Brian Croft, pastor and founder of Practical Shepherding, teaches that a pastor must care for three interconnected areas: his soul, his ministry, and his family. In this session he focuses on the pastor’s soul, drawing from Acts 20:28 where Paul commands elders to “pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock.” Many pastors devote themselves to caring for others while neglecting their own spiritual health, leading to burnout and collapse. Croft highlights the need to watch both “life and doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:16) and warns that busyness often becomes a means of avoiding our own hearts.

He outlines three essential practices for soul care. First, walk with Jesus: pastors must feed on God’s Word for their own souls, not only for sermon preparation. Intimacy with Christ fuels authentic ministry. Second, embrace your weakness. Croft explains that Christ’s strength is displayed in our weakness, not despite it. Pastors must reject the pressure to appear perfect, admit their sins and limits, and allow their humanity to be seen in wise and appropriate ways.

Third, care for yourself practically. He gives six areas crucial to soul health: eating patterns, adequate sleep, exercise, life-giving friendships, real rest, and regular silence. Croft shares from his own experience of near-collapse and urges pastors to seek help, accept their limitations, and remember that even pastors need shepherds.