Staying Faithful in the Work of Renewal

Nashville Baptists Lunch Encourages Pastors to “Stay, Stand, and Shepherd”

Nashville Baptists recently gathered pastors and ministry leaders for a renewal-focused lunch centered on encouragement, perseverance, and faithful ministry in difficult places. The event highlighted the growing commitment of Nashville Baptists to support churches through revitalization, coaching, assessment tools, and practical ministry partnerships.

Executive Director Bob Bickford welcomed attendees by emphasizing the association’s heart to serve churches of every size and stage. He introduced several ministry resources available to congregations pursuing renewal, including coaching networks, church health assessments, operational analysis tools, and strategic support for pastors navigating challenging ministry seasons. Leaders also shared how Nashville Baptists is helping churches think missionally about their communities through demographic research, ethnic partnerships, and gospel engagement strategies.

The keynote message was delivered by pastor and author Brian Croft, founder of Practical Shepherding. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 16:9, Croft challenged pastors not to lose heart in difficult ministry contexts, especially in the work of church revitalization.

“Ministry is hard,” Croft said. “But church renewal work is uniquely hard.”

Croft described three realities that often make ministry especially difficult: economic hardship, geographic isolation, and spiritual barrenness. He reminded pastors that opposition and discouragement are not signs that God has abandoned the work, but often evidence that gospel ministry is advancing into spiritually dark places.

Using the Apostle Paul’s words about “a wide door for effective work” alongside “many adversaries,” Croft offered a simple but powerful framework for pastors seeking to persevere:

Stay

Croft encouraged pastors to resist the pressure to leave difficult churches too quickly. He noted that meaningful renewal rarely happens fast and warned against evaluating ministry success after only a few years.

“Two years is just enough time for the pastor to realize what kind of church he took,” Croft said, “and for the church to realize what kind of pastor they got.”

Instead of asking whether ministry is hard, Croft challenged pastors to ask whether they have completed what God called them to do in their current assignment.

Stand

Croft also urged pastors to stand firm in truth, even when facing opposition. He acknowledged the pain that often comes from criticism, conflict, or resistance inside struggling churches, but reminded leaders that faithful shepherding requires courage and perseverance.

“What if the adversaries showing up is actually a sign you’re exactly where God wants you to be?” he asked.

Rather than responding defensively, pastors were encouraged to faithfully preach the Word, protect the flock, and remain steady through seasons of spiritual resistance.

Shepherd

At the heart of the message was a call to return to the central task of pastoral ministry: caring for souls.

Croft emphasized that pastors are first and foremost shepherds, called to love people patiently, faithfully teach Scripture, and care for God’s flock over time. He warned against measuring ministry primarily by attendance numbers or financial resources and instead pointed to spiritual fruit as the true measure of a healthy church.

Sharing stories from his own 17 years pastoring a struggling church in Louisville, Kentucky, Croft recounted seasons of opposition, financial crisis, and personal exhaustion. Yet by God’s grace, the church eventually experienced renewal, becoming a multigenerational, multiethnic congregation that sent pastors and missionaries around the world.

One of the most powerful themes of the day was the reminder that God often works slowly — but faithfully.

“Don’t let anyone determine the significance of your ministry based on numbers or money,” Croft said. “Look at the spiritual fruit God is producing.”

The gathering served as both a practical resource and a spiritual encouragement for pastors across Middle Tennessee. As Nashville Baptists continues investing in church renewal, leaders were reminded that faithful ministry is not ultimately measured by speed or size, but by steadfast obedience to Christ.

For pastors and churches seeking support, coaching, or revitalization resources, Nashville Baptists remains committed to walking alongside churches as they pursue renewal and gospel impact throughout the region.