Practical Shepherding

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. practicalshepherding.com/trenchtalk/323

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.

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. practicalshepherding.com/trenchtalk/ep-…

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: practicalshepherding.com/articles/churc…

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

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

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? practicalshepherding.com/articles/what-…

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 practicalshepherding.com/articles/where… Suggested Tags: #PastoralMinistry #Mentorship #PracticalShepherding #Missions #ChurchLeadership

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: practicalshepherding.com/trenchtalk/322 #PastoralMinistry #ChurchLeadership #TrenchTalk #Pastors

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. practicalshepherding.com/articles/churc…

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. practicalshepherding.com/articles/the-p…

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. practicalshepherding.com/articles/why-t…

As the seasons change, here is your reminder to mow your lawn. practicalshepherding.com/articles/broth…

Would love to see you there!

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. 🔗 AdvancingTheChurch.org

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! AdvancingTheChurch.org/conference

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. practicalshepherding.com/trenchtalk/321

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

Some additions and adjustments were made to my travel schedule. Would love to meet you in person. practicalshepherding.com/speaking

@spandlerdavison speaking at our @practicalsheph pastor’s fellowship sharing about the last 2 years of health struggles and what God has taught him through it. Powerful.