In today’s episode of the Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Frank Bealer and Jim Sheppard dive deep into the Parable of the Talents—not just as a message on financial stewardship, but as a profound call to personal mission and kingdom responsibility. This conversation redefines what it means to multiply what God has entrusted to us, urging listeners to consider how they are stewarding not only their money but also their time, gifts, and opportunities.
Too often, the Parable of the Talents is restricted to lessons about money and giving. However, Frank and Jim explore the broader implications of this parable, revealing how it also speaks to leadership, growth, calling, and the discipline of risk. Jim unpacks how the parable is the only place in the New Testament where Jesus says, "Well done, good and faithful servant," emphasizing the weight of that commendation and what it takes to hear it.
Listeners will be challenged to reflect on what they may be “burying”—whether it’s a gift, opportunity, or calling—and how fear or discontentment might be holding them back. Jim shares poignant stories, including a family Depression-era tale about money buried in a coffee can, illustrating how holding back can cost us kingdom impact.

This episode also explores the emotional and spiritual tension many leaders feel: “What if I’m built for more, but I’m not living it out?” The conversation moves beyond platitudes, offering grounded encouragement on how to pursue faithful risk, kingdom innovation, and mission-focused leadership. They connect Colossians 3:23—“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord”—with the parable’s core theme, making this a well-rounded spiritual blueprint for growth.

Whether you’re a business leader, pastor, stay-at-home parent, or emerging creative, this episode speaks to the deep longing for purpose and meaning in your work and calling. Jim and Frank encourage listeners to find their unique “lane,” embrace their God-given portion, and stop comparing themselves to others.

You’ll leave this episode feeling empowered to stop striving and start stewarding—multiplying what God has entrusted to you for His glory. If you’ve ever wondered how to live out your purpose more faithfully, this conversation offers wisdom, insight, and a dose of practical theology that’s both inspiring and actionable.

Parable of the Talents, faith and leadership, Christian stewardship, kingdom calling, spiritual growth, faithful risk, biblical leadership

Welcome to the Next Sunday podcast, where we dive deeper than the surface of leadership clichés and explore the spiritual tools that actually shape our lives. In this episode, host Jim Shepherd turns the tables and interviews our guest—and usually co-host—Frank Bueller, about his passion for discernment. Frank’s personal journey of faith and leadership has led him to write a new 30-day devotional, “Developing Discernment,” and today he shares the story behind it.Together, Jim and Frank unpack what discernment really means, why it matters more than ever for leaders facing “good versus good” decisions, and how the practice of discernment isn’t just for the spiritually elite—it’s for all of us. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many choices or pressured to make quick decisions, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, seek God’s guidance, and lead not just well, but wisely. Whether you’re leading a team, a church, or simply navigating your own next steps, get ready for honest stories, practical wisdom, and a reminder that discernment is a spiritual lifeline, not just a nifty leadership skill.

In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Shepherd and Frank dive deep into a critical conversation on church and nonprofit collaboration, exploring why church and nonprofit partnerships often fail and how they can thrive. If you’re a church leader, nonprofit executive, or a passionate donor, this conversation offers actionable strategies to break the cycle of competition and embrace healthy ministry partnerships.From the very start, Jim and Frank tackle the prevalent scarcity mindset in ministry leadership, unpacking why this fear-based thinking stifles growth and generosity.

The scarcity mindset not only limits financial resources but also hampers life-changing opportunities for both churches and nonprofits. You’ll hear compelling real-life stories about how high-capacity givers think, why they choose to support certain causes, and how churches can reframe their messaging to inspire generosity.Jim shares a powerful example of a ministry leader struggling with whether to “protect” donor lists or embrace collaborative fundraising.

The conversation highlights why healthy ministry partnerships are essential for long-term success and how breaking down silos can unleash unprecedented kingdom impact.If you’ve ever wondered why donors seem to give generously to nonprofits but hesitate with their local church, this episode provides critical insight. Jim and Frank explore how clear, inspiring vision casting within the church can attract and retain high-capacity givers. They also discuss why churches must celebrate and embrace the broader calling of their members—even when that means supporting outside ministries.This episode answers essential questions:

• How can churches overcome the scarcity mindset?
  
  
• What does it look like to develop healthy ministry partnerships?
  
  
• How can nonprofits better steward their relationships with churches?
  
  
• Why is collaboration the future of ministry success?
  
  

Whether you’re navigating a building campaign, developing donor relationships, or simply trying to foster generosity in your community, this episode equips you with practical solutions.Tune in now and learn why embracing church and nonprofit collaboration is not just good stewardship—it’s the future of kingdom growth.

In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Shepherd and Frank Bealer dive deep into the staggering movement of dechurching across America — a cultural shift that has seen over 40 million people walk away from their local churches over the past 25 years. The episode spotlights the insightful research behind the book The Great Dechurching, co-authored by Jim Davis, Michael Graham, and renowned sociologist Ryan Burge.

This conversation isn't just about statistics. It's a heartfelt, honest exploration of the church hurt that has driven many away from organized religion, while revealing that a large percentage of the dechurched haven't lost faith in Jesus, just in the institution of the church. Jim and Frank explore the multitude of reasons behind this exodus — from toxic leadership and politicized pulpits to people simply drifting due to life transitions or lack of community.

What makes this episode so timely and actionable is the discussion around what church leaders can do today. The hosts highlight real examples of churches designing sermon series to address church wounds, building exit processes that care for members who move, and the urgent need to reevaluate church culture and relational outreach. Jim shares compelling ideas like assigning departing members a “big brother/big sister” mentor and conducting pastoral check-ins post-move — all with the goal of reducing spiritual isolation.

Listeners will be particularly challenged by the insight that 50% of the dechurched are open to returning — especially if personally invited. That single stat could transform your outreach strategy. Frank shares how personal joy and relational evangelism — like a simple, passionate encounter at a Starbucks — can powerfully reflect the winsomeness of Christ's body.

This episode is essential listening for pastors, church staff, and Christian leaders seeking practical ways to re-engage the dechurched, foster emotional and spiritual health in their congregations, and rediscover the heart of community-based ministry.By addressing dechurching and church hurt head-on — and more than once — Jim and Frank ensure these key issues are neither ignored nor minimized. Instead, they offer wisdom, humility, and a hopeful roadmap toward reconnection.

In this special two-part episode Frank and Jim dive deep into the real-life story of succession at Generis—a transition that saw Jim moving from his long-held CEO role to Chairman, while Frank stepped up as the new leader of the organization.In their candid and often lighthearted conversation, Frank and Jim share behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to execute a smooth leadership transition.

They explore not just the logistical side—like communication plans, practical decision-making, and when to “pass the baton”—but also the critical, often overlooked, relational dynamics of trust, respect, and letting go of control.Drawing on personal experiences, lessons from church leadership, and practical wisdom from experts in succession, this episode offers actionable guidance and encouragement for anyone navigating leadership change.

Whether you’re part of a church, nonprofit, or business, you’ll find relevant takeaways on how intentionality, transparency, and a healthy organizational culture can make all the difference.

Tune in to hear how generational leadership handoffs don’t have to be messy, and how, when done right, they set the stage for an exciting new chapter.

What if the end of your leadership wasn’t an ending at all, but the beginning of something even better? 

In this week's episode of Next Sunday, Jim and Frank open up about one of the most pivotal moments in any organization: the leadership handoff. With over three decades at the helm of Generis, Jim shares what it really takes to step aside with purpose, while Frank unpacks the call he felt stepping into the CEO role—not as a promotion, but as a divine assignment. This isn’t just about titles or transitions. It’s about legacy, trust, and the sacred work of stewarding a mission into the future. 

In this Episode:

• Why great leaders prepare for transition long before it's needed
• The spiritual and emotional weight of handing off leadership
• How legacy-minded succession can unlock a church’s next season of growth

Nearly 70% of church plants fail within their first four years. But the reason behind these failures isn’t what most people think.

In this episode, Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer explore why funding, rather than a lack of vision, is the main reason church plants struggle to survive. They dive deep into research from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), break down the financial realities of starting a church, and share strategies to help church planters secure the resources they need for long-term success.

In this Episode:

• What the research says about funding and church plant survival
• Breaking down real church planting costs—what’s essential and what’s surprising
• The funding sources church planters rely on and why diversification matters

Why do so many church leaders feel stuck—like their teams aren’t reaching their full potential? In this episode of Next Sunday, Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer explore the unseen barriers that hold pastors and ministry leaders back. Whether it’s fear, burnout, misalignment, or something deeper, they dive into the challenges that keep leadership from thriving and share practical strategies to overcome them.

In this episode:

• The leadership missteps Jim and Frank wish they had caught sooner—and how they’d lead differently today
• How misalignment shows up in teams and what to do when your staff is “rowing in different directions”
• Why rebuilding trust is the key to healthier church culture—and where to start

At just 29 years old, Luke Lezon stepped into a senior pastor role in the middle of a church split, facing doubt, criticism, and immense pressure. Now, with thousands attending each weekend, he shares what it takes to lead when no one thinks you’re ready. Joined by his mentor, Jim Sheppard, this conversation dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of young leadership.

In this episode:

• How Luke handled skepticism and criticism as a young leader
• The biggest lessons from leading through a church split
• Why age doesn’t determine your ability to lead

Does your church have the financial leadership it needs to thrive? Many churches overlook a critical role that could unlock new opportunities and secure their financial future.

In this episode, Jim and Frank dive into the importance of having a dedicated CFO in your church. They explore how this role goes beyond managing budgets and bookkeeping to becoming a strategic partner in aligning your church's finances with its vision. Whether you're a small church just starting out or a growing multi-campus ministry, this episode will give you practical steps to strengthen your financial foundation.

In this Episode:

• Why the CFO role is essential for growing churches
• How to identify financial gaps and plan for the future
• Tips for hiring or outsourcing the right financial leadership

Let’s ensure your church is positioned for long-term success!