Next Sunday

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 ren...

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 transit...

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 stepp...

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 financi...

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 overcom...

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...

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 chur...

Leadership isn’t just about the big moments—it’s the small, daily choices that determine your legacy. But one compromise, one overlooked warning sign, and everything can change in an instant. While sanctification requires discipline and intention, drifting away from it is easier than we think. In this episode, we unpack the hidden traps that derail church leaders, exploring the guardrails, self-aw...

Does your church have a clear theology of giving? Without it, you could be leaving your congregation confused and disengaged. In this episode, we explore why a well-defined theology of giving is the foundation for a thriving and generous church. Discover how aligning your leadership team and congregation around this crucial topic can foster spiritual growth, trust, and transformational generosity....

In today’s episode of Next Sunday, Jim and Frank explore a pressing question for church leaders: How can we attract Gen Z to church leadership roles? They discuss the generational differences that often create barriers and share practical strategies to make leadership opportunities appealing to young leaders. Drawing from their own experiences and observations, Jim and Frank dive into the importan...

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. W...

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 e...

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...

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 ali...

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 com...

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...

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, ens...

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 lead...

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 view...

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 no...

Trust in the Church is at an all-time low – how did we get here, and what can we do about it? Frank and Jim share the concerning truth of the decline of trust in the American church, discussing the staggering drop in public confidence and leadership challenges that arise from it.  In this Episode: Why trust is like a bank account, and how leaders often make inadvertent withdrawals The alarming dro...

In 1968, 55% of people ages 18-24 lived with their parents. In 2023, that number has grown to 71%. This week, Jim and Frank discuss the critical issue of staying connected with young adults as societal changes and shifts in the timing of traditional life milestones leave them isolated in ministry. They delve into the alarming statistics and share practical strategies for maintaining relationships...

Since February, we've seen four high-profile pastoral moral failures that are impacting countless lives.  When moral failure happens, it's like a bomb drops and there's endless collateral damage that all the shrapnel hits, leaving innocent individuals to pick up the pieces.  What can we learn from these moral failures and how can we, as leaders, finish well? This week, Jim and Frank discuss the ch...

54% of Christians report reading the Bible less than once a month, if at all. This week, Jim and Frank discuss how to approach and interpret the Bible, especially when understanding finances, giving, and generosity. It should be more than just finding convenient answers to our own preconceived ideas. By looking at biblical principles, we aim to inspire more meaningful engagement with scripture and...

Over the next 20-30 years, several TRILLIONS will be transferred through inheritance. The average millennial expects to receive $350,000 of inherited wealth from their parents… but what if the parents disagree? And the bigger question… what if the inheritance doesn’t honor God? This week, Jim and Frank dive into the MASSIVE upcoming wealth transfer between the baby boomers and the next generation,...