Trench Talk

Contact us. We’d love to serve youRequest a stay at a Shepherd’s House LocationGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite 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

(02:36) Biblical Framework for Unity and Disagreement(05:00) Different Kinds of Elders & Influence vs. Authority(08:12) Helping Quieter / Younger Elders Speak Up(10:14 Categories of Decisions: Must Agree vs. May Differ(11:39) Decisions that Require Unanimous Agreement(13:38) Membership and Church Documents(14:49) Pulpit Access and Preaching Priority(17:41) When Majority Rule Is Appropriate(19:35) Practical Areas of Disagreement (Money, Mission, Benevolence)(21:50) Conscience, Yielding, and the “Dr. No” Elder(23:39) The Centrality of Trust and Relationship(25:05) Being Heard vs. Being Agreed With(27:05) The Joy of Healthy Plurality(28:30) Final word & Prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve youWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify ResourcesGrow in your ministry preparation through the FREE Practically Trained Pastors Cohort.Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive(01:59) Big Picture of Titus 2(05:48) Why Two Men Talking About Women in Titus 2?(06:56) Positive Vision for Women’s Ministry(11:04) Equal Value, Different Roles in the Church(12:25) Character Before Counsel: Qualities of Older Women(14:40) Loving Husbands and Children: Enjoyment, Not Just Duty(16:41) What About Single Women and Women Who Work?(21:57) Titus 2 Is Not Exhaustive or Anti-Work(23:13) Distinctives and the Brevity of Instructions to Young Men(25:39) Encouraging Older Women: You Are Needed(26:28) How Pastors Can Support Titus 2 Ministry (Public)(28:59) How Pastors Can Support Titus 2 Ministry (Private & Relational)(30:29) Asking and Activating Older Members(31:59) Everyone Has a Role: The Whole-Church Vision of Titus 2(33:11) Final Exhortation & Pastoral Prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Find out more about the Seasoned Pastor Collective(01:33) Biblical Foundation for Older Men Investing in Younger Men(04:54) Larry Riley’s Story and Early Mentoring Burden(06:38) Key Mentors in Larry’s Life(07:41) Jim Savastio’s Conversion and Formative Mentors(10:18) Brian Croft’s Experience and the Need for Spiritual Fathers(12:33) Why This Matters: The Rarity of Real Mentorship Today(15:28) What’s Going Wrong? The Mentoring Gap(17:24) On-the-Ground Reality for Young Pastors(19:15) Why Aren’t Older Pastors Mentoring? Jim’s Diagnosis(23:55) Official Launch: The Seasoned Pastor Collective(24:41) How the Seasoned Pastor Collective Works (Older Pastors Side)(27:08) How to Join as a Seasoned Pastor(28:20) Training & Vetting: Why Experience Alone Isn’t Enough(30:51) The Joy of Investing in Younger Pastors(32:04) What Makes Mentoring So Rewarding?(33:31) Closing Prayer for the Collective

Contact us. We’d love to serve youRequest a stay at a Shepherd’s House LocationGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify ResourcesFind more information about the Practically Trained Pastors Cohort(01:56) Biblical Framework for Caring for Younger Men(04:30) The Crisis of Masculinity and Young Men Today(06:32) Why This Crisis Is Worse Now than in Previous Generations(08:08) Online Influence, AI, and Weak Youth Ministry(09:33) Titus 2 as a Blueprint for the Local Church(10:56) The One Command to Young Men: Sober-Mindedness(13:14) Defining Sober-Mindedness / Self-Control(18:00) Why Sober-Mindedness Matters So Much for Young Men(18:40) How Pastors Can Urge Young Men to Be Sober-Minded(22:08) Young Men in Unreal Worlds: Media, AI, and the Need for Embodied Mentors(24:36) This Is a 2,000-Year-Old Issue with Fresh Applications(26:51) Sober-Mindedness About Self: Gifts, Limits, and Immaturity(28:17) Loving, Listening, and Validating Young Men(30:07) Spiritual Fatherhood and a Culture of Older-to-Younger Mentoring(31:38) Concrete Ideas for Churches and Pastors(33:05) Closing Prayer for a Generation of Godly Young Men

Contact us. We’d love to serve youRequest a stay at a Shepherd’s House LocationGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources2:14 – Setting the topic: How should pastors care for older men? Reference to Titus 2 and issues of generational/masculinity crisis4:21 – Examining Titus 2: Practical framework for church life and leadership distinctions5:13 – Reading and discussing Titus 2:1–8: Exhortations for older men6:41 – Diversity in Church: Bond-servant/master relationships as socio-economic analogy7:32 – Practical directions for ministry to older men and their mentoring impact11:04 – Discussion: Why mentoring roles differ for older men and women in the church12:19 – Importance of intentional intergenerational relationships and mentoring14:24 – Private ministry: Building rapport and learning about older men for deeper care17:49 – Tension for young pastors: Shepherding those more experienced and older than themselves19:36 – Public ministry: Avoiding generational hostility and fostering mutual respect21:11 – Calling older men to spiritual vibrancy regardless of age or physical limitations22:56 – Addressing spiritual immaturity in older men: Drawing out life wisdom, incremental growth26:49 – Encouragement: Realistic expectations, creative engagement, and not giving up on older men29:16 – Incremental growth and encouragement for young pastors; closing reflections29:50 – Final word and Prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve youRequest a stay at a Shepherd’s House LocationGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(00:43) Introducing the Topic: Christian friendship, especially among pastors(2:00) Biblical foundations: Proverbs 17:17, Ecclesiastes 4, Jonathan & David(04:54) Challenges for men in forming close friendships(07:00) Defining friendship—surface vs. deep bonds(10:00) Men’s reluctance to invest in friendships(12:37) Pastors’ relationships: transactional vs. genuine(14:02) Qualities of true friendship: presence, safety, loyalty, emotional connection(22:00) Cultivating friendship: prayer, planning, risk-taking, listening, being present(30:00) Sanctifying influence—“iron sharpens iron”(31:31) Final word and prayer

(01:16) The challenge of mending broken relationships within church communities.(02:47) Scriptural and theological foundation for unity, drawing from both Old and New Testaments.(06:38) Real-life examples and historical anecdotes on church conflicts.(10:00) Causes of relational breakdown: disappointment, neglect, unresolved conflict, political/personal differences.(15:00) Practical ways pastors can foster church unity; preaching, prayer, sacraments.(21:38) The role of “stealthy peacemakers” and intervening in private disputes.(27:27) Congregational responsibility for reconciliation and unity.(31:10) Limits of reconciliation and pastoral wisdom; closing prayer.

(01:00) Pressures Pastors Face in January: Discussion on new year challenges, unique pressures, and planning.(02:12) Biblical Foundations: Proverbs 16 and James 4 applied to planning and reliance on God's guidance.(05:00) Melancholy and Societal Pressure: Addressing the emotional and practical challenges pastors face at the year's start.(10:00) Preaching Pressure: Balancing expectations, routines, and physical/spiritual health.(15:00) Vision Sermons: The purpose and scope of beginning-of-year vision messages.(21:21) Practical Planning: Realistic planning for preaching, events, and finances.(28:13) Financial & Event Planning: Budget, spending, and gradual ramp-up of church activities.(32:40) Final word and prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve youWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify ResourcesGrow in your ministry preparation through the FREE Practically Trained Pastors Cohort.Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive(02:25) Personal Experiences — Both hosts share stories about being young pastors among older leaders and the unique challenges faced.(03:00) Framing the Issue — Discussion on balancing authority and respect as a young pastor.(03:51) Biblical Perspective — Reflection on 1 Timothy 4:12 and examples from Job regarding age, wisdom, and leadership.(09:36) Practical Advice — Emphasis on patience, humility, asking questions, and building relationships with older church members.(12:51) Earning Trust and Respect — Strategies for younger pastors on servant leadership and earning credibility over time.(19:13) Building Relationships — The importance of acknowledging the contributions of older leaders and fostering mutual respect.(33:55) Final words & Prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify ResourcesGrow in your ministry preparation through the FREE Practically Trained Pastors Cohort.(02:00) Pastoral Failings & Faithfulness – Discussion on the burden of pastors’ moral failings and burnout.(03:20) Biblical Foundations – Exploring Proverbs 4:23, 1 Timothy 4:16, and pastoral qualifications.(05:10) Historical vs. Modern Challenges – Impact of technology, social media, and the classic “three G’s” for pastors.(11:00) Theology & Safeguards – The importance and limits of good theology and ecclesiology.(23:00) Practicing Faithfulness – Abiding in Christ, authentic community, marriage, and desire for usefulness.(34:47) Final word & Prayer – Reminders for faithfulness, God’s audience of one, and closing prayer.

Contact us. We’d love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(02:42) Scriptural perspectives on caring about opinions(05:29) Tensions in pastoral reputation—Paul’s examples(06:30) Brian and Jim reflect from personal experience of caring too much and not enough(13:03) Signs of caring too much(19:13) Signs of not caring enough(26:34) Finding balance: practical advice for pastors(32:17) Final words and prayer for pastors

Contact us. We’d love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(00:50) Setting up the topic: Cultivating joy in church communities(02:30) Biblical texts on joy: 2 Corinthians 1, Philippians 1, First Peter(05:15) The relational and gospel roots of joy(08:30) Joy as motivation for perseverance and healthy church culture(12:10) Joy in pastors: Impact on ministry and faithfulness(19:00) Cultivating joy in leadership teams: Balancing challenges and celebrations(26:10) Cultivating congregational joy: Personal approaches and worship practices(32:10) Practical steps: Preventing burnout, purpose in service, and meaningful worship(35:00) Prayer and spiritual encouragement for

Contact us. We’d love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(02:13) Dr. Smith’s Background: Early life, move to Cincinnati, and family influences.(05:07) Ministry Balance: Balancing family commitments and itinerant ministry; racial reconciliation as a key focus.(07:12) Pastoral Experience: Pastoring New Mission Baptist Church, the importance of pastoral care.(09:02) Teaching at Beeson: Teaching homiletics, a Christ-centered approach, and memorable student stories.(14:37) Impact on Students: Mentoring, celebrating ministry milestones, and the joy of seeing students thrive.(18:31) Advice for Young Preachers: The importance of immersing oneself in Scripture and finding your preaching voice.(24:47) Observations on Ministry: Encouragements and concerns in pastoral ministry today.(34:11) Dr. Smith’s Reassignment: Embracing a new season of ministry, faith in God's guidance.(35:04) Final word and prayer for Dr. Smith ongoing ministry.

Contact us. We’d love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(06:14) Setting up the topic(10:29) Fear of hurting church members(15:52) Losing pastoral passion and affection(18:57) Preventing church division(24:04) Practical advice for managing pastoral fears

Contact us. We’d love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(04:05) Setting the Context (07:28) Biblical Foundations (10:42) Internal Pressures on Pastors (13:22) Understanding Congregational Dynamics (18:36) External Pressures (21:14) Rooting Out Fear of Man (28:51) Pastoral Advice for Future Crises (33:24) Practical Approach to Addressing Sensitive Topics (35:12) Closing Prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveWrite a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(02:01) Biblical Foundation for Unity (08:39) Essential Areas of Agreement for Elders Membership and leadership selection First-tier doctrinal issues (deity of Christ, salvation) Issues affecting church unity(16:31)Handling Disagreements directly while avoiding gossip and slander(28:00) Practical Practices for Healthy Eldership (33:05) Final words and prayer

Contact us. We’d love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveFind out more information about the Advancing the Church Conference. Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(00:00) Introduction and welcome (01:13) Discussion about Jim's recent theater production (05:00) Setting up the discussion: Church building programs (06:35) Biblical perspective from Luke 14 on counting the cost (09:07) Jim's church history and initial building phases (14:06) Financial considerations for building (17:56) Discussion on church growth and potential solutions (25:00) Financial wisdom in building programs (28:51) Strategies for churches with space constraints (35:00) Closing thoughts on church planting and building

(02:12) Scripture foundation and setting up the topic from Psalm 68 (07:16) Bryce's background in ministry and entrepreneurship(10:00) Discussion on foster care (12:20) Shocking statistic: 80% of foster youth age out in a difficult situation (18:01) How pastors can help and get involved with foster care (25:00) Connection between foster care and human trafficking (27:51) Introduction to Bryce's podcast "Fracture to Flourish" Key Statistics: 20,000 youth age out of foster care annually80% of those who age out are incarcerated, dead, or addicted within 3 yearsLess than 1% of aged-out foster youth go to college60-70% of trafficking victims had contact with foster care systemRecommended Resources: Podcast: "Fracture to Flourish"Organizations: Orphan Care Alliance, Foster the City, Forever HomesContact: Bryce@accessventures.org

Contact us. We’d love to serve youGive financially to support the work of helping pastors thriveRegister for the Advancing the Church Conference. Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Resources(03:17) Theological and Cultural Struggles (13:06) Costs of Theological Convictions (16:56) Planting Urban Hope Community Church (23:27) Gospel-Centered Ministry Approach (33:02) Grocery Store and Building Acquisition (41:08) Future Vision (43:04) Closing Prayer Requests