Trench Talk

Join us September 10-11 for the Advancing the Church Equip Conference!
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(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

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Request a stay at a Shepherd’s House Location
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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.

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(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