Trench Talk

Contact us. We’d love to serve you Request a stay at a Shepherd’s House Location Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify (01:30) The Listener Question: Topical to Expository (03:01) The Anchor Text: 2 Timothy 3-4 (05:08) The Case for Expository Preaching (07:56) Broad Exposure to the Whole Bible (09:02) Teaching People How to Read Their Bibles (10:19) Brian's Own Church: 70 Years of Topical Preaching (12:20) Start Short, Familiar, and Compelling (14:18) Larger Chunks, Shorter Series (16:49) "Why Are You Giving Us a Bible Study?" (18:28) The Band of Brothers Illustration (19:48) Sermon Length as the Hidden Variable (21:10) Simplicity, Spurgeon, and Ryle (22:43) Patience — A Multi-Year Horizon (25:19) Preacher and Congregation Growing Together (26:39) They're Being Patient With You, Too (27:30) Sprinkling Topical Sermons Back In (28:34) Don't Preach a Commentary — Point to Christ (30:02) Working on the Craft of Communication (31:37) Final word and Prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve you Give financially to support the wo rk of helping pastors thrive Find out more information about the Advancing the Church Conference. Write a review on Apple Po dcasts o r Spotify (01:15) Framing the topic: pastors, money, and the question of retirement (02:30) Biblical tension: trust God vs. plan wisely for the future (04:30) Providing for wives and widows; inheritance and 1 Timothy 5:8 (06:45) Calling, longevity in ministry, and the “20–25% who make it to retirement age” (08:30) Brian and Jim’s ages and seasons; Dr. Robert Smith Jr. on “I’m not retiring, I’m reassigned” (10:20) Longer lifespans, medical costs, and needing expert financial help (12:05) Life insurance amounts, caring for a likely-longer-lived wife, and Social Security decisions (14:10) Power of starting small: investing early (e.g., $100/month from age 30) (15:40) Split in the road: U.S. context vs. international context for pastors (16:50) Global realities: pastors in parsonages with no home, savings, or safety net (Philippines example) (18:00) Denominational support, pensions drying up, and intergenerational housing as a “retirement plan” (19:00) U.S. pastors: Social Security, basic salary packages, and lack of formal retirement accounts (20:45) Owning a home vs. long-term parsonage living; basic retirement practices for U.S. pastors (22:30) Medical costs, health-sharing programs, and the burden of healthcare in later life (24:10) Core exhortation: don’t punt on planning—life insurance, small retirement contributions, home ownership (26:00) International pastors: when retirement options are minimal, planning with children and family (27:00) Developing a life skill / bivocational trade to support long-term provision (28:00) Encouragement for bivocational pastors and challenges for older men without alternate skills (29:15) “Retirement” vs. “reassignment” in ministry callings (30:45) Jim’s distinction: calling to full-time pastoral work vs. continued service in other roles (32:10) Case study: seminary president planning to step down at 75, then feeling able to keep serving (33:30) Practical implications: stepping aside from paid role while freeing salary for younger men (34:30) Importance of planned transition before you “feel done” (Alistair Begg example; Brian’s own 60+ plan) (35:55) Final exhortations: have a plan; others are affected by your decisions (36:28) Closing prayer for wisdom in retirement and provision planning

Join us September 10-11 for the Advancing the Church Equip Conference! Contact us. We’d love to serve you Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify (02:09) Setting up the conversation—1 Thessalonians 5:14 and Categories in the Church (04:00) Metaphor: Buckets with Holes vs. Buckets with Solid Bottoms (07:19) Identifying the Weak, Faint‑Hearted, and Idle (09:01) Dangers of Ignoring or Being Consumed by Weak Sheep (11:16) When Investment Bears Fruit vs. Feels Wasted (14:21) Admonish, Encourage, Help – Three Pastoral Approaches (18:27) Setting Boundaries and Bringing Others into Care (21:50) Non‑Compliance, Coddling, and Loving Admonishment (25:08) Life‑Giving vs. Life‑Draining Meetings for Pastors (29:00) Distinguishing Truly Weak from Resistant and Bitter (31:24) Final Exhortations, Two Quotes from Mentors, and Closing Prayer

Purchase tickets to Equip 2026 using discount code: MSD50 to get 50% off ! (01:45) Coalition Ministries Introduced (Mile One, 20 Schemes, Church in Hard Places, Practical Shepherding) (04:00) Mile One Mission & Newfoundland Context (06:30) 20 Schemes: Church Planting & Revitalization in Scotland’s Schemes (08:30) Church in Hard Places: Global Training for Indigenous Leaders (11:00) Why a Coalition? Shared Theology, Hard Places, and Cooperation (13:10) What Makes This Conference Different (Equipping Focus & Non‑Celebrity Speakers) (15:00) Main Sessions in Titus: Building Robust Leadership Pipelines (17:00) Working Together Across Contexts: “Landing the Plane in Different Airfields” (19:00) Exhibitors & Partners: Curated Ministries, Not Vendor Hall (21:30) Equipping Tracks Overview: Church Planting, Revitalization, Missions (24:00) Biblical Counseling Track: Addiction, Abuse, and Local Church Care (26:00) Additional Tracks: Women, Men, and Expository Preaching (28:00) Pricing, Group Rates, and Discount Code: MSD50 (30:00) Friendship, Cooperation, and the Need for Pastoral Companionship (32:00) Invitation to Attend & Closing Prayer for the Conference

Contact us. We’d love to serve you Request a stay at a Shepherd’s H ou se Location Give financially to s upport the wo rk of helping pastors thrive Writ e a revie w on Apple Podcasts o r Spotify Find out more about the Adva ncin g the Church Equip Conference taking place September 10-11, 2026 in New Albany, IN. (01:45) Introducing Bethel Webb & Practical Shepherding Women (03:15) Bethel’s Background in the Philippines & Ministry Family (06:15) Call to Counseling & Move to Southern Seminary (08:15) Connecting with Kara Croft & Joining Practical Shepherding (10:25) Two Types of Pastors’ Wives (11:50) The Deep Struggle of Isolation for Pastors’ Wives (15:00) Finding a Place in the Church & Expectations (17:30) Cultural Differences in Expectations of Pastors’ Wives (19:15) Global Patterns & Unique Church Contexts (20:55) Three Pillars of the Women’s Ministry: Care, Content, Cohorts (23:00) Counseling, Writing, and Upcoming Book Studies (24:45) Global Cohorts & Safe Spaces for Pastors’ Wives (26:45) Mentoring Pastors’ Wives & Need for Seasoned Leaders (29:00) Challenges Facing Pastors’ Kids & Deconstruction (31:15) Giving PKs Freedom, Voice, and Honest Conversation (32:43) Final word and Prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve you Grow in your ministry preparation through the FREE Practically Trained Pastors Cohort. Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources (03:20) Framing the Question: Do Pastors Need Seminary? (05:10) Biblical Foundations for Training (06:50) How Seminaries Assumed the Training Role (07:27) Jim’s Training Story: Church-Based “Seminary” (10:00) Brian’s Training Story: Mentors & “Informal M.Div.” (13:15) Serving at Southern Seminary Without a Seminary Degree (15:45) So, Is Seminary Required? Global & Historical Perspective (18:30) Who Really Needs Seminary? Denominations, Missions, Teaching (21:45) Credentials and Closed Doors (23:30) Seminary as Structure, Deadlines, and Motivation (26:05) The “Educational Bubble,” Enrollment Decline, & Competition (28:10) Tension: “You Need the Church” vs. “You Really Need Us” (29:40) Encouraging Smaller, Church-Connected Seminaries (31:15) Alternative Pathways & Practical Shepherding Cohorts (32:40) Encouragement to Non‑Seminary Pastors (34:45) Pastors, Don’t Outsource Training Your Men (37:10) Final Word & Prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve you Request a stay at a Shepherd’s House Location Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Find out more about the Advancing the Church Equip Conference taking place September 10-11, 2026 in New Albany, IN. (01:45) Biblical Framework: when should/shouldn’t pastors defend themselves? (03:40) Biblical tension: Jesus’ silence vs. Paul’s self-defense; key NT texts (06:55) Proposed “template”: personal slights vs. ministerial slander; online smear story (09:35) Important caveat: abuse, real guilt, and not helping guilty pastors “defend” themselves (10:28) Clear cases to defend: disqualifying accusations (false romantic relationship story) (13:09) Private vs. public accusations; defending against allegations of illegal activity (15:05) Accusations of heresy and doctrinal error; how and why to respond (19:18) How to defend without being defensive: tone, frequency, and using elders/outside counsel (23:26) When not to defend: social media critique (“cesspool of wokeness”) and letting it go (25:39) Critiques of preaching style/length and why not to publicly “answer from the pulpit” (28:23) Lifestyle criticisms: vacations, cars, “nice things,” and unnecessary self-justification (31:10) Vacation time example: fear of criticism and the paralysis of people-pleasing (33:21) Don’t chase gossip; when silence is wiser than trying to correct every rumor (34:12) Final counsel: humility, prayer, seeking counsel; closing prayer

Contact us . We’d love to serve you Request a stay at a Shepherd’s House Location Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Purchase tickets for the Advancing the Church Equip Conference taking place September 10-11, 2026 in New Albany, IN. Find our newest book release, Pastor, what are you wearing? Learning the Unspoken, Powerful Message of Attire by Kyle McClellan here. (03:32) Setting up the Topic: Good Shepherd, bruised reed, and advocate (John 10; Matt 12; 1 John 2) (06:21) 2 Timothy 4:2 – strong exhortation joined with great patience and teaching (07:52) Why harsh, “hammer” preaching is celebrated (reaction to church-growth / soft preaching) (12:37) Croft’s overreaction to weak preaching and a friend’s “you need to chill” correction (16:15) Faithful and effective: fear of man, law-only vs. comfort-only ministry (20:10) How to preach to tender consciences: wounding and then binding up (22:56) Knowing your flock: medicine vs. poison and dangers of one-tone preaching (24:55) Keeping sermons hopeful; translating private care of sensitive souls into public preaching (28:23) Law–gospel tension and the exhausting pursuit of doing “enough” (32:00) Grace, obedience, assurance, and pride in the tender conscience (33:05) Final exhortations: patience, prayer, and accepting we cannot fix people

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.

(02:33) Launching the topic: caring for widows and widowers in the church (03:33) Key biblical texts: Psalm 68:5, James 1:27, 1 Timothy 5, Job (04:30) Acts 6, the poor–orphan–widow triad, and modern neglect of widows (07:17) Why widows seem less vulnerable today (social safety nets, insurance, work) (09:49) First-century context, global poverty, and defining widow/widower (12:51) Physical needs, deacon ministry, and keeping a clear list of widows (15:43) Relational needs: loneliness, identity shifts, remarriage questions (20:20) Widowers’ unique vulnerabilities and differences from widows (23:08) Equipping members, interns, and stay-at-home moms to visit widows (31:19) Spiritual care: public prayer, private visitation, Scripture, and prayer (34:41) Final reflections on the joy of pastoring widows and closing prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve you Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Register for the Advancing the Church Equip Conference! (02:09) Theological framework: plurality of elders and pastors as sheep (04:50) Acts 20:28 – “Pay careful attention to yourselves” and the danger of wolves (07:20) Assumptions about fellow elders and transactional leadership meetings (09:45) Friendship as the foundation for healthy elder relationships (11:50) Unique vulnerability challenges for pastors vs. church members (14:30) Lead pastors, authority dynamics, and inviting care from fellow elders (17:10) Structuring elder meetings for personal check-ins and soul care (20:20) Pushing past guardedness: sharing real struggles wisely (23:30) Public vulnerability in preaching without oversharing (26:40) Unsafe eldership cultures and when elders themselves aren’t safe (29:10) Final exhortations: cultivating grace-filled accountability and closing prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve you Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Register for the Advancing the Church Equip Conference! (02:39) Framing the question: Can a pastor stay too long? (02:46) Acts 20 & 2 Timothy 4 – finishing your course in ministry (05:31) 1 Corinthians 16 – “open door” and “many adversaries” as stay/leave indicators (08:00) High-profile examples: Alistair Begg and contrasting exit models (09:33) Jim’s personal retirement aspirations and health/age as limits (13:37) Practical markers that it’s time to step down (diminished gifts, effectiveness) (17:18) Yes, pastors can stay too long; continuing ministry after leaving the pastorate (19:25) Why some won’t let go: finances, lack of self-awareness, identity in ministry (22:21) When no one can tell the pastor, “It’s time” – isolation and lack of accountability (26:00) Succession planning in churches and ministries (Brian’s and Jim’s examples) (29:30) Defining “finishing well”: faithfulness over visible success (31:44) Spurgeon’s ending, realism about messy conclusions, and faithfulness to the end (33:03) Final Word and Prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve you Request a stay at a Shepherd’s House Location Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify (03:30) Hebrews 13:7 and the Call to Remember Our Leaders (06:30) Biography of Pastor Al Martin & His Ministry Path (11:00) How Pastor Martin Shaped Jim’s Life and Theology (16:00) Memorable Preaching Stories & The Weight of the Pulpit (19:30) Pastor Martin as Shepherd & Christian Gentleman (23:00) Brian’s Mentor Jackson Boyette & Learning to Love People Well (27:30) Additional Lessons from Mentors: Convictions, Affections, and Thinking Against the Grain (33:30) Grief, Spiritual Fatherhood, and Exhortation to Seek and Be Mentors (38:30) Final Word & Prayer

Contact us . We’d love to serve you Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Explore taking a renewal retreat at The Shepherds House (02:00) Sean’s Role at Practical Shepherding & Transition to Oklahoma (04:30) Why Tell This Story: When a Church Doesn’t Revitalize ? (06:30) First Impressions of the Church: Few People, Limited Runway (09:00) Early Challenges, Bi‑Vocational Support, and COVID Disruption (12:00) Encouraging Signs: New Families, Children, and Community Outreach (16:00) Under-the-Surface Resistance & Entrenched Control (21:30) Realizing Scheming, Failed Attempts at Resolution (26:00) Public Conflict at a Business Meeting & the subsequent Discipline Process (31:00) Emotional, Physical, and Family Toll of the Conflict (36:00) Decision to Resign, Trusting God’s Will in the Vote (40:30) Lessons Learned: Suffering, Calling, and “It’s Still Worth It” (45:00) Closing Reflections & Prayer for Sean and the Church

Contact us . We’d love to serve you Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Explore taking a renewal retreat at The Shepherds House (01:40) Framing the Church Calendar Discussion (02:38) Regulative vs. Normative Principle of Worship (06:08) Cultural Context & Story of July 4th (07:40) Processing the July 4th Conflict (09:56) Seeking a Middle Way on National Holidays (11:01) Honoring but Not Centering National Holidays (13:54) Practical Alternatives to Holiday-Centered Services (15:15) Examples of Ignoring Christmas/Easter (18:52) Jim’s Practice: Christmas, Easter, & Thanksgiving (21:50) Why Thanksgiving Feels Most “Biblical” (23:09) Traditions Without Judgment (24:44) Mother’s Day as a “Sacred Cow” (26:24) Pastoral Pressures & Pain Around Mother’s Day (28:07) Managing Expectations & Training a Congregation (29:21) Principle: Pastoral Care Over Personal Preference (30:23) Broader Reflections on Traditions (32:18) St. Patrick’s Day, Other Minor Days

Join us September 10-11 for the Advancing the Church Equip Conference! Contact us. We’d love to serve you Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify (02:30) Setting up the topic and biblical foundation (04:45) Biblical Ideal of Loving Everyone (05:40) Sheep vs. Wolves – Setting Parameters (08:45) Levels of Difficulty – From Mild Criticism to Dislike (09:35) “Mud in the Face” – Handling Criticism (11:45) Examples of Painful Feedback & Common Temptations (14:50) Trust, Tenure, and Misreading People (19:20) Deep Wounds & The Call to Keep Loving (21:50) Fighting Bitterness with Scripture (24:40) Lament as a Godward Outlet (27:30) Identity in Christ vs. Identity in Ministry (29:20) Bodily Stress & Practical Self‑Care (31:05) Leaning In Instead of Pulling Away (33:10) Story: Visiting a Harsh Critic in Grief: (35:45) Final word & Prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve you Request a stay at a Shepherd’s House Location Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Find out more about the Advancing the Church Equip Conference taking place September 10-11, 2026 in New Albany, IN. (03:40) Setting up the topic "life-giving activities" for pastors and broaden definition to people, places, things. (07:00) Biblical Grounding: References to Elijah, Psalm 23, Jesus' retreats (Matthew 14, Mark 6) and Sabbath/rest. (12:00) People — Family & Friends: Jim and Brian discuss family time, grateful companions, and friends who aren’t seeking pastoral care. (20:00) Places — Restful Settings: Conversation about coffee shops, bookstores, mountains, historical cities, and travel as refreshment. (25:30) Things — Hobbies & Ministry Fruit: Examples include gardening, cooking, sporting events, and the joy of being helpful in ministry. (32:00) Why pastors need life giving rhythms —prevention of burnout, sustained joy, and ministerial effectiveness. (34:30) Final Prayer: Prayer for pastors to discover refreshing activities and sustain long-term ministry.

Contact us. We’d love to serve you Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive (02:20) Ronnie’s Transition: leaving his lead-pastor role, and new full-time role with Harbor Network and pastor-in-residence duties. (05:00) Recent Creative Work: Ronnie’s devotional release, music projects (08:00) New Podcast & Harbor Network: Launch of Rambles with Ronnie and overview of Harbor Network’s pastor-care focus. (11:00) Purpose of the Book: Why they wrote The Unhurried Pastor and its aim to revive conversation about pastoral pacing. (16:00) Impact of The Unhurried Pastor & Events: How the book has opened conversations, influenced trainings, and led to speaking engagements. (20:00) Biblical Example & Sermon Application: Using Matthew 14 and Jesus’ rhythm as a model for unhurried ministry. (24:00) Personal Rhythms: Ronnie on learning to wait; Brian on listening to the body as an indicator of pace and health. (28:00) Practical Advice for Pastors: Emphasize curiosity about recurring anxieties, seek trusted confidents, and separate ministry success from soul health. (31:30) Closing Prayer & Charge: Prayer for pastors’ renewal and encouragement toward an unhurried, sustainable ministry.

(2:40) Biblical Foundations for Discipleship (5:15) How Discipleship Actually Happens in the Local Church (9:00) “Caught, Not Taught” – Organic, Life-on-Life Discipleship (12:00) The Rise of Small Groups / Community Groups (16:00) Balancing Capacity, Culture, and Methods (20:00) The Case for a Midweek Prayer Meeting (24:55) Comparing Prayer Meetings and Community Groups (29:00) Hospitality as a Discipleship Engine (33:10) Final Word and Prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve you Request a stay at a Shepherd’s House Location Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources (01:57) Biblical Framework for Handling Differences (03:52) The Tension: Bold Preaching with Great Patience (04:21) Scenario 1 – Entering an Established Church with Different Views (06:45) Text-Driven, Book-by-Book Approach (11:27) Strategy for Early Years in a Church (14:21) Avoiding Buzzwords & Building Collateral (16:50) The Role of Personal Pastoral Care (17:34) Aim Is Not Total Theological Uniformity (18:49) What If You Haven’t Yet Gained Trust? (22:42) Scenario 2 – When a Pastor Changes His Own Position (23:58) Role of Confessions and Statements of Faith (27:05) Case Study: Statement of Faith and the Sabbath (29:40) Interviewing and Fit: Don’t Assume You’ll “Change It Later” (31:12) Preaching with a Clean Conscience (32:50) A Real-World Example of Pastoral Patience in Change (34:09) Final Word and Prayer