Practical Shepherding

Helping pastors thrive.

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

When does long-term faithfulness become staying too long?

In this episode, @PastorCroft and @PSTrenchTalk tackle the rarely discussed problem of pastors who overstay their ministry, drawing on Acts 20, 2 Timothy 4, and 1 Corinthians 16.

They unpack warning signs, heart issues, and succession questions to help pastors, elders, and churches discern when it’s time to pass the baton—and why finishing well is about faithfulness, not just longevity.
https://t.co/6Mr05Xbfbg

[Brian Croft @PastorCroft]

Hope to see you Monday in Nashville, TN. @practicalsheph @NBAssociation

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

New Episode: “When a Church Doesn’t Revitalize”

What happens when you do everything you know to do in revitalization… and the church still doesn’t turn?

In this Trench Talk episode, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio interview Sean Corser about:

Starting with a few people and 9–12 months of runway
Seeing real fruit—new families, kids, community outreach
Facing entrenched control, scheming, and a public conflict
Walking through discipline, resignation, and family fallout
Why Sean can still say, “It’s worth it.”

🎧 Pastor, if you’re discouraged in a hard church or failed revitalization, this one is for you.

Listen now on your favorite podcast app and share it with a brother who’s wondering if it’s time to leave. https://t.co/UatEFKy6rw

[Brian Croft @PastorCroft]

Pastors, it’s Monday. Don’t resign.

Instead…

1) Drink some good coffee.
2) Lift something heavy.
3) Pray honestly.
4) Be Still and Silent.
5) Sit with a safe friend.

Bivocational pastors at your other job, apply these in your short breaks and lunch hour.

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

No new podcast for this week, so enjoy this past episode on the coalition of @AdvancingChurch where @PastorCroft , @newfoundsteve, and @spandlerdavison dive into the heart of (ATC).

This isn't just about another event; it’s about a shared vision for reaching the "hard places"—the marginalized, the rural, and the forgotten communities where the light of the gospel is needed most.

🎙️ In This Episode:
1️⃣ The Vision: Why three distinct ministries (Practical Shepherding, Mile One Mission, and 20Schemes) united.
2️⃣ A "Non-Conference": Why they are ditching the typical exhibitor-booth format for a relationship-driven ministry showcase.
3️⃣ Supporting the Core: A deep dive into training faithful women in ministry and providing holistic care for pastors.
https://t.co/A5GDvKQ4Qq

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

A city in decline often leaves clues. So does a church. 📉

1️⃣ Failure to adapt
2️⃣ Playing the blame game
3️⃣ Building on a weak foundation

Is your church facing these challenges? Discover how to pivot back to a Christ-centered foundation.
Full article here: https://t.co/HljpxUGmS0

[Brian Croft @PastorCroft]

I preached at Grace Baptist Church in Somerset, KY this morning where my good friends Todd and Michael pastor.

All set up for the pastor’s event here tomorrow. Got @ronniejmartin and @daneortlund books to giveaway to every pastor!

Pray for us tomorrow. @practicalsheph

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

If you’re a pastor or ministry leader in Utah make sure to join @PastorCroft for this important event!

[Brian Croft @PastorCroft]

Pastors in Utah! I hope to see you next weekend. Still time to register. @practicalsheph @churchinhardplc

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

Is your church’s "propeller" pushing you forward or acting as an anchor? ⚓️ vs 🚤

A church is driven by what it believes it can become. When we dream of the past, we get weighed down. When we dream of God’s future, we move forward.

Read more: What drives Your church? https://t.co/GbGtpjAoWh

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

What do you do when you’re desperate for a mentor, but the chair across from you is empty? ☕️🪑

Many pastors and missionaries feel like they’re running their race in total isolation. But as James McElrath shares, "no pastor need ever walk alone."

If you feel forgotten in the trenches, remember:

1⃣The First Mentors: God’s Word and Spirit provide the primary conviction and comfort we need.
2⃣Dead Mentors: We have a "cloud of witnesses" in the journals and letters of saints who ran the race before us.
3⃣Living Mentors: They may not find you—you might have to go looking.

Isolation is a choice, but mentorship is a provision of God's grace.

Read the full article: Where there is no Mentor https://t.co/nIwzeHdhpr

Suggested Tags: #PastoralMinistry #Mentorship #PracticalShepherding #Missions #ChurchLeadership

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

How do you handle cultural holidays without overshadowing the Gospel? 🎙️

In the latest Trench Talk, @PastorCroft and Jim discuss navigating the "sacred cows" of the church calendar—from Mother’s Day to July 4th.

Highlights:

🎶 Regulative vs. Normative worship
📅 Managing "Hallmark" expectations
🐏 Prioritizing pastoral care over personal preference
🥊 Stop the holiday tug-of-war and find a middle path.

🎧 Listen here: https://t.co/eKoC75Vvse

#PastoralMinistry #ChurchLeadership #TrenchTalk #Pastors

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

Why do thriving churches sometimes become shells of their former selves? 🏛️

Drawing parallels between urban decay and ministry stagnation, Drew Williquette explores three critical reasons for church decline—and how to find hope for renewal.

Read more on Practical Shepherding. https://t.co/HljpxUFP2s

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

What if your 'secular' job isn't a distraction from your ministry, but a divine appointment for it? 💼✨

For many, bi-vocational ministry feels like a fallback or a temporary stopgap. But Jeremy Cali argues it’s actually a strategic engine for church health and community reach.

As a practicing attorney and a pastor, Jeremy shares how staying embedded in the "secular" world provides. https://t.co/9WJTWsgF5O

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

Seminary teaches you how to parse the Greek text, but it doesn't teach you how to handle a 2:00 AM hospital call or a tense deacons meeting.

That’s where seasoned wisdom comes in.
https://t.co/bcK9tT1Rrb

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

As the seasons change, here is your reminder to mow your lawn. https://t.co/bEbKnMUNG8

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

Would love to see you there!

[Brian Croft @PastorCroft]

Join us Monday if you are near Morton, IL.

[Church in Hard Places @churchinhardplc]

Greetings from Ecuador! 🇪🇨 We just wrapped a Church in Hard Places intensive. These leaders have trained with us for two years, and now they’re equipped to advance the church in some of the most needy and challenging areas across the country.

🔗 https://t.co/x640zEKdQE

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

You won’t want to miss #Equip2026 September 10 & 11, 2026 in New Albany, IN.

Super Early Bird Rate ends tonight at midnight so register today!

https://t.co/Ihj4xQSmlT

[Practical Shepherding @practicalsheph]

New episode: “When It’s Hard to Love Certain People”

Pastors, what do you do when a church member’s criticism, personality, or past wounds make it really hard to love them?

In this Trench Talk episode, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio walk through:

The biblical call to love all the flock (no asterisks)
How to discern wounded sheep vs. wolves
Fighting bitterness with lament, Scripture, and honest friendships
Practical ways to deal with deep hurt and stress in ministry

🙏 Pastor, this one is for your heart.
Listen now on your favorite podcast app and share it with a fellow pastor who’s struggling quietly.

https://t.co/etH0eiXdFK

[Brian Croft @PastorCroft]

Come visit our headquarters in Louisville, KY. Spring is here. Would love to see you! @practicalsheph @pracshephesp @pracshepwomen @churchinhardplc