Next Sunday

Imagine a church free to focus entirely on ministry, community, and growth.

For many church leaders, debt can feel like a heavy burden, holding back the full potential of their ministry. In this episode of Next Sunday, Jim and Frank tackle an important question: Should a church be debt free? They explore the impact of debt on a church’s mission, finances, and ability to respond to opportunities.

With practical insights and actionable steps, Jim and Frank guide listeners through strategies for achieving financial freedom. Whether your church is navigating debt now or planning for the future, this conversation will help you step into a new season of opportunity, generosity, and growth.

Key takeaways:

• How debt impacts ministry priorities and long-term financial health.
• Actionable steps to help your church move toward financial freedom.
• The benefits of becoming debt-free and how it can empower your church’s ministry.

Senior pastors are often stretched thin by impossible job descriptions, but what if focusing on just five roles could change everything?

In this episode, we break down the five essential roles every senior pastor should focus on for clarity and effectiveness. Drawing from a biblical model, we discuss why sticking to these core responsibilities can help prevent burnout and lead to healthier, more effective leadership. Whether you're a seasoned pastor or just starting out, understanding these key roles can transform your ministry and bring balance to your life.

In this Episode:

• The five roles that every senior pastor should focus on
• How these roles align with the biblical model of prophet, priest, and king
• Practical tips for communicating and implementing these roles in your church

Starting the year by pushing for more tithes might seem like a strong move, but it can actually backfire if it feels too transactional.

In this episode, we explore the pitfalls of leading church conversations with a transactional mindset at the start of the year. Instead of diving straight into financial asks, learn how to set a positive, vision-focused tone that inspires your congregation to give from the heart. We also discuss how to celebrate first-time givers and keep the spirit of generosity alive without feeling like you're constantly asking for money.

In this Episode:

• Why kicking off with a fundraising push might be a mistake
• The importance of vision casting over financial transactions
• Tips to celebrate and encourage first-time givers

Are outdated budgeting and reporting methods holding your ministry back? Many churches unknowingly follow systems that make financial transparency and strategic planning harder than it has to be.

This week, Jim and Frank uncover practical strategies for smarter financial reporting and budgeting that truly support ministry goals. From effective budgeting approaches to adopting fiscal years that align with ministry cycles, this conversation tackles common pitfalls and offers concrete ways to ensure that your church's finances reflect its mission.

In this episode:

• Why switching to a fiscal year may benefit your church
• Key budgeting practices that maximize accountability
• How to leverage reporting for more effective ministry planning

How can seasoned leaders ensure their experiences—the successes and the mistakes—shape the future of the church? 

This week, Frank and Jim dive into the importance of passing down hard-earned lessons to younger generations. From insights on personal holiness to fostering a healthy balance between work and family, they share how transparency in leadership can help today’s young leaders sidestep common pitfalls.

In this Episode:

• Why mentorship is crucial for lasting leadership
• Strategies for maintaining integrity and accountability
• Tips for balancing family life with ministry

When a financial storm hits, will your church survive—or will it be swept away? Most churches don’t realize how unprepared they are until it’s too late.

In this episode, Frank and Jim dive into the key strategies churches need to stabilize their finances during times of crisis. From setting up proper reserves to ensuring your leadership is focused on the right priorities, discover how to avoid the common pitfalls that leave churches vulnerable.

In this Episode:

• The importance of building financial reserves in the church
• How to communicate financial health to your congregation
• Why investing in leadership care is critical to your church’s stability

How do churches steward the wealth of high-capacity givers without making it awkward or transactional?

In this episode, Jim and Frank tackle the complex dynamics of engaging wealthy donors in the church. They discuss the challenges pastors face in guiding these individuals toward spiritual transformation, not just financial contributions. You’ll learn how to disciple those entrusted with much, ensuring they understand the deeper responsibilities their wealth brings.

Join us as we discuss:

• Why talking to wealthy church members can be uncomfortable—but necessary.
• How to ensure their giving is about more than just writing a check.
• Practical advice on building trust and offering discipleship for high-capacity donors.

Should pastors know who gives what? It’s a controversial topic that touches the heart of church leadership and the nature of generosity. In this episode, Jim and Frank tackle the complex issue of whether pastors should know their congregation's giving habits—and the surprising reasons why many don’t want to.

While giving is often viewed as a personal matter, its impact on spiritual growth and leadership can't be ignored. You'll hear a thought-provoking discussion on how this affects church culture and pastoral care.

In this episode:

• Why some pastors avoid knowing who gives, and how much 
• The most common scripture used—and how it’s often misapplied
• Practical ways churches can approach giving without favoritism or discomfort

Three minutes each Sunday can completely change the way your congregation views and talks about money.

In this episode, we tackle the tough questions about money in the church and its perception. We share why the conversation around giving (or lack thereof,) has drifted into a transactional focus and how to reclaim it. Learn how just 3 minutes every Sunday can radically change how your church views and handles money.

In this Episode:

1. Why church giving often feels transactional instead of transformational
2. The powerful impact of consistent, focused teaching on money
3. Practical steps to reshape your church’s approach to finances

The Elephant in the room in YOUR church – it’s time to address it.

This week, Jim and Frank explore the complex topic of ROI (Return on Investment) in ministry. They discuss how it influences church decision-making, and share thoughts about the tension between financial stewardship and metric tracking. There’s a key difference between an ROI mindset and a mission-driven funding pursuit that may not have immediate tangible returns.

In this Episode:

• Understand the pitfalls of letting ROI drive every ministry decision
• Is God giving you a sign to stop a certain slow-growing ministry?
• The importance of open, honest conversations about ROI and its impact on church decisions