragements pastors battle

(06:05) The discouragement that comes by comparison

(06:55) The hardship brought by the nature of the work

(08:20) The discouragement of expectations

(09:38) The discouragement of lacking patience

(12:04) The discouragement of criticism

(14:27) The discouragement of the finances of the church

(16:30) Discouragement because of careless mistakes

(21:22) The downsides of the plodding: does what I do matter?

(23:29) Encouragements for battling discouragement

(24:28) Eternal, not earthly, rewards

(25:23) Have biblical expectations

(26:30) Find the encouragement

(28:35) Honor your humanity

(30:20) Receive counsel and encouragement from others

(31:30) Final word and prayer

Visit sponsorapastor.org and consider a financial gift

Listen to the previous episode on Qualifications and Roles of Pastors and Deacons

(01:47) Biblical framework for deacons

(07:22) Distinction of Leadership

(10:48) Functional and thriving

(14:08) Elders and deacons at RBC Louisville

(19:55) A mutual dependence on one another and specific authority

(25:00) Pastor, train your deacons on what they do

(30:49) Example from Auburndale Baptist Church

(33:55) Final word and prayer

Find our resource library online at practicalshepherding.com

Financially support the vital work of helping pastors

NEW: Sponsor a Pastor Video

(01:40) The biblical foundation for deacons: Acts 6

(05:55) A relationship Intended to help but often harms

(08:08) Differences in qualifications

(10:45) a sufficiency of Scripture issue

(13:35) Tested: who should serve as a deacon?

(19:12) Female deacons in the New Testament?

(25:20) Females functioning as deacons

(27:15) Deacons role: leading in service

(33:58) Final word and Prayer

Contact us if we can serve you in any way

Follow us on social media on facebook, twitter, or Youtube

Help Pastors thrive through a financial donation

Watch a short video about the ministry on sponsorapastor.org

(02:45) Biblical foundations for God’s sovereignty over our plans for 2023

(07:37) Planning when you’re weary and caring for your body, soul, family in 2023

(10:55) Essential elements of planning your sermon series in 2023 while providing margin to pivot

(16:49) Helpful tips for planning your events in 2023

(21:58) Embracing your own humanity and building in margin

(22:55) Planning to care for your family and yourself in 2023

(28:19) Final word and prayer

If we can serve you contact Brian, Jim, or the ministry in general

Explore our resource library

Support the work of ministry with a financial gift

(02:08) Biblical understanding of plurality of pastors/elders

(05:15) The distinction of those that teach

(08:25) Co-pastoring and the organic nature of eldering

(11:15) Cultivating plurality within your church

(18:35) Moving from a solo pastor model

(22:10) The organic nature of a church acknowledging the first among equals

(26:50) The tasks required to serve as a pastor/elder

(29:24) Final word and prayer

Explore all our resources at practicalshepherding.com

Give to the ministry and sponsorapastor

Contact us

(02:52) Introducing Mai Walker

(04:22) Upbringing in Wales

(6:38) Resisting the savior then Repenting

(11:20) Theologies in the church

(14:10) Thoughts on meeting & marrying a Pastor

(17:07) Early years in ministry with young children

(21:45) Roles of ministry for women in the church

(24:17) Joys from decades of ministry

(25:50) Struggles from decades of ministry

(27:03) Stickability and grit to stay even amidst hardship

(28:20) Children and the pastors family

(33:01) Advice for the pastors wife

(36:05) Advice for pastors

(37:30) Final words and prayer

Explore our library of resources

Support the work of Practical Shepherding through Sponsor a pastor

(00:36) Getting to know Austin Walker

(6:06) Austin’s call to ministry and training

(10:34) Formal theological education and being formed in the local church

(15:25) Marriage and early years in ministry

(20:53) Reflecting on joys in ministry

(28:24) Regrets in ministry

(30:25) Leaving pastoral ministry after 45 years

(34:40) A family of faith

(37:10) Message to younger pastors

(40:24) Final words and prayer

Support Practical Shepherding this winter season

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(03:10) Biblical Framework

(08:55) Training in the academy vs. the church

(12:00) Seminary shortfalls

(17:30) Fighting for balance

(21:36) The benefits of church-based training

(25:05) Uniqueness of teaching pastors

(28:42) 2 Cautions: Motive in avoiding messiness of church ministry, and a lack of youth and seminary positions

(34:05) Flex your gifts in the local church

(36:09) Final word and prayer

Contact us

Help pastors thrive through Sponsor a Pastor

(01:57) Defining tradition and the biblical understanding of traditionalism

(11:53) Charting a course toward biblical faithfulness over human tradition

(16:02) Building and spending pastoral collateral

(19:30) Taking steps toward biblical faithfulness over human tradition

(25:45) Established traditions and how to balance them in the congregation

(35:49) Final words and prayer

Explore our Resource Library

Reserve a stay at the Shepherd’s House

Help pastors thrive through sponsorapastor.org

(01:47) Introduction and Biblical Framework

(11:11) Discerning if you need a sabbatical or if you need to step away

(14:22) Jim’s “break” and how the Lord used it

(17:22) Discussing, with your family, if you need a sabbatical or if you need to step away

(18:55) Discover other options for providing income if stepping away from a pastorate

(21:01) Financial fears that come up from “failing” in ministry

(24:48) Where do you go when pursuing a transition?

(28:53) Brian’s story of transitioning from pastoral ministry

(32:52) Considering another Church when transitioning

(35:05) Final words and prayer

Help pastors thrive through Sponsor a Pastor

(01:21) Defining the dones

(05:31) Biblical foundation of the importance of gathering on the Lord’s Day

(09:49) The complexity of living in a technological world

(11:10) Implications of the dones in day-to-day ministry

(17:54) What about those who genuinely must rely on the online service

(19:32) Practical ways to pursue the dones

(24:32) If/When they don’t come back

(32:19) Removing a member carefully in a non-disciplinary way

(40:24) Final word and prayer

Find great resources online at practicalshepherding.com

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(02:06) Framing the conversation

(07:25) Discussing your salary with the church

(10:21) Determining a fair salary

(16:00) Sharing your needs with the leaders

(21:00) Recognizing that expenses are more expensive than in 2021

(23:20) Cost of living increase is not a raise

(24:58) Your tenure at a church matters

(32:24) When you start from the bottom but think you’re

(35:25) Final words and prayer

Apply to stay at The Shepherd’s House

Support the work of ministry through a financial donation

(01:56) History of sports for kids on Sundays

(03:20) The greater issue: Is Lord’s Day worship important?

(07:08) Brian and Jim’s theological differences on the Sabbath

(09:22) Wrestling with this issue in life

(16:20) Conflict and resolution surrounding these things

(19:04) Flexibility surrounding these things

(25:25) When and how do you address attendance with a church member?

(34:15) Convictionally Leading your family, not just your flock

(37:51) Final word and Prayer

Contact us if we can serve you in any way.

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

(2:44) Biblical understanding of shame

(8:21) Total depravity and the image of God

(10:11) Understanding your worth in pastoral ministry

(13:42) Ways to combat self-loathing, shame, and negative self-talk

(19:00) Accurately evaluating your ministry

(21:30) Practical steps to speak the gospel to yourself

(31:08) Final word and prayer

Explore our resources at practicalshepherding.com

Financially support the work of ministry through Practical Shepherding

Purchase Pastoral Friendship through 10ofThose use code PFRND8 at checkout

(1:55) Biblical and Historical examples of established churches

(5:25) Categories and characteristics of an established church

(7:31) Priorities for your first year of pastoring an established church

(16:43) Priorities for your first 5-10 years of pastoring an established church

(27:05) When an established church searches for a new pastor

(32:23) How should an established church view an interim period

(37:32) Final word and prayer

Read our blog resources

Have a need? Contact us

Apply to stay at the Shepherd’s House

Support pastors through a financial gift to the ministry

(01:53) Billy Graham and defining the Billy Graham Rule

(05:44) Biblical Understanding

(11:49) An example from another pastor

(12:55) Why a generation frowns on this rule

(19:42) The rule gone bad

(25:20) Practical questions to care well for those in your flock

(33:00) Final words and prayer

Explore our online resources

Support pastors with a tax deductible contribution

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

Contact us if we can serve you

Purchase Pastoral Friendship by Michael Haykin, Brian Croft, and James Carroll

(2:21) Biblical understanding for friendship

(4:51) Unique hurdles pastors face in finding meaningful friendship

(8:56) Pastoral friendship in the church

(16:56) Pastoral friendship out of the church

(22:34) Ways to pursue friendships in ministry and outside of the community

(29:50) Prayer

Find resources to help you in your ministry

Request a stay at the Shepherd’s House

Support pastors in the trenches of ministry through practical shepherding

Contact us if we can serve you

(1:44) Membership in the Bible

(5:23) The process by which an attender becomes a member

(10:21) Changing a faulty process

(15:11) Commitments that must be made when joining a local church

(19:07) Defining Statement of faith from Church covenant

(23:40) Benefits for membership vs. non-membership

(30:42) Expectations for church members

(32:21) Final word and prayer

Explore our resources at practicalshepherding.com

Request a stay this fall at The Shepherd’s House

Support the ministry with a tax-deductible donation

(1:56) Biblical Understanding of the need for rest and vacation

(6:37) Church policies for vacations and how to talk about it

(14:00) Developing a policy to bless other staff members

(18:45) Determining how much time to take at one time

(25:41) The benefits of totally unplugging from email and phone

(27:11) Staycations and attending worship

(29:01) Recommendations to use the time well

(32:51) Prayer

Request to stay at The Shepherds House

Support pastors through a tax deductible donation

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

(2:23) Biblical Understanding

(10:06) Insecurities in comparison to the best preachers

(15:18) Allowing others to preach in your pulpit

(17:04) Divisiveness of online ministries

(24:30) The fruit that is being produced is important

(26:42) When members join in divisiveness

(29:13) God’s design for ministry and Shepherding

(32:19) Final words and prayer

Find resources to help you thrive in the trenches of ministry

Contact us if we can support you and your ministry

Support pastors through supporting Practical Shepherding through a financial donation

(1:48) Biblical Understanding for adversaries in ministry

(8:11) The hardship of internal adversaries (wolves or hurt sheep?)

(14:13) The context of Church Revitalization when it pertains to adversaries

(16:28) The hardship of external adversaries

(23:51) Enduring the hardship of adversaries in pastoral ministry

(32:50) Final word and prayer

Find our library of resources for pastors and ministry leaders online here.

Request a restful stay at The Shepherd’s House this fall

Support Pastors financially through the work of Practical Shepherding

(2:15) Question 1: How can your church become more welcoming?

(08:00) Ways Pastors can exemplify hospitality and welcome

(10:01) Question 2: How do you pastor a church after the previous pastor falls due to a scandal?

(14:38) Ways pastors have failed in these ways

(15:30) Question 3: How do you relate with staff and motivate them?

(20:40) Have a formal annual review but address conflict when needed

(23:02) Question 4: How involved should pastors be in Sunday School?

(28:01) Question 5: How many responsibilities should a pastor have in the church?

(34:50) Prayer

Find our resources online

Follow us on Social Media on Twitter and Facebook

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

(02:04) Biblical Perspective and overview

(04:23) a right desire for being known, seen, and loved

(06:28) Epidemic of loneliness and the peculiar nature of pastoral loneliness

(11:28) Examples of loneliness

(17:01) Practical ways to battle pastoral loneliness

Replant Cohort Information

(26:31) Loneliness while not being alone

Contact us online

(31:48) Final word and prayer

Financially support the work of helping pastors thrive

Contact us if we can serve you in any way

(1:50) Biblical Framework and Importance of Preaching

(5:05) What preparation look like

(8:16) Differences between one sermon weekly or three

(11:38) Handling texts differently and determining the length of text

(18:40) Step away from the work to meditate on the text

(19:35) The importance of application in preaching

(24:00) Extemporaneous or Manuscript sermons

(27:25) On using commentaries and other sermon audio

(29:35) Final words and prayer

Find helpful resources on practicalshepherding.com

Get information about staying at the Shepherd’s House

Contact us if we can serve you in any way

Support the ministry with a tax deductible donation

(03:48) Biblical Framework

(08:33) Proceeding knowing members won’t be there

(11:03) Adjusting the calendar in the Summer

(19:42) Creating margin for members

(25:25) Setting healthy expectations

(32:08) Final words and Prayer

Find our resources at Practicalshepherding.com

Support the work of Practical Shepherding

(01:41) Biblical understanding of the Church and under-shepherds

(04:37) Defining the terms leaving; ghosting

(08:04) Why this hurts so bad

(11:42) It’s always personal because pastors care

(13:55) It hurts the congregation

(17:59) Practical ways to work through these pastoral pains

(29:45) Final word and prayer

Find all our resources online

Contact us with any questions

Write a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

Conduct Gospel-Centered Funerals

(2:38) Biblical Framework for Funerals

(6:51) What a pastor should think through when a church member dies

(13:55) Logistics for a funeral

(16:16) Essential elements of a funeral

(20:00) What a pastor should think through when a stranger dies

(23:02) Should a pastor be paid for conducting a funeral?

(24:58) Conducting a funeral for a person who committed suicide

(29:24) Conducting a funeral for a child

(33:40) Final Word and Prayer

Listen to Pt. 1 of this Podcast Episode

Explore the resource library

Request a Podcast topic

(02:02) Biblical Framework and definition for Lay Elders/Pastors

(5:40) Expectations as a Lay elder

(8:01) Weekly Responsibilities as a Lay elder

(10:00) How retirement has effected his lay elder role

(11:38) A staff pastor and managing expectations and responsibilities for lay elders

(18:13) How being a lay-elder impacts the family

(20:29) Different impact on life as a lay-elder

(21:50) Experience when a staff pastor takes a sabbatical

(24:08) What would you (Charlie) want a staff pastor to know about persevering as an elder?

(26:25) How would you (Charlie) want a staff pastor to relate and work with the lay-elders?

(28:23) How should a staff pastor share the burden of shepherding with lay-elders?

(31:51) Final word and prayer

Explore the resource library

Support the ministry with a financial donation

(02:37) Biblical Framework for Lay Elders

(05:55) Introduction of Charlie Hall

(14:24) Reflections from Jim about Charlie’s election as a Lay Elder

(18:40) Serving as a Lay Elder with MS

(23:45) Embracing the burdens of Ministry

(25:42) Reflections from Jim about Charlie’s serving as a Lay Elder

(28:09) Final word and prayer

Explore our resources

Support our work

Stay at the Shepherd’s House

(03:15) Biblical Understanding on Pastors and Plurality

(08:30) Historical landscape of church structures

(10:40) Practical ways to change the model of church structure

(19:18) What to do after you preach the Word: Pray and Look

(27:37) Pastoring through the process

(33:40) Final words and prayer

Find our resources online

Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts

Contact us if we can serve you

(02:30) Biblical understanding

(09:35) How do you feel it and not quit?

(15:54) Jim’s routines for preparing a sermon

(22:22) Brian’s routines for preparing a sermon

(29:07) Surviving the grind of administrative work

(33:54) Final words and encouragement for surviving the pastoral grind

(37:41) Prayer

Find all our resources online

Contact us if we can serve you

Find more information on the Shepherd’s House

Support the vital work of Practical Shepherding with a financial donation

(1:07) Scenarios of Being Trapped"

(2:40) Biblical Framework

(6:25) Relating to being trapped in ministry

(8:15) Assessment & Advice on staying or going in ministry

(14:45) Frustrations that follow you, because they exist in all churches

(21:20) The way God works and the clarity to hear it

(26:30) Final words and prayer

Find more resources like this on Practicalshepherding.com

If you have been encouraged by the ministry, or this podcast, please share it on social media

(02:07) Biblical framework for the discussion

(06:14) Examples of unique difficulties in ministry

(12:35) The cumulative effect of ministry hardships

(14:00) Difficulties of unmet expectations

(17:40) Why a pastor would accept the call of pastoral ministry

(22:52) Applications to endure hardships in ministry

(26:21) Final words & Prayer

Find helpful resources on practicalshepherding.com

Explore the Shepherd’s House

Support the work of the ministry with a financial donation

(01:58) Biblical Support for the importance of preaching

(05:29) Defining a sermon that “stinks”

(11:02) Subjectivity in sermon evaluation

(17:10) Advice for pastors who just preached a bad sermon

(21:35) Final words and prayer

Find resources for pastors in the trenches

Find rest and encouragement at the Shepherd’s House

(02:08) Biblical Foundation for Rest

(03:44) Unpacking Brian’s tweet

(07:24) Things that keep us from “shutting down”

(14:30) Practical ways to put things aside

(23:25) Skills to becoming unburdened

(26:45) Final words and prayer

Find all of our resources at practicalshepherding.com

Support the work of Practical Shepherding with a financial gift

(1:20) Biblical Understanding

(5:10) Discerning balancing your time between healthy and unhealthy sheep

(9:20) Accepting the fact that you can’t change people

(11:45) The helpfulness of triaging

(13:29) Practical ways to balance these shepherding responsibilities

(17:30) The importance of knowing your capacity

(20:00) Faithfulness is more important than effectiveness

(21:05) Prayer

Find a library of resources online

Discover how you, as a pastor, can find rest through the Shepherd’s House

Join us in serving ministry leaders through a financial gift

(2:26) Biblical Foundation for pastoral fatigue

(9:01) Sundays: Why Mondays are the way they are

(11:11) When fatigue, exhaustion, emotion ever set in on Sundays

(12:18) How Mondays looked for Brian

(16:50) How Sunday nights and Mondays looked for Jim

(21:00) Did you ever feel like quitting?

(23:01) Two things that change the way you handle Sunday evenings and Mondays

(25:15) Encouragement for your ministry of the Word

(27:00) Closing Prayer

Find Practical resources online here

Find more information about The Shepherd’s House

(2:08) Biblical Foundation

(7:20) The pastoral loss of people

(13:20) The joy of former structures of fellowship

(19:03) The loss of the regular rhythm of pastoral ministry

(24:55) The loss of in-home hospitality

(29:22) The loss of the pastor’s right to an opinion

(33:45) Final thoughts and prayer

Support the work of Practical Shepherding

Find more information about the Shepherd’s House here

(01:58) The biblical foundation for pastors and deacons

(07:11) Identifying men called for leadership both reactive and proactive

(13:00) Importance and requirement of church involvement

(16:30) Things Brian and Jim look for before mentoring a young man

(23:28) Discerning when to keep and when to send those who you’ve trained

(29:40) Final words

(33:03) Prayer

The Shepherd’s House

Practical Shepherding Resources

(2:26) Biblical Foundation for Sabbaticals

(6:38) The difference between vacation and sabbatical

(10:30) Brian’s Sabbatical and Jim’s Questions

(20:35) Jim’s Sabbatical and Brian’s Questions

(34:24) Guiding Principles for taking a sabbatical

(41:10) Final words and Prayer

Find all our resources online

The Shepherd’s House

Donate to the Ministry

(2:23) Biblical Background of Patience

(5:32) Scriptural passages that exhort to patience

(7:11) Patience in ministry when dealing with things

(13:15) Patience in ministry when dealing with people

(19:00) Patience in ministry when dealing with God, and His dealing with you

(25:02) Final word and prayer

Find all our resources online

The Shepherd’s House

(3:34) Biblical Background

(10:30) Preparing for a regular preaching ministry

(13:45) Reasons a pastor should leave (ministry and/or a specific church)

(26:10) Thoughts of quitting and the seeds of perseverance

(29:45) Seeking a small break to be rejuvenated

Support the work of the ministry through a tax-deductible financial contribution.

Find all our resources online

The Shepherd’s House

(2:22) Biblical Understanding for teaching the gospel to children

(6:20) Ways pastors can intentionally help children and youth understand their sermons

(11:55) The model Jesus set for ministering and teaching children

(13:37) Addressing children in your sermons

(16:10) Creative ways to help children engage during gathered worship

(28:25) Final encouragement and prayer

Should it be a priority for a church to be multi-generational? What if the church isn’t, how might they pursue this? How can pastors get a good gauge on this aspect of church health?

Listen as Brian and Jim discuss these questions and much more on this episode of Trench Talk.

Find all our resources online

The Shepherd’s House

Support the work of the ministry through a tax-deductible financial contribution.

(2:41) Biblical Understanding for Multi-Generational Churches

(7:45) Caution toward hegemony of one generation or another

(9:38) Addressing the Problem

(12:10) Challenges to pursuing a multi-generational church

(12:45) The challenge of fear

(16:08) The challenge of theological understanding

(18:20) The challenge of seeing and showing value in the other

(21:56) The blessings and benefits of multi-generational ministry

(25:30) The blessing of wisdom learned from one another

(29:26) Practical steps to pursue multi-generational ministry

Find all our resources online

Contact us

Support the work of the ministry through a tax-deductible financial contribution.

(2:31) Biblical Foundations

(7:45) Determine church priorities and allocate funds to those priorities

(12:49) Approaching a budget surplus

(16:38) Approaching a budget deficit

(21:42) Handling that guy in the business meeting

(24:22) Final words

Find all our resources online

Contact us

Support the work of the ministry through a tax-deductible financial contribution.

(1:31) Biblical Foundations for faithfully leading.

(5:45) Lording in secular vocations versus in the Church.

(8:42) When the pulpit turns into a plat1form.

(11:30) The need of a tender conscience.

(13:41) Acknowledging the reality of the Chief-Shepherd.

(18:40) The blessing of plurality.

(24:00) The importance of relational collateral

Contact us if we can serve you

Find many other resources like this one on practicalshepherding.com

Support us financially with a tax deductible gift

(2:00) The details of Jim’s Sabbatical

(08:15) Timeframe of unplugging during your sabbatical

(15:05) What was your sabbatical routine?

(17:53) How did you refresh physically?

(24:22) How did you refresh mentally and emotionally?

(26:12) How did the Lord meet you in your rest?

(29:30) Would you encourage others to take a sabbatical?

Contact us if we can serve you

Find many other resources like this one on practicalshepherding.com

Support us financially with a tax deductible gift

(2:30) Continued blessings of the difficult early days

(09:50) Pastoral fathering and mentoring

(15:20) Helping pastors sustain a long ministry

(21:00) Pastoral self-care

(25:06) What one piece of advice would you give for pastors to care for their family

(28:03) The benefit of podcasting for pastors

(31:33) Current projects and Do you enjoy writing?

(35:28) Ways to pray for the Martins

Contact us if we can serve you

Find many other resources like this one on practicalshepherding.com

Support us financially with a tax deductible gift

(1:45) Ministry and personal endeavors

(4:45) Conversion and call to ministry

(8:08) Involvement in music industry

(9:10) Rootedness and being known by faithful men

(14:00) The benefits of music background for shepherding

(15:40) Schooling and seminary training

(16:55) Transitioning to pastoral ministry

(24:02) From music ministry in SoCal to planting in the midwest

(33:00) Have conversations with faithful men about ministry calling

(34:10) Final words

Resources online at practicalshepherding.com

Contact us on ways we can serve you

Book resource: Caring for Widows

Book resource: Conduct Gospel-Centered Funerals

(02:21) Biblical Foundation for caring for those who are dying

(06:22) Why caring for dying people is the heart of the pastor’s ministry

(11:50) Practical ways to shepherd those who are dying

(23:00) Final words

Show notes:

Support the ministry of Practical Shepherding with a financial donation

Contact us with ways we can serve you

(02:55) Biblical understanding of the weightiness of work

(09:15) You are where you are because you are human

(12:00) The need for outside help

(14:50) Practical ways to survive and thrive in ministry

Find resources to serve you in the trenches of ministry

Contact us if we can serve you in any way

Support the work of the ministry with a financial gift

(2:15) The Biblical Understanding of Sabbath

(5:50) Defining Pastoral Sabbatical

(9:15) Deciding when to take a sabbatical

(18:00) What to do on a sabbatical

(24:00) Fears in taking a sabbatical

(27:50) Expecting God to meet with you

(30:55) Ways to Pray for Jim

Show notes:

Find more information and resources at Practicalshepherding.com

Contact us if we can serve you in any way

Support the work of the ministry with a financial gift

(02:20) Biblical Importance and Imperatives of Preaching 

(6:25) What do you do when you are scheduled to preach and you have nothing?

(10:00) Aspects of accepting the reality of not always feeling it.

(16:00) Assessing your spiritual state on preaching

(17:45) Final thoughts

Show notes:

Find more information and resources at Practicalshepherding.com

Contact us if we can serve you in any way

Support the work of the ministry with a financial gift

(00:35) Pastoral Mentors and the need for spiritual fathers 

(6:05) The role and importance of pastoral mentors

(12:15) Shepherd the flock of God that is AMONG YOU

(13:45) Joys of shepherding the flock

(25:05) Discouraging aspects of shepherding the flock

(29:45) Advice for all pastors

(33:45) Ways to pray for Doug

Show notes:

Find more information and resources at Practicalshepherding.com

Contact us if we can serve you in any way

Support the work of the ministry with a financial gift

(02:10) Doug Logan Introduction

(6:25) Replanting and a small view of pastoring

(12:43) The need for training through a planting residency

(17:02) Planting and robustly theological ministry

(24:30) Coming to Acts 29 and the vision to strengthen pastors and churches

(31:00) Grimke Seminary and resourcing urban churches

Find out more about Grimke Seminary

Find resources on Practically Trained

Financially support the work of the ministry

Explore Practical Shepherding Women’s Ministry

(01:12) Introductory Information

(02:52) Biblical explanation of conversion and a credible profession of faith

(6:00) How to discern wounded sheep or wolves in sheep’s clothing?

(8:20) Root issues in conversion

(13:00) Affections are more important than words

(17:15) Fruits to evaluate conversion

(25:07) Final words

Find resources on Practically Trained

Financially support the work of the ministry

(2:25) Biblical understanding

(9:55) When should a church not support a pastor fully

(16:30) Getting creative and setting a plan

(19:50) “If you paid us what we’re worth you couldn’t afford us.”

(21:25) If you aren’t supported by your church should you leave?

(24:00) The things you are called to

(28:42) Practical Counsel: Should I stay or should I go?

Find resources from the ministry online

Find resources on Practically Trained

Financially support the work of the ministry

(3:02) Biblical understanding for disagreements among pastors

(6:32) Don’t pursue “yes men”: the importance of parody within the pastorate

(12:22) Importance of consensus in leadership decisions

(14:38) Importance of consensus in church discipline situations

(16:02) Importance of consensus in affirmation of primary doctrines

(19:38) Disagreements surrounding COVID-19 and health and safety precautions

(25:45) Disagreements on building projects and budget planning

(26:40) Disagreements where Pastors will not budge or accommodate, and one (or many) pastors need to step down

(30:16) Amount of congregational disclosure surrounding disagreements

Show Notes:

Leave us a Review

Visit practicalshepherding.com

Support the Ministry of Practical Shepherding

(1:54) Biblical Foundations

(8:28) Shepherd the flock that is among you

(13:15) Personal examples of confronting and avoiding

(21:10) Issues in culture that will require addressing

Show Notes:

Leave us a Review

Visit practicalshepherding.com

Support the Ministry of Practical Shepherding

(2:40) Biblical Foundation for Ministry

(8:51) Legitimate reasons to leave the church

(16:28) Leaving when the church won’t feed on the Word

(18:32) Leaving when the church won’t grow

(20:19) Leaving when the pastor missed his gifting

(23:49) Leaving when the church is financially burdening our family

(29:40) Leaving when you are mentally broken

Show Notes:

Leave us a Review

Support the Ministry of Practical Shepherding

Visit practicalshepherding.com

(2:04) Defining Plagiarism

(2:20) Biblical Foundation

(7:08) Brian and Jim’s background of sermon preparation

(12:10) How should pastors think about laboring in sermon preparation and delivery

(15:42) Using another’s work with and without attribution

(23:41) Practical steps to avoid plagiarism

Show Notes:

Leave us a Review

Support the Ministry of Practical Shepherding

Visit practicalshepherding.com

(2:11) Biblical Foundation: Determine Conviction vs. Carnality

(5:30) How to handle a situation where disappointment exists between paid staff

(11:55) Authority’s role in disagreement and disappointment

(14:45) How to handle disagreements among staff members

(22:00) The importance of relationship to curb disappointment and disagreement

(23:55) Differences can exist and not cause divisiveness

(27:38) Plurality means listening to your other elder/pastors

Show Notes:

Leave us a Review

Support the Ministry of Practical Shepherding

Visit the website

Contact us

(1:10) An Update from Jim Savastio

(5:15) An Update from Brian Croft

(10:53) Providing or concealing preaching yourself

(17:33) Biblical examples of using [and lacking] autobiography

(22:20) Preaching the text that in itself shares about your own life

Show Notes:

Leave us a Review

Support the Ministry of Practical Shepherding

Visit the website

Contact us

(2:18) Defining Paid, Bi-vocational, and Lay Pastor

(7:35) Expectations of time and commitment of a Lay-Pastor

(13:22) Make the effort (and accommodate) to bring the Bi-Vocational or Lay Pastors into the work

(16:15) How do you help Lay Pastors allocate their time most effectively

(21:10) Final words

Show Notes:

Leave us a Review

Visit the website

Contact us

(02:05) Biblical foundation for shepherding single mothers

(06:11) Counseling and caring for mothers who are abandoned

(10:52) Meeting needs creatively when resources are sparse

(15:05) Asking wise questions to see how you can serve them individually

(18:00) Caring for single dads in the church

(20:09) Counseling single parents who have endured trauma

(23:36) Helping members remarry

(27:30) When a teen has a child and becomes a single mother

Show Notes:

Leave us a Review

Visit the website

Contact us

(02:35) Biblical Background: Self control and a time for everything

(07:15) Serious men conveying a serious message

(08:05) Laughter, good for the soul

(09:41) Intentional vs. Unintentional humor

(16:00) What humor can do in your preaching

(22:17) Final words

Show Notes:

Leave us a Review

Support the Ministry

Visit the contact Page

(02:10) The Biblical Foundation of Shepherding and Family Care

(07:05) Death and other situations that would cause you to return from your family vacation

(14:23) Recognizing the difference between being a solo pastor or serving among a plurality

(16:29) Coming back when the flock is in imminent danger of wolves

(21:27) Potentially postponing a vacation due to the passing of a member

(26:55) Prepare other men to serve and lead when you’re gone

Show Notes:

Leave us a Review

practicalshepherding.com

10ofthose publishing

Visit the contact Page

(04:25) New Testament examples of Pastoral Fellowship

(7:55) The 4 Requirements for partnership

(13:20) Differences can be beneficial

(17:10) Benefits from Pastoral Fellowships

(23:22) The Format of the Fellowship

(28:00) The content of the Fellowship

Resources on Pastoral Fellowship

Leave us a Review

practicalshepherding.com

Visit the contact Page

(01:36) The biblical reality of being members of the body

(5:59) Peculiar difficulties pastors face with friendship in the church

(11:01) The best place for pastors to look for friendships in the church

(16:15) When friendship is sought with an agenda

(20:45) Tips to pursue friendships in the church

Show Notes:

Leave us a Review

practicalshepherding.com

Visit the contact Page

(01:04) Jim’s story of weakness

(05:45) How God works in weakness

(09:17) Embracing weakness in Ministry

(16:43) You only get one body

(20:01) Seeking support in weakness

(24:08) Setting up support for your times of weakness

Leave us a Review wherever you listen to podcasts

Visit the contact Page

(02:09) Biblical Framework

(09:45) Preparing to safeguard your church

(13:35) Thoughts on NDA's

(17:30) Insurance coverage

(19:45) The usefulness of legal counsel

(25:00) Policies to Protect

(30:33) Final word

Show Notes:

Donate Page

(1:36) Managing Expectations as a Pastor

(4:45) Handling texts that talk about Pastors

(7:00) Explaining what a pastor is to children

(8:20) Where to start

(13:30) Resetting existing expectations

(17:30) The importance of expectations being biblical

(22:00) Going above expectations to provide care for the flock

(26:10) Biblical understanding of roles serves the church

Show Notes:

Resources

Contact Us

(2:41) Biblical Foundation of Actual Guilt and False Guilt

(7:20) The Idol of work and the fear of Laziness

(9:13) The Place of Guilt in not Resting

(11:18) Self-awareness in acknowledging guilt and not resting

(17:15) Mental and practical considerations to confronting guilt and pursuing rest

(21:55) Confronting a misinformed conscience and misplaced guilt

(23:42) Being misled about rest and work by other examples

(24:30) Practical pursuits to develop systems for rest

Articles on Sabbaticals and Rest

The Pastor’s Soul by Brian Croft and Jim Savastio

Show Notes:

Resources

Contact Us

(1:35) Biblical background for Sheep who are a blessing

(5:44) Balancing blessings and burdens in Pastoral Ministry

(9:45) Sheep are individuals and you should enjoy that

(11:25) Characteristics of sheep who are a blessing

(16:20) Identifying beloved sheep

(18:45) Practical ways to celebrate these members

(23:38) Don’t avoid the discouraging ones

Show Notes:

Contact us

Visit the “Donut” page

(3:22) Scripture’s Silence in the specifics, but speaks to wisdom, training, and gifting

(7:48) Jim and Brian’s formal theological training

(12:25) Assessing the call and gifting to [more] writing or training

(16:16) The motivation to [more] writing or formal training

(23:30) Discerning the differences in degrees and how they will help

(27:00) The importance of faithful ministry

Show Notes:

Find helpful resources on this and more

Support the ministry through a tax-deductible donation

(2:11) Biblical Foundation of spiritual fruit

(7:10) COVID, the least important time to evaluate based on numerical growth

(9:08) Spiritual Growth and how to see it

(14:45) Measurables: peace, empathy, fear of God, fighting sin, etc.

(18:25) How is the Lord at work in your church, Jim?

(22:40) Ways Brian has seen the Lord work in the Church.

(25:25) Pastor, be encouraged.

Show Notes:

Visit Practicalshepherding.com

(1:40) Biblical Foundation of Ministry

(6:29) Exercising oversight in the church

(8:05) Sufficiency of Scripture

(9:45) Reporting and Priority of Finances

(13:32) Orderly administration within local churches

(16:15) Presenting well through a creative website, a clean building, and welcoming greeters

(19:48) Pursue excellence, but trust the word of God to build the church

(22:55) Advocating for biblical leadership

Oversee God’s People

Show Notes:

Help Financially Support the Ministry

Contact Us

(03:22) The greater the influence the greater potential for harm

(04:35) Biblical foundation for keeping watch over yourself and ministry

(10:27) Creating safeguards in ministry

(15:35) The importance of pastoral friendship

(20:25) Red flags for ministry: lack of pastoral friendship, desiring to build the “brand” or church on yourself, ability in leading a secret life

Show Notes:

00:40 Practically Trained

(01:00) Contact Us

(01:53) Importance of the Preacher

(04:27) Importance of Individualism

(10:00) The value in resembling faithful men

(11:55) The good desires

(14:50) Beware of the similarities in style

(19:10) God does extraordinary things through ordinary men and ordinary means

Show Notes:

Give us a review on iTunes or Spotify

Explore Content on practicalshepherding.com and contact us if we can serve you in any way

(2:00) The biblical foundation of expectations versus reality

(5:55) Anger and Guilt as a good thing

(8:00) A third and better way: Lament.

(13:15) When you don’t lament you grow in bitterness, anger, and guilt

(18:08) Difference between condemnation and conviction

(19:00) Deal with your guilt congregationally

Please reach out to us.

Show Notes:

Give us a review on iTunes or Spotify

Explore Content on practicalshepherding.com and contact us if we can serve you in any way

(1:45) Shepherds after my own heart

(8:49) The regular connection with your members

(16:15) Creative ways to regularly connect with your members

(21:27) Be encouraged by your own human limitations

Show Notes:

Give us a review on iTunes or Spotify

Contact us and let us know how we can serve you

(2:37) Biblical Foundation and Theological Considerations

(6:40) Weeping with those who weep, and enduring

(10:45) What I should be doing, and what I am

(13:18) Overwhelmed because we are limited

(14:10) Confessions from withdrawing in pastoral ministry

(17:41) Becoming obsessed with the care of shepherding

(18:53) Casting your cares on Christ and finding someone to help bear these burdens

(21:08) Growing comfortable with sorrow and lament

Show Notes:

Give us a review on iTunes or Spotify

Visit practicalshepherding.com

(1:55) Introductory Theological and Historical considerations

(5:50) Don’t lower your expectations of the Word of God

(7:30) The example of Jesus

(11:20) Fighting for patience, contentment, and biblical expectations

(15:40) Ministry hardships are to be expected

(17:20) Remember that church members will sin

(21:00) Some of these things will be learned only after 15-years of ministry

(22:19) Final Thoughts

Show Notes:

Give us a review on iTunes or Spotify

Contact us

(3:10) An atmosphere of Transcendence or Immanence

(5:55) A caution against a theatrical environment

(8:40) Intentionally, not reactionary, setting the atmosphere

(13:15) Accomplishing a purpose in corporate worship through the environment

(17:38) A pulpit and dress that hides the preacher and directs the church Godward

(22:55) Many benefits to the casual atmosphere of churches

(24:00) A generation seeking rich history and a high church experience

(25:30) Pastors with a weighty message of eternal realities

(27:45) Authority vs. Authoritative

(29:20) Final Words

Show Notes:

Support the Ministry with an end of the year gift

Give us a review on iTunes or Spotify

(2:30) Understand that you are human

(3:55) Addressing anger, bitterness, and hurt surrounding a firing

(5:50) The adversaries and the way they affect you as a human being

(7:10) A time for healing before re-entering

(9:05) Months not weeks, and months not years

(13:40) A general rule of 6-24 months

(18:20) What to do when you are in a tough decision at your church

Contact us

Show Notes:

Support the Ministry with an end of the year gift

Give us a review on iTunes or Spotify

(3:07) The importance of a Church’s confession of faith

(7:00) First-tier doctrines and theological triage

(8:07) Doctrinal Distinctions within Statements of Faith

(12:50) How much agreement should there be to pastor a local church?

(18:30) Making it clear where you stand and how it differs from the church

(21:00) Your goal in Pastoral Ministry

(23:20) Final words

Show Notes:

Support the Ministry with an end of the year gift

Give us a review on iTunes or Spotify

(2:08) The biblical foundation for pressures in preaching

(5:01) In season and out of season

(8:45) Exposing the text, not imposing on the text, the context of the season?

(10:15) The healthy pressure in preaching

(13:12) Identifying the underlying and self-imposed pressure

(17:15) The unholy pressure of performance

(20:40) How to preach the same sermons through a different angle of the diamond

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

Show Notes:

Register for the Replant Cohort

Find us on iTunes or Spotify

(2:08) No Creed but the Bible and the importance of definitions

(5:50) A Definition of Each

(7:40) Who is the constitution for?

(15:10) Items that go into a constitution

(25:00) Helpful ways to use a church covenant

(28:00) Final Thoughts

Show Notes:

Support the Ministry

Find us on iTunes or Spotify

(2:38) Discerning wrong or right Criticism

(5:35) A Biblical Example from the book of James and 1 Timothy

(7:30) Are they a sheep or a wolf? An important distinction.

(11:00) Is what you’re receiving helpful Criticism or hateful Enmity?

(16:55) How do you address needing the congregation’s grace in making tough decisions?

(22:00) How do you discern when individual criticism turns to congregational division?

(23:55) Rejoice when criticism is brought to you.

Show Notes:

Support the Ministry

Find us on iTunes or Spotify

(1:41) The Biblical Foundation of the Fear of Man

( 9:30) Wisdom in awareness yet not being afraid

(11:00) How does the fear of man flesh itself out?

(14:40) The gift of expositional preaching

(22:10) Practical steps to combat the fear of man

Show Notes:

Find us on iTunes or Spotify

Contact us and Recommend a Podcast Topic

(2:20) Biblical Foundation for Leading during an Election Year

(5:00) Bring an eternal mindset to civics, politics, and all things.

(10:11) differences within evangelicalism (and our churches) when it comes to politics and social issues?

(14:30) Prepare and encourage your congregation

(16:15) Important issues in a political (and biblical) platform

(26:00) Hope in God

(27:45) Final words

Show Notes:

Find us on iTunes

(3:15) The Biblical understanding of apostacy

(6:45) The Pastoral responsibility to shepherd each soul

(11:00) The necessity of the Christian connected to the Church

(19:00) Should you discipline the member who doesn’t want to be pursued

(23:45) Final words and Prayer

Show Notes:

Support the Ministry

(2:25) The desire for a multigenerational church

(10:55) Living life with them

(13:00) The power of the Word and the one who brings it

(17:00) Paul’s three-fold exhortation

(19:15) An older shepherd with younger a flock

(22:22) Unique joys of shepherding

Show Notes:

Visit us at practicalshepherding.com

Please leave a review on iTunes or Spotify

(1:30) an Issue of Biblical Sufficiency

(5:20) The essentials and the circumstances of worship

(19:30) How should pastors plan for the next 6-months?

(26:40) Thinking creatively about new ministry

Find us on iTunes or Spotify.

Contact us.

Support the Ministry.

(5:15) They should feel confident in your competence to handle their trouble in a biblical way

(5:50) This is cultivated by a healthy relationship and established trust between members and their pastor

(7:45) Don’t wait for them to come to you, go to them

(9:10) Lloyd-Jones “could assess better through question and answer than by a stethoscope”

(10:30) Not sharing details from pastoral conversations from the pulpit, but sharing personal vulnerability

(12:15) Be inviting but not pushy

(17:00) How to create this culture so that it trickles down to the congregation

Show Notes:

2021 Replant Cohort Registration

Contact us

(2:45) Biblical Understanding of corporate Prayer

(10:45) Pay attention to prayer

(11:30) Prayer as more than a transition

(14:00) Paul’s example of prayers

(16:30) “Preaching” prayers

(18:50) Gathered Worship and the “Pastoral” Prayer

(26:00) Teaching the congregation how to pray

(32:00) Praying as not to overwhelm

Find us on iTunes

FREE 40-Week 2021 Replant Cohort Application

Brian’s Transition Announcement

(7:30) Avoiding the typical transition

(9:00) A proper and biblical ecclesiology

(11:50) Prepare to leave long before you leave

(25:25) Make sure there are other pastors to faithfully shepherd

(26:15) What if you feel you cannot leave?

(28:30) Should I stay or should I go?

(00:30) Write a review on iTunes

(2:30) We keep them poor and God will keep them humble

(6:45) Negative examples of higher pay for ministers

(11:00) Being mindful in our contexts and callings

(18:30) Pastors wrestling through financial issues with their church

(21:00) Final words and wisdom on these things

Show Notes:

Find us on iTunes

Support the ministry of Practical Shepherding

(1:52) Biblical Texts that inform our social media use

(5:18) Blessings of Social Media

(23:40) Curses of Social Media

(28:30) Final Thoughts

Show Notes:

(3:25) Major milestones in members lives.

(5:45) The unique cycle of a long pastorate.

(7:20) Front row seat to the power of conversion.

(9:00) The two weights in preaching.

(10:45) Seeing those trained for and sent out for ministry.

(12:00) Changed by the Word.

(14:45) Seeing the congregation love one another well.

(17:00) Pastoral Mentors and friends.

(19:00) Friendships with older members.

(20:15) Joy of studying the Word for “work”.

Find us on iTunes

Support the ministry through a financial donation.

(2:00) Biblical Framework for Church Membership.

(5:42) Sheep of the fold vs. sheep outside the fold.

(7:15) Will a pastor give an account for non-members?

(9:15) How do you talk to non-members about their status within the church?

(14:30) The application of Hebrews 13 to non-members.

(21:55) Final word.

Show Notes:

Find us on iTunes

Contact us

(2:15) Scriptural Basis

(10:00) Concerns about contentious discourse within a local church

(12:00) Sharing your opinion on these matters within the local church

(16:45) Mediating contentious views

(21:00) Faithfully addressing contention publicly

(29:15) How to navigate when the contention spills into your own backyard

(33:30) What are pastors called to do?

Find us on iTunes

Support the ministry of Practical Shepherding

(2:30) The fulfillment of the Great Commission

(5:30) Reactive church planting

(7:25) Proactive church planting

(11:15) Encouraging your members to support planting

(16:00) Determining the spiritual need in a geographical location

(22:00) Practical steps to identifying locations for planting

(25:25) Why not to plant a church

(1:30) Biblical foundation for reading well.

(4:15) Categories of reading: devotional, theological, commentaries, and ecclesiology.

(5:45) Books on Pastoral Ministry

(9:36) Books on Preaching

(11:15) Devotional Books

(14:20) Pastoral Biographies

(17:32) Systematic Theologies

(22:20) Ecclesiology

(25:48) Should a pastor buy a commentary set or single volumes?

Support the Ministry through a financial donation

(2:00) Historical and Biblical support for plurality of Elders.

(4:30) Practical benefit of plurality of Elders

(7:40) Which comes first raising up Elders or moving to the process of having an Elder-led polity?

(14:05) How do you identify Elders within your congregation?

(17:00) How do you intentionally raise up men to be Elders?

(20:35) How not to raise up Elders

(30:00) What 3 qualities does Brian look for in an Elder?

Show Notes:

Find us on iTunes

(2:30) Intitial Thoughts on how to handle the business of the church

(4:00) What do you know vs. what are you supposed to do?

(7:00) Is making a transition a wise decision?

(10:15) Can you begin to shepherd and establish a relationship with a new church in the midst of a pandemic?

(13:00) Should a church proceed with calling a pastor in the midst of a pandemic?

(15:45) Should you leave a church in the midst of a pandemic?

(17:45) Is the financial situation of the new church an important aspect to know?

(20:00) Pastors Salary Podcast from 2017.

(20:30) Final words of encouragement

Show Notes:

Contact us

(2:10) Biblical Foundation for this conversation.

(6:20) Be careful to not speak of things we cannot speak on with certainty

(7:45) How do we shepherd members in their social media usage?

(12:25) How do we do marriage counseling?

(19:00) How do we proceed with widow care?

(23:00) How do you conduct a funeral in this time?

(25:15) How do yo proceed with Summer plans?

(26:55) What about the Lord’s Supper?

(27:30) What about church discipline?

(30:00) What do you do if you are in a ministry transition?

(34:00) How do you keep your schedule consitent when nothing seems consistent?

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?

How do you drive your church toward true and authentic community in your church? What does that mean and how do you show that to your church? Do you have to have small groups to cultivate this community? Are large events anithetical to authentic community?

What does it mean to be productive as a pastor? How do we define productivity? Does productivity follow to closely to the business world? How is productivity for a pastor different than for a business leader?

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?

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

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?

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio discuss these questions in this episode of Trench Talk.

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? Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer on this episode of Trench Talk.

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?

Resources mentioned in this episode.

Prepare them To Shepherd by Brian Croft

Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch

Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever

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.

How 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?

Is premarital counseling a biblical requirement? What should a pastors primary goal be when providing biblical premarital counseling to church members? Should a pastor require premarital counseling for couples under his care? What resources (other than the bible) do you take couples through?

All these issues are addressed by Brian Croft and Jim Savastio on this episode of Trenchtalk.

Why is Pastoral Ministry more draining than any other vocation? How do we fight through the fatigue that follows the Sunday gathering? Are there ways to identify a lack of sharpness of mind versus backsliding? Is the enemy scheming in these “blahs”? Am I neglecting caring for my own soul? How do I utilize my down time for rest?

Is it important to visit members in their homes? How frequently should I meet with them? Do in-home visits benefit my preaching ministry in any tangible way? What depth, if any, do these visits bring to my ministry? What principles do we see set forth in the scriptures? What does Puritan Pastor Richard Baxter have to say about this? How do I move from surface level to pastoral conversation? These questions are covered by Brian and Jim in this episode of Trench Talk.

How does the pastor approach the cultural expectations of weddings from a biblical perspective? Should a pastor be active or passive concerning a couple’s expectations for their wedding? In what cases should a wedding be regarded as a service of worship? What cultural elements are acceptable/unacceptable in a Christian wedding? Should a pastor conduct the wedding of two unbelievers? How long should a wedding sermon be? What music/songs are appropriate for a wedding ceremony? Should a pastor require couples whom he marries to undergo pre-marital counseling? Must a pastor agree to perform any marriage ceremony without exception? Should a church include guidelines in their constitution to regulate how marriages are conducted? Listen as Brian and Jim discuss these issues and more in this episode.

As pastors mature in ministry, how is it profitable to reflect on what advice they might give to their younger selves? What Scriptural warrant might a pastor have for such reflection? Does being in pastoral ministry increase one’s personal sanctification? How important is a pastor’s personal growth in sanctification? Should a pastor sweat the small stuff? How might a pastors understanding of believers being new creatures in Christ change over time? Why do seasoned pastors gradually learn to talk less and listen more? What is the hardest work of pastoral ministry? How does a pastor’s view of his family change over time? What might be the best advice a seasoned pastor could share with a younger pastor? Listen as Brian and Jim discuss these issues and more.

Are you a people-person type pastor who derives energy from connecting with and interacting with people? Why does silence make some pastors uneasy? Is the practice of silence and solitude a necessary discipline for pastors? How to noise and business affect the activity of our souls? How might a pastor practice the discipline of silence and solitude? Is there a one-size-fits-all approach to silence and solitude, or might there be various means of practicing these disciplines? What issues might a pastor wrestle with during times of silence and solitude? What might seasons of silence and solitude reveal about a pastor’s soul? Listen as Brian Croft and Al Pino discuss these issues and more on this episode.

Special guest Al Pino, Cuban-American pastor and church planter from South Florida, joins Brian in this episode. What is the church, and for what does the church exist? How does a pastor with a heart for missions plant a church in a diverse place like bustling, hustling Miami? What must a pastor/church-planter understand about himself? What role does pastoral gifting play in the work of church planting? Why do planting pastors have relatively short tenures in the churches they plant? What advice might an older church planter give to his younger self? Listen as Brian and Al discuss these issues and more in this episode.

Every pastor must think through the difficult topic of church discipline. What does Scripture say about the responsibility of the church to confront sin in its membership? Why is church discipline important in the life of the church? Who are the beneficiaries when church discipline is done well? How might a pastor introduce church discipline to a church that has never practiced church discipline? How might a pastor approach this issue slowly and deliberately so as to avoid shocking the church? Listen as Brian and Jim discuss these issue and more on this episode.

Does a pastor ever “arrive” in his preaching ministry? Should a pastor always progress in his competency to preach? What are some practical ways a preacher can grow in preaching competency? How might a pastor evaluate his own preaching? How might a pastor develop self-awareness in relation to his preaching? How might a pastor evaluate his preaching in relation to other preachers? Listen as Brian and Jim discuss these issues and more on this episode.

Why is membership important in the life of the church? What does Scripture say concerning church membership? How is membership in the local church defined? What commitments are requisite to church membership? What processes should a person be required to undergo before becoming a church member? How should a church address bloated membership rolls? Listen as Brian and Jim address these issues and more in this episode.

Benevolence is an issue every pastor will deal with in his ministry. How do we handle these issues in a manner that is biblical and honors Christ? How do we practice generosity and demonstrate mercy while avoiding being taken advantage of when dealing with benevolence issues? How do we make the distinction between needs and wants when practicing benevolence?

Listen as Brian Croft, Jim Savastio and special guest Denny Dillman discuss these issues and more in this episode.

Pastor, the hard work of church revitalization is a unique experience and battle ground. It can feel like you’re all alone. But the trials you face are not new. Faithful preachers throughout scriptures and church history have encountered hostility, apathy, and adversity, and continue to do so today. In this episode, Brian Croft, James Carroll and Jim Savastio discuss the intricacies of preaching in difficult environs.

Why is ministering to the fainthearted and weak so vital to faithful pastoral ministry? How do we define and identify the fainthearted and the weak? How might a pastor guard his mind in relation to his view of weak and fainthearted sheep? What are the pastor’s biblical responsibilities toward the weak and faint of heart? How might a pastor foster sensitivity to those who are weak and fainthearted? How, practically, does a pastor minister faithfully to the weak and fainthearted? How might a pastor avoid becoming fatigued in ministering to the weak?

Listen as Brian and Jim address this challenging aspect of faithful pastoral ministry.

Caring for widows and widowers is an area of pastoral ministry that is often neglected. How should we define widowhood? Why is this ministry necessary? What are some needs that are common with widows and widowers? How should pastors lead their churches care for widows and widowers? What are some practical ways pastors and churches can minister to widows and widowers? Listen as Brian and Jim address the particulars of faithful ministry to widows and widowers.

Do those who are sick have a reasonable, biblical expectation that their pastor should visit them? How can pastors take the initiative to faithfully minister to the sick in the hospital and the home? Why do some pastors neglect this pastoral duty? What are some consequences of pastors not visiting the sick? What are some specific, practical things a pastor should do when visiting the sick? What and how should a pastor pray when visiting the sick? Listen as Brian and Jim address this needed aspect of faithful pastoral ministry.

What does Scripture say about pastors receiving gifts? Should pastors exercise caution in receiving such gifts? What might be some issues a pastor should consider when a member offers him a gift? How should a pastor view such gifts? What should be the posture of the pastor’s heart in receiving individual gifts? Listen as Brian and Jim consider the implications and nuances of receiving gifts from individual church members.

What role does the pastor play in the church’s work of evangelism? What does Scripture say about the pastor in relation to the work of evangelism? How does pastoral evangelism relate to the church’s tendency toward apostasy? What does pastoral evangelism look like in the context of the local church and its surrounding community? How might evangelism affect the preaching ministry of a pastor? Listen as Brian and Jim address this oft-neglected aspect of pastoral ministry.