Trench Talk

Show Notes:Explore our resourcesFind rest and retreat at one of the many Shepherd’s House locationsWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVisit the contact Page(03:34) Biblical understanding of overseeing the flock in counseling them(08:14) Important aspects of shepherding/engaging in this wayStay in your lane with the ministry of the WordThe ministry of [physical] presenceThe ministry of [emotional] presenceGeneral wisdom and discernmentListening 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

Pastors Brian Croft and Jim Savastio discuss the importance of pastors broadening their reading horizons beyond traditional genres like theology and devotional books. They recommend various genres including devotional, biographies, and classic works for pastors to enrich their understanding and inspire their pastoral work. The speakers also delve into the importance of reading honest biographies to avoid unrealistic comparisons and the benefits of pastors reading fiction to enhance communication skills and provide emotional stimulation.

Show Notes:Visit the contact PageRequest a stay at one of the 6 locations of The Shepherd’s HouseNew Resources: Pastoral Perseverance and The Unhurried PastorWrite 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 HouseVisit the contact PageNew Resources: Pastoral Perseverance and The Unhurried PastorWrite 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 HouseWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyVisit the contact PageNew 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 SpotifyExplore resources that help pastors thrive at practicalshepherding.comVisit the contact Page if we can serve you in any wayIf we’ve served you please consider a tax-deductible donationPurchase 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 Spotifypracticalshepherding.comVisit 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

What does Harbor Network do to care for pastors? What are common hardships that pastors are facing? How can pastors develop a resiliency to stay in a hard place? What words of encouragement do pastors need today? Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin address these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.

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 HouseIf you have a question or need encouragement contact us!Explore resources from our Women’s MinistryWrite 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