Trench Talk

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.

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.