Next Sunday

In this episode of the Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer dive deep into the patterns of church giving and why generosity in churches matters more today than ever before. As they share stories, data, and decades of insight, listeners will discover surprising truths about how financial generosity shapes ministry impact, discipleship, and the future of the local church. If you’ve ever wondered how church giving works behind the scenes, or why generosity in churches seems concentrated in just a small group of people, this episode is a must-listen.

Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer kick things off with a lighthearted story about spotting a man walking a possum on a pink leash in Florida, proof that unexpected moments are often the ones that stick with us. But quickly, they pivot to the real topic: generosity inside churches. Jim Sheppard, who has studied giving patterns across three decades, explains how financial data tells a story about discipleship. He reveals that in most churches, as few as 8% of households provide as much as 60% of all giving. This concentration has major implications for church health, ministry expansion, and leadership planning.

Throughout the episode, the hosts explore why generosity is not just about budgets but about spiritual growth. Jim Sheppard emphasizes that numbers reflect spiritual realities, when giving dips, something is happening inside the life of a congregation. When it spikes, something transformative has taken place. This episode challenges leaders to stop treating giving as purely transactional and instead focus on discipleship that fosters lasting generosity.

Listeners will also learn about the pitfalls of ignoring generosity development. Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer point out that church budgets may be met, but if members aren’t being discipled into generosity, the church is missing the greater purpose. They highlight the critical role of teaching, consistent messaging, and practical systems that guide new believers and long-time members alike into a lifestyle of generosity.

From biblical examples like King David’s billion-dollar gift to the widow’s two coins, to modern challenges like declining giving percentages across America, this episode is packed with insights. Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer remind us that all givers are equal in value, but not all gifts are equal in impact. The church must honor all forms of generosity while also equipping its most faithful givers to lead with consistency.

As the conversation unfolds, practical advice emerges. Should churches focus on non-givers or those giving very little? Jim argues for starting with the latter, the group that’s already given something, no matter how small. Why? Because they’ve already taken a step toward generosity and can be discipled more effectively.

The episode closes with encouragement: churches don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Start somewhere. Create systems. Teach generosity regularly. Celebrate all givers while equipping the faithful few to lead. By prioritizing generosity as discipleship, the church can not only meet budgets but also multiply impact in the community and beyond.

This engaging and thought-provoking episode with Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer will challenge pastors, church leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of the church to rethink how generosity is taught, celebrated, and sustained.

On this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer dive deep into the new rules of church leadership in a post-COVID world. The conversation explores how pastors and ministry leaders are navigating the realities of church leadership post-COVID while also preparing for the next generation of believers.

In today’s post-post-COVID landscape, leaders are being asked to be emotionally available, culturally fluent, theologically sound, digitally competent, and excellent at running the business side of the church, all while being “always on.” But is this realistic? Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack what expectations are truly fair for church leaders and how churches can adapt to the new rhythm of attendance and engagement.

The discussion highlights one of the biggest shifts facing ministry today: people are attending church less often, while expecting more from their leaders when they do engage. Regular attenders may only show up one or two times a month, leaving pastors with the challenge of creating consistent touchpoints and meaningful discipleship in fewer interactions.

Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer argue that church leadership post-COVID is not about stirring the pot with controversy but about adjusting expectations, building healthy guardrails, and leading with wisdom across multiple generations. They explore how the pandemic accelerated trends that were already emerging, such as lower attendance frequency, generational divides in church culture, and the growing hunger of Gen Z for authentic faith experiences.

A highlight of the episode is their optimism about the future. Gen Z and Millennials, they note, are carrying physical Bibles more consistently than older generations, showing a renewed passion for scripture and discipleship. They share stories of revival movements on college campuses, bold young leaders stepping into ministry, and national movements like Unite College that are shaping the next generation of pastors and church planters.

The conversation also addresses the leadership crisis in seminaries, where traditional training models may not be preparing pastors adequately for the complexity of leading modern churches. The hosts emphasize the need for hybrid education, mentorship, and residency programs to raise up capable leaders who can thrive in today’s environment.

Finally, Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer turn toward one of the most pressing issues: burnout. They candidly discuss how the relentless job description of senior pastors, emotional counselor, organizational leader, teacher, and digital strategist all at once, is pushing many toward exhaustion. They advocate for “prehab over rehab,” through ministries like the 10:10 Project, to deal with deep issues like family wounds and unhealthy expectations before they take leaders out of ministry entirely.

This episode will resonate with pastors, ministry staff, seminary students, and church members alike who want to understand the future of church leadership and the challenges leaders face in a shifting cultural landscape. Whether you’re leading a megachurch or a small congregation, Frank and Jim provide practical wisdom, inspiring stories, and a clear call to reimagine how we measure discipleship and leadership health in the years ahead.

Church fundraising campaigns. Church capital campaigns. These terms carry weight for pastors and leaders everywhere. But what happens when your church capital campaign doesn’t hit the goal? 

In this episode of the Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack the realities, challenges, and hidden lessons behind a campaign that falls short, and why it’s not the end of the story.

Church fundraising campaigns and church capital campaigns can reveal more than dollars and pledge cards. They surface issues of trust, leadership, participation, and vision. Frank Bealer and Jim Sheppard dive deep into the vital distinction between participation and dollars raised, why low engagement is more concerning than low giving, and how to conduct a proper “autopsy” when things don’t go as planned.

Listeners will hear real-world stories of campaigns that missed the goal and the surprising insights that came from them. From long-time faithful members who simply didn’t understand the vision, to staff culture challenges that quietly undermine participation, this episode is packed with hard truths every pastor and church leader needs to hear.

Jim Sheppard shares candidly from decades of experience helping churches navigate these challenges. He explains why “campaign fatigue” is usually a sign of “vision fatigue,” and why trust is the currency of generosity. Frank Bealer adds pastoral perspective, pointing out the emotional toll leaders feel when campaigns underperform and the importance of gathering feedback without defensiveness.

Key lessons from this episode include:

- How to quickly and respectfully conduct a campaign autopsy.
- Why staff participation is the hidden indicator of future success.
- How unclear vision, staff disengagement, or misaligned projects can derail even well-run campaigns.
- Why churches must look beneath the surface numbers to uncover deeper cultural issues.
- How to move forward with grace, humility, and stronger leadership practices.

Listeners will also learn practical steps: asking the right questions of faithful members who didn’t participate, commissioning neutral leaders to gather honest feedback, and identifying whether the issue is messaging, vision, or culture.

Ultimately, Frank Bealer and Jim Sheppard remind leaders that falling short on a fundraising campaign doesn’t mean failure. It’s a chance to recalibrate vision, strengthen trust, and build healthier staff and congregational culture. With humility and honesty, a disappointing outcome can become the foundation for long-term growth and generosity.

Whether you’re planning your first church capital campaign or reflecting on one that didn’t go as expected, this conversation will equip you to lead with clarity, courage, and renewed hope.

The Next Sunday Podcast is designed for pastors, executive leaders, and church staff who want to navigate the realities of ministry leadership with wisdom and practical tools.

You’ve cast the vision. You’ve shared the heart. But the congregation isn’t moving as fast as you are—and that can be frustrating. This episode is for leaders who are running at full speed while their people are still warming up. We explore how to discern between a “no” and a “not yet,” the danger of outrunning your own team, and what spiritual leadership looks like when progress feels delayed. We’ll also offer practical tools for aligning vision pace with church readiness, so you can lead boldly without burning out.

Every church dreams of the “one big gift” that changes everything—but relying on major donors is riskier than it seems. In this episode, we unpack the myth of the Big Donor Fix and explore why building a culture of broad-based generosity creates more stability and spiritual growth. We’ll talk about giving concentration risk, the pressure that often comes with big gifts, and why the healthiest churches have hundreds of consistent givers, not just a handful of generous ones. This isn’t anti-major gift—it’s a call to build a deeper, more resilient giving culture.

In this powerful episode of the Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Frank Bealer and Jim Sheppard tackle one of the most pressing questions for today’s pastors and church leaders: Is your church building a blessing or is it bleeding you dry? In a ministry environment where church buildings and multi-use facilities are becoming key factors in stewardship, growth, and community engagement, this conversation offers practical wisdom and visionary strategies to help leaders rethink their spaces.

Right from the start, Frank and Jim emphasize that many church buildings—once seen as symbols of success—have now become financial burdens if not used effectively. They explain how younger generations are not opposed to facilities but rather reject outdated, single-use spaces that sit empty most of the week. Instead, they are drawn to the concept of the multi-use facility: a space that functions like a community center six days a week and then hosts worship on Sunday.

Frank Bealer and Jim Sheppard draw from years of ministry experience to highlight churches that have “flipped the script,” turning older buildings into mission-aligned assets. From coffee shops and childcare centers to schools, event spaces, and co-working hubs, the examples show how intentional design can both meet real community needs and provide sustainable income streams. These shifts not only bless local neighborhoods but also ensure that church buildings remain ministry assets rather than financial anchors.

The discussion addresses the skyrocketing costs of new construction—costs that have doubled in just over a decade. Frank and Jim stress the importance of stewardship, showing how activating unused wings, repurposing outdated education space, or partnering with local government can breathe new life into existing facilities. They also speak candidly about the emotional and spiritual challenges of older congregations handing their buildings over to thriving church plants, underscoring the importance of humility, honor, and reverence in such transitions.Central to the conversation is what Frank Bealer calls the “multi-use equation.” Every initiative must have a clear purpose—whether revenue generation, discipleship, or evangelism—and that purpose should guide the strategy. The hosts caution against replacing biblical generosity with business savvy, reminding leaders that additional income should be “icing on the cake,” not a substitute for teaching stewardship and tithing.

Listeners will be inspired by creative stories, such as suggested-donation cafés where revenue actually increased when people gave more freely, or partnerships that turned underutilized church land into both income streams and community touchpoints. These ideas paint a hopeful picture of what’s possible when leaders embrace courage, creativity, and a renewed vision for their spaces.

For pastors facing aging buildings, congregations planning new construction, or leaders curious about multi-use facilities, this episode is a roadmap to ensuring your building is a blessing—not a burden. Join Frank Bealer and Jim Sheppard for this transformative discussion, and walk away with fresh ideas to bring to your next board meeting. The future of your church’s facilities may depend on it.

Are you a pastor silently battling financial stress while standing in front of your congregation each week, urging them to live generously? You’re not alone—and in this powerful episode of the Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack the real, often hidden struggle of pastor debt and financial stress in ministry. These two key phrases—pastor debt and financial stress in ministry—are the unspoken burdens that many leaders carry, often in silence.

Joined by GENERIS Chairman Jim Sheppard and CEO Frank Bealer, this candid conversation addresses the often-taboo topic of pastors leading churches while privately drowning in personal debt—especially seminary debt. They explore how financial strain affects a pastor’s confidence, message, and credibility when preaching about stewardship, tithing, and generosity.

This episode dives deep into the complexity of leading a congregation while experiencing financial stress in ministry, a scenario made even more challenging when pastors feel they cannot authentically teach about pastor debt without hypocrisy. Jim and Frank share from over three decades of experience, offering practical tools, mindset shifts, and honest encouragement for pastors to lead with both transparency and integrity—even when their own finances aren’t perfect.

Through humor, storytelling, and Scripture, the episode tackles critical questions:

- Can a pastor with a “2 out of 10” financial life still preach on giving?
- How should spiritual leaders approach transparency without oversharing?
- What role does shame and guilt play in blocking breakthrough in financial health?

Listeners will walk away with a renewed sense of hope and a blueprint to move from financial shame to freedom. Jim shares a seven-point framework to help pastors break free from the guilt of debt, embrace growth, and begin a new journey of financial health. Whether it's through Financial Peace University, personalized budget counseling, or modeling incremental steps of generosity, the episode emphasizes transformation over perfection.

Frank adds dimension by sharing a powerful story about a pastor who switched from online to in-person giving so his children could witness the act of generosity firsthand. These real-life examples underscore that leading in financial weakness can sometimes be more impactful than leading from strength.

This episode is a must-listen for any pastor who feels trapped in debt, unsure of how to teach generosity with conviction. It also serves as a vital resource for elder boards, ministry teams, and church leadership looking to support their pastors not just spiritually—but practically.

If you’re ready to trade silent defeat for empowered, grace-filled leadership, this conversation is your first step.

🔔 Subscribe and share with a pastor you know who might need this message of freedom and faith.

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 - The Unspoken Financial Stress Pastors Face
02:00 - The Tension of Preaching on Generosity While in Debt
04:00 - Real-Life Causes of Financial Messes in Ministry
06:00 - Why Seminary Debt Is the Silent Killer
08:00 - Transparency Without Oversharing: How to Be Honest and Safe
11:00 - The Real-Life Consequences of Being Transparent
14:30 - How to Reframe the Message: Turning Struggle Into Leadership
17:30 - Growth as a Part of Spiritual Leadership
22:00 - Tools and Resources for Financial Healing
24:30 - From Authority to Authenticity: Modeling Transformation

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.