PODCAST · religion
Practical(ly) Pastoring
by Practically Pastoring
A podcast by pastors for pastors who want to share ideas, become better shepherds and have a good time with friends.
Episodes
-
Thanks, But No Thanks
What do you do when somebody hands you the keys to a church for the first time? And what do you do when you are interviewing with a church and realize you absolutely do not want the keys? This week Andrew, Tim, and Jeff tackle two questions from opposite ends of the pastoral hiring process.…
more -
Decibels & Drama
How involved should you stay in the life of a church you no longer pastor? And while we are solving church problems, how loud is too loud on Sunday morning? This week it is just Andrew, Tim, and Jeff tackling two questions from the Practically Pastoring Facebook Community. First, a former pastor...
-
Getting & Doing the Job
How do you actually get your first ministry job? And once somebody finally hires you, what are you supposed to do all week? This week, Andrew, Tim, Delmar, Jeff, and returning guest Frank Gil tackle two questions from opposite sides of the same ministry journey. First, a 29-year-old recent…
more -
Newbie & The Vet
What happens after the funeral, when the meals stop coming, the calls slow down, and everyone else’s life seems to return to normal? Andrew, Tim, Delmar, and Jeff respond to a pastor 32 years into ministry who still wrestles with caring well for grieving families in the months after a loss. The...
-
Preachin & Meetin Rhythms
How often should church staff actually meet, and how do you survive preaching every single week without burning yourself out? Andrew, Tim, Delmar, and Jeff start with a question from the Practically Pastoring Facebook group about staff meetings in a church with both full-time and part-time…
more -
Cut Them or Coach Them
This week we’ve got two questions about worship leaders, but they represent two very different staffing problems. First, a lead pastor inherited a worship pastor who just doesn’t seem to fit. Eight months in, there are significant differences in philosophy of ministry and worship, almost every...
-
New Pastor, New Pressures
In this episode of Practically Pastoring, Andrew, Tim, Delmar, and Jeff tackle two questions from pastors stepping into new levels of responsibility. First, the guys respond to a young pastor in his first week of leading a church after the previous pastor left abruptly. He is already preaching...
-
Who’s Watching the Kids?
In this episode of Practically Pastoring, Andrew, Tim, Delmar, and Jeff tackle two children’s ministry questions that both require clarity, wisdom, and a willingness to have uncomfortable conversations. First, the guys discuss a 10 or 11-year-old boy who sometimes comes to church without his...
-
Blame The Vibes
In this episode of Practically Pastoring, Andrew, Tim, Delmar, and Jeff tackle two questions that seem unrelated at first, but both get at the heart of pastoral health and long-term sustainability in ministry. The first question comes from a pastor who took a new associate role in a new state and...
-
Bylaws, Burnout, and Building Community
In this episode of Practically Pastoring, Andrew, Tim, and Jeff tackle two ministry questions that hit both structure and soul. First, they dig into church constitutions and bylaws, especially what happens when a church’s governing documents were written for an earlier season and now create real...
-
Baby Dedications and Interfaith Prayer
In this episode of Practically Pastoring, Andrew, Jeff, and Delmar tackle two timely ministry questions that force pastors to think carefully about doctrine, discipleship, public witness, and pastoral wisdom. The first question centers on baby dedication and what standards churches should use…
more -
When Ministry Gets Messy: Grace, Truth, and Guardrails
In this episode of Practically Pastoring, the guys tackle two heavy, real-world ministry situations that require courage, wisdom, and a steady hand. First, they discuss what to do when a staff member or elder appears to mislead the congregation during a church meeting. From Matthew 18…
more -
Big Days Bruised Feelings
This week on Practical(ly) Pastoring, Andrew, Tim, Delmar, and Jeff tackle two questions straight from the Facebook group, and both of them hit close to home. First, they discuss the sting pastors feel when key families skip their church’s Easter service for the bigger production down the road.…
more -
Pastors, Pensions, and Planning Ahead
This week on Practically Pastoring, the guys dive into a conversation a lot of pastors know they need to have, but would rather keep punting down the road: retirement. Sparked by a question from a pastor in his early 40s who is realizing he may be late to the conversation, the episode tackles…
more -
The Long Runway: Repentance, Trust, and Public Ministry
This week on Practically Pastoring, Andrew sits down with Tim, Delmar, and Jeff for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with a tough pastoral leadership question and ends with Holy Week and Easter check-ins. Question 1 is a sticky restoration situation: a man who confessed an emotional…
more -
The Care of Souls-Adam Powers
At the Practically Pastoring Conference, Adam Powers makes a biblical case for elder-led ministry from Hebrews 13:17. He argues that pastors must resist treating churches like businesses and people like customers, and instead recover the hard, joyful work of caring for souls. This talk explores…
more -
New Show Alert
We’re launching a new podcast. Get a Job with Andrew and Riley is a limited-run series following a real-time ministry job search—from the moment you realize it might be time to leave, all the way through interviews, candidating, and whatever comes next. Riley is living it. Andrew is asking the...
-
The Big Buddy Plan: What Churches Should Do When Trauma Shows Up on Sunday Morning
Welcome back to Practically Pastoring. Andrew hosts Jeff, Del, Frank, and guest missionary Zach Harrod, serving in Prague, for an episode that is equal parts pastoral weight, practical systems, and classic pastor banter. Question 1, Kids ministry trauma and safety A church leader asks how to care...
-
Lanes, Not Levels, Building Disciple Making Pathways That Actually Work
This is a session from the Practical(ly) Pastoring Conference. Chad Williams, lead teaching pastor at Building 28 in Clearwater and former church planter and Chick-fil-A leader, argues that many churches accidentally build discipleship like a corporate ladder. The result is efficiency without...
-
Pastoral Side Piece: Setting Boundaries When Former Members Want Care After Leaving Your Church
First, an anonymous pastor shares a painfully honest question: a longtime member left a small church for a megachurch, but keeps reaching back for hospital visits and crisis care. The pastor wants to be gracious, but the situation feels like being the “pastoral side piece.” The guys talk through...
-
When the Wine Runs Out: Soul Rest for Burned-Out Pastors (Tim Wildsmith - John 2)
Pastors don’t start cynical or burned out. But somewhere along the way, the wine runs out and we keep preaching, leading, and carrying burdens we were never meant to carry. In a Practically Pastoring Conference session, Tim Wildsmith walks through John 2:1–11 and connects it with Matthew…
more -
You’re Not Their On-Demand Pastor: Healthy Access and Expectations
In this episode, the guys tackle two real-life ministry situations pastors face all the time: 1) What do you do with the church member who constantly needs your attention—daily messages, constant crises, and an emotional drain that starts affecting your ministry and your family? 2) What do you…
more -
When the Old Guard Won’t Quit (and the Bi-Vocational Burnout Dilemma)
Welcome back to Practically Pastoring. In this episode, we pull two real questions from Reddit and get painfully practical. Question 1: A rural Methodist pastor has seen real growth, but the “old guard” is wearing him down with constant complaints and unreasonable expectations. Question 2: A...
-
Frank & Tim talk church planting and a building project.
In this episode, the guys flip the script and interview Frank and Tim.Part 1: Frank gives a real-time update on the Cross & Crown Church plant (what’s working, what’s hard, what’s next, and the hunt for a launch location).Part 2: Tim walks through what it’s actually like for a sending church to...
-
2026 Church Forecast: What We’re Doubling Down On & What We’re Cutting
In this episode, Frank, Andrew, Jeff, and Delmar talk about the real pressure points we are feeling heading into 2026, what ministry plays are losing traction, and what we’re personally changing so we can last for the long haul (without burning out our people or ourselves).Timestamps 00:00 —...
-
The Christmas Worship Wars: Advent, Carols, and Congregational Nostalgia
Is Advent a Catholic tradition, or just a really old Christian rhythm we forgot existed? In this Advent themed episode, we answer two real pastor questions: “Is Advent a Catholic tradition? Will this cause issues in a Baptist church?” “Do you sing Christmas carols during Advent, or wait until...
-
At-the-Movies, Sabbath Sundays, & Bad Church Coffee?!
Welcome to the Practically Pastoring Hot Takes Episode — the one where we unintentionally roast half of evangelicalism and guarantee Andrew never gets invited to another conference again. From At-the-Movies sermons, to canceling church the Sunday after Christmas, to whether bad coffee means you...
-
A pastor caught doing WHAT in his Office?!
Today’s episode starts innocently enough with a simple question about office hours……and ends with one of the wildest Reddit pastor stories we’ve EVER read. We’re talking:• Should pastors still keep traditional office hours?• How do you stay available without being chained to a church building?•...
-
Recycling Sermons, Disgruntled Members, and Why Bacon Still Works for Men’s Ministry
In this episode of the Practically Pastoring Podcast, the guys tackle some of the real parts of church leadership — like how to respond when disgruntled members try to recruit others, whether it’s okay to reuse old sermons, and what actually works for men’s and women’s ministry events.…
more -
Not Every “Pastor” Should Have the Title
It’s Pastor Appreciation Month — but how should churches actually handle it? This week, the guys get honest about recognizing pastors, the misuse of the “pastor” title, developing small group leaders, and what to do when you’re burned out and ready to quit ministry. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 — Cold…
more -
Oil, MLMs, and Continuing Ed: Mailbag Episode
Pastors’ mailbag time. We tackle anointing with oil in James 5, where the ethical lines are with MLMs in church life, and smart ways to use continuing-ed budgets without wasting a dollar.Chapters00:00 Cold Open + Intro01:10 Mailbag Setup: today’s questions03:00 Anointing with Oil (James 5):...
-
Mike Gunn on Missions, Church Planting, and the Christian Nationalism Trap
Mike Gunn (Antioch Initiative) joins us to talk about why mission beats brand, how American churches can learn from the global church, and why Christian Nationalism is a distraction from the gospel. He shares a simple Acts 14 pattern for church planting and a call to recover an Acts 13 sending...
-
An Honest Conversation with Honest Youth Pastor
What makes a faithful sermon? Is it verse-by-verse exposition, topical teaching, or something deeper? In this episode of Practically Pastoring, Frank sits down with Michael Moore. A bi-vocational pastor and the creator behind Honest Youth Pastor. We talk about sermon prep, youth ministry...
-
Cowards & Crowds: Pastoring After the Charlie Kirk Assassination
In this episode of Practically Pastoring, Frank, Jeff, Delmar, Andrew, and Tim tackle two big conversations pastors are facing: 1️⃣ Should a pastor’s faithfulness be judged by whether or not they mentioned Charlie Kirk’s assassination from the pulpit? 2️⃣ How should we shepherd well in a season...
-
Satanic Deli to Doctor Jeans: Processing Criticism in Ministry
Every pastor knows the sting of criticism — sometimes it’s helpful, sometimes it’s ridiculous, and sometimes it’s downright harmful. In this episode, the Practically Pastoring crew share their wildest stories (yes, including “The Devil’s Deli”), break down the three buckets of feedback (helpful,...
-
Church Safety Without Losing Church Hospitality: An Interview with Church Safety Expert Jim Howard
How can churches take safety seriously without losing the heart of hospitality? In this episode of Practically Pastoring, Frank and Tim sit down with Jim Howard, Executive Director of Trinity Security Allies. With 38 years in law enforcement and years of experience training churches across the...
-
Your Church’s Fall Calendar Is Probably Failing You
Fall ministry is here — but is your church ready? In this episode of Practically Pastoring, we share practical church leadership tips to help pastors and ministry leaders plan fall ministry events, reengage volunteers after summer, prepare a church budget, and communicate vision effectively.…
more -
Practically Pastoring Q & A
In this special Q&A episode, the Practically Pastoring crew tackles your questions! From favorite sermon prep playlists to the hard lessons of leadership, this one has laughs, insights, and a dose of raw honesty. We even talk about firing staff, shifting theological views, and how not to burn out...
-
How to Leave a Church Without Burning Bridges
Leaving a church, especially when you're in leadership, is never easy. In this episode, the guys dive into how to discern when it's time to leave, how to exit with grace, and how to care well for the people you're leaving behind. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro and welcome 01:10 – Sponsor: Church Merch...
-
Why No One Signs Up at Your Church Anymore
This week on Practically Pastoring, we’re talking about one of the most frustrating parts of church leadership: getting people to sign up for stuff! From event planning woes to generational divides, we’re diving deep into why people avoid sign-up sheets and how pastors can adapt and lead with...
-
When Long-Time Volunteers Hurt Your Church
In this episode, the Practically Pastoring crew tackles a tough but necessary topic: what do you do when a long-time volunteer is actually causing harm in your ministry? From nursery drama to worship team woes, the guys share practical advice on how to set clear expectations, implement safe…
more -
I’m the Pastor… But I Wouldn’t Attend My Church
In this episode of Practically Pastoring, we tackle a brutally honest question from a young pastor on Reddit: “What do I do when the church I pastor isn’t one I would even attend?” If you’ve ever found yourself disillusioned in church leadership, unsure how to lead change without blowing things…
more -
Cynicism in the Church: Props, Scandals, and Broken Trust
In this episode of Practically Pastoring, Frank, Jeff, Delmar, Andrew, and Timothy dive deep into the growing cynicism toward the evangelical church. From meme accounts like Pastors with Props to heartbreaking scandals, distrust in church leadership is only getting worse. We also discuss the...
-
From Hype to Monday: Navigating Post-Easter Ministry
In this episode of Practically Pastoring, the crew debriefs Easter Sunday. What went well? What went sideways? And how do you lead through the Super Bowl of church services without losing your soul (or your voice)? Plus, we get into: The emotional and logistical pressure pastors face on Easter...
-
This One Mistake Could Disqualify You from Ministry
In this episode of Practically Pastoring, the guys dive into two hot-button topics every pastor needs to wrestle with: 👉 A youth pastor crosses several boundaries—what should happen next? Is it just unwise... or something worse? 👉 Can church staff with different political views work together?...
-
Should Teen Moms Bring Their Babies to Youth Group?
In this episode of the Practically Pastoring Podcast, the crew dives into two HUGE topics in church leadership and youth ministry: 1️⃣ What should churches do when a teenage girl wants to bring her newborn baby to youth group? 2️⃣ Should we finally kill off the paper bulletin and go fully…
more -
How Do You Tell a Worship Leader They Can’t Sing?!
In this episode of the Practically Pastoring Podcast, we tackle two HUGE challenges for pastors: 1️⃣ How do you tell a worship leader they can’t sing? 🎤 What happens when someone’s heart is in the right place… but their voice isn’t? We break down the awkward, hilarious, and painful reality of...
-
Should This Youth Pastor Quit? Our Honest Advice!
In this episode of Practically Pastoring Podcast, we tackle a tough but all-too-common question: "When is it time to leave your church job?" A youth pastor is struggling with leadership conflicts, and we break down the real reasons pastors leave, the 18-month youth pastor turnover trend, and...
-
Introverted Youth Pastors & Family-Run Church Staff
🎙 In this episode of the Practically Pastoring Podcast, we’re diving into TWO huge challenges in ministry: 1️⃣ How to connect with students when you're an introverted youth pastor (without forcing awkward small talk or pretending to be someone you’re not). 2️⃣ What to do when you're on staff at…
more -
Pastors, Don’t Lose Your Family for Ministry!
⏳ Struggling with work-life balance as a pastor? In this episode of the Practically Pastoring Podcast, we dive into the hard truths about ministry, family, and work expectations. From dealing with unrealistic work hours to figuring out who stays home when the kids are sick. 🔥 Key Topics We…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast by pastors for pastors who want to share ideas, become better shepherds and have a good time with friends.
HOSTED BY
Practically Pastoring
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Practical(ly) Pastoring have?
Practical(ly) Pastoring currently has 215 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Practical(ly) Pastoring about?
A podcast by pastors for pastors who want to share ideas, become better shepherds and have a good time with friends.
How often does Practical(ly) Pastoring release new episodes?
Practical(ly) Pastoring publishes regularly with 215 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Practical(ly) Pastoring?
You can listen to Practical(ly) Pastoring on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Practical(ly) Pastoring?
Practical(ly) Pastoring is created and hosted by Practically Pastoring.
URL copied to clipboard!