Trench Talk

Ep. 329: Preaching to the tender conscience 30.06.2026 34min

This Trench Talk episode explores how pastors can preach to tender consciences without abandoning strong, biblical exhortation. Brian Croft and Jim Savastio trace the trend toward harsh, “hammer” preaching, reflect on their own overreactions, and emphasize knowing the flock, balancing law and gospel, maintaining hope, and patiently trusting the Spirit—aiming to be both faithful and effective in pastoral ministry.

Ep. 328: Pastoral Attire with Kyle McClellan 23.06.2026

Brian Croft talks with pastor Kyle McClellan about his new book "Pastor, What Are You Wearing?", launching the Thriving Pastors series. They unpack why clergy attire matters, five guiding principles for what pastors wear, historical context, and practical wardrobe guidance.

Ep. 327: Ministering to Widows 16.06.2026

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio address the often-neglected ministry of caring for widows and widowers in the local church. Drawing from Psalm 68:5, James 1:27, 1 Timothy 5, Acts 6, and Job, they show God’s particular concern for the poor, orphan, and widow and the church’s responsibility to reflect that heart. They unpack physical, relational, and spiritual needs—from finances, housing, and practical help to deep loneliness, especially for widows, widowers, and pastors’ spouses who’ve lost their partner. The episode closes with practical ideas for pastors, deacons, and members to pursue intentional, relational care and a prayer that no widow or widower under their care would be neglected.

Ep. 326: Cultivating Vulnerability Among Elders 09.06.2026 31min

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio discuss how elders and ministry leaders can move beyond purely transactional meetings to relationships marked by honesty, accountability, and friendship. Working from Acts 20:28, they emphasize that pastors are sheep who need shepherding, not just shepherds of others. They explore tensions around vulnerability—especially for lead pastors—practical ways to structure elder meetings for soul care, appropriate public transparency, and how to cultivate a culture of grace where leaders can share real struggles without fear.

Ep. 325: Pastors Staying too Long 02.06.2026 34min

This episode of Trench Talk explores the question, “Can a pastor stay too long?” Brian Croft and Jim Savastio contrast the common problem of pastors leaving too soon with the less-discussed danger of overstaying. Drawing from Acts 20, 2 Timothy 4, and 1 Corinthians 16, they discuss ministry “expiration dates,” age and infirmity, loss of effectiveness, identity issues, succession planning, and the need for honest voices around a pastor. They conclude that faithfulness—not longevity—is the true measure of finishing well.

Ep. 324: Remembering our Ministry Mentors 19.05.2026 39min

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio reflect on the life and legacy of Pastor Al Martin and other pastoral mentors who shaped their ministries. Jim shares biographical highlights and vivid stories of Martin’s preaching, pastoral heart, and emphasis on a holy, text‑driven ministry. Brian recalls lessons from his mentor Jackson Boyett, especially loving people well and spiritual fatherhood. Together they urge pastors to seek older mentors, invest in younger men, and carry on a legacy of faithful, intergenerational shepherding.

Ep. 323: When a Church Doesn’t Revitalize 12.05.2026 46min

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio interview Sean Corser about his five-year attempt to revitalize a declining church in Louisville. Sean recounts arriving to very few members and limited finances, seeing encouraging signs of life—new families, children, community outreach—while also facing entrenched control, behind‑the‑scenes scheming, and a public conflict in a business meeting. They walk through the painful discipline process, Sean’s eventual resignation, its toll on his family, and the lessons he learned about suffering, calling, and God’s providence in “unresolved” revitalizations. Enjoy this episode of Trench Talk.

Ep. 322: Pastors Leading Through National Holidays 21.04.2026 33min

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio discuss how pastors navigate church calendars alongside national and “Hallmark” holidays. They contrast regulative vs. normative principles of worship, and explore the place of tradition, sharing concrete stories about July 4th, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Mother’s Day. They emphasize acknowledging cultural expectations without letting them dominate the Lord’s Day, and argue that pastors should prioritize pastoral care and biblical focus over personal preference when handling holiday-related pressures.

Ep. 321: When it’s Hard To Love Certain People 14.04.2026 36min

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio discuss what pastors should do when it’s hard to love certain people in their churches. Starting from the biblical ideal of loving all the flock (1 Thessalonians 2), they distinguish wounded sheep from wolves and explore a spectrum from minor criticism to deep personal wounds. They also address bitterness, identity in Christ, and how physical and emotional stress show up in the body. Enjoy this episode of Trench Talk!

Ep. 320: Life Giving Activities for Pastors 31.03.2026 35min

In this episode of Trench Talk Brian Croft and Jim Savastio explore “life-giving activities” pastors need to sustain long-term perseverance and joy in ministry. They define life-giving as people, places, and things that refresh the soul beyond spiritual disciplines—family, grateful friends, quiet retreats, coffee shops, mountains, travel, hobbies like gardening or cooking, and the joy of helping others. They ground the conversation biblically (Elijah, Psalm 23, Matthew 14, Sabbath), warn against guilt-driven overwork, and urge pastors to notice recurring anxieties, cultivate restful rhythms, and prioritize joyful refreshment to prevent burnout and increase ministerial effectiveness. The episode closes with a pastoral prayer.

Ep. 319: The Unhurried Pastor Revisited with Ronnie Martin 24.03.2026 33min

Brian Croft interviews Ronnie Martin about life changes, ministry, and their book The Unhurried Pastor. Ronnie discusses relocating, his full-time role with Harbor Network, recent devotional and music projects, and a new podcast. They reflect on why they wrote the book and how it’s sparked conversations about slowing, pastoral pacing, and caregiver renewal. Practical applications include training events, preaching from Matthew 14, cultivating waiting, listening to bodily cues, and encouraging curiosity about recurring anxieties. The episode closes with a prayer for pastors’ renewal and sustained, joy-filled ministry.

Ep. 318: Different Approaches to Discipleship 17.03.2026 34min

In this episode, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio tackle one of the most pressing questions for pastors and church leaders: how should we actually do discipleship? They walk through Scripture’s foundations, then contrast public preaching, midweek prayer meetings, small/community groups, and organic, life-on-life relationships in the home. Jim makes a passionate case for corporate prayer as a “Declaration of Dependence,” while Brian shares honest stories about hospitality, capacity, and even mistakes that burned out his family. If you’re wrestling with small groups vs. prayer meetings—or simply wanting more intentional discipleship—this conversation will clarify, challenge, and deeply encourage you.

Ep. 317: Doctrinal differences with a pastor and church 03.03.2026 34min

In this episode, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio offer a deeply pastoral roadmap for handling ministry and theological differences without blowing up a congregation. They unpack key biblical texts, the importance of building trust through careful exegesis and personal care, and how to navigate seasons when your own convictions change over time. If you’re pastoring an existing church—or hope to—this conversation will steady your heart and sharpen your approach.

Ep. 316: When elders disagree with each other 24.02.2026 29min

When biblically qualified elders strongly disagree, how can they move forward without splitting a church? In this episode of Trench Talk, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio unpack a realistic, hope-filled framework for handling conflict among pastors and leaders. They walk through which decisions must be unanimous, when majority rule is appropriate, how to help younger or quieter elders speak up, and why trust and friendship are often the “missing piece” in tense seasons. If you’re a pastor, elder, deacon, or lay leader wrestling with hard decisions and differing convictions, this conversation offers both biblical clarity and deeply practical help.

Ep. 315: Older women caring for younger women 17.02.2026 34min

Titus 2 gives one of the clearest, most countercultural pictures of how a healthy church actually works—and this episode unpacks it with refreshing honesty. Brian Croft and Jim Savastio explore how older and younger believers, especially women, are called to walk together in real, relational discipleship. They address hard questions about singleness, working outside the home, and the often-overlooked ministry of older women. Pastors will be challenged to truly shepherd the women in their congregations, and every listener will see afresh how the gospel fuels intergenerational mentoring that helps whole churches flourish.

Ep. 314: Introducing the Seasoned Pastor Collective 10.02.2026 34min

In this episode of Trench Talk, Brian Croft, Jim Savastio, and Larry Riley announce the launch of the Seasoned Pastor Collective—a new Practical Shepherding initiative mobilizing older and retired pastors to mentor younger men. Rooted in 2 Timothy 2:2 and Paul’s example in Acts 20, they share powerful stories of the mentors who shaped them, the painful cost of going without such guidance, and the quiet crisis of lonely, isolated pastors. If you’re a pastor longing for a spiritual father—or a seasoned shepherd wondering if your race is really done—this conversation will challenge, comfort, and reawaken your calling.

Ep. 313: Pastors Caring for Younger Men 03.02.2026 33min

In this episode of Trench Talk, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio tackle one of the most urgent pastoral issues of our time: how to care for younger men in a culture of fatherlessness, digital unreality, and a growing crisis of masculinity. Drawing from Titus 2 and other key Scriptures, they unpack why Paul gives young men just one command—sober-mindedness—and how that single virtue touches sexuality, work ethic, relationships, and long-term faithfulness. With pastoral honesty, practical stories, and concrete ideas for mentoring, this conversation will challenge and equip pastors, parents, and church leaders to intentionally disciple the young men in their care. Enjoy this new episode of Trench Talk

Ep. 312: Pastors Caring for Older Men 27.01.2026 31min

Don’t miss this episode of Practical Shepherding’s Trench Talk! Brian Croft and Jim Savastio dive deep into Titus 2 and the vital, often-overlooked care of older men within the church. Learn practical strategies for young pastors, explore the “crisis of masculinity,” and gain actionable insight into intentional intergenerational mentoring. With wisdom, compassion, and honesty, the hosts examine challenges, share real-life experiences, and offer hope for thriving multi-generational churches. This episode is packed with encouragement, biblical grounding, and creative solutions—empowering every listener, pastor, or church member to value and invest in the older men in their community.

Ep. 311: Cultivating Friendships 20.01.2026 32min

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio discuss the topic of Christian friendship in this episode, emphasizing its significance, especially for pastors. They explore Biblical models like Jonathan and David, highlighting the value of companionship, trust, safety, and presence in true friendship. The conversation addresses why many men struggle to form deep bonds—cultural expectations, busyness, and superficial connections. The episode underscores that meaningful friendships require vulnerability, persistence, and investment. Enjoy this episode of Trench Talk.

Ep. 310: Mending broken relationships 13.01.2026 32min

In this episode of Trench Talk Brian and Jim discuss how pastors and churches can address and mend broken relationships. They emphasize that most church conflicts stem not from doctrine but from personal disappointments and unresolved hurts. The conversation explores biblical guidance for unity, referencing both Old and New Testament teachings, and offers practical advice for pastors—such as frequent preaching on love and reconciliation, strategic public prayer, encouraging the Lord’s Supper, and practicing sensitive mediation in disputes. They stress the importance of being proactive “stealthy peacemakers” while acknowledging that full reconciliation isn't always possible in this life. Enjoy this NEW episode of Trench Talk