NEXT SUNDAY

Shaping the Churches of Tomorrow, Today

Welcome to Next Sunday, more than just a podcast—it's your vibrant community of forward-thinking church leaders. Our episodes are crafted to serve as a dynamic field guide for bridging generations, cultivating generosity, and inspiring transformation within the church. Together, we will tackle challenges head-on, celebrate our victories, and possibly ruffle a few feathers because what happens next Sunday could change everything.

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BI-WEEKLY EPISODES: A NEW EPISODE IS RELEASED EVERY OTHER TUESDAY

MOST RECENT EPISODE

Why Your Church DOESN'T Attract Big Givers

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.

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The Truth About Dechurching in 2025

Posted 06/10/25

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.

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Why Great Leaders Know When to Pass the Baton (Part Two)

Posted 05/27/25

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.

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Why Great Leaders Know When to Pass the Baton (Part One)

Posted 05/13/25

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

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The #1 Reason Church Plants Fail

Posted 04/29/25

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

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Frank Bealer

Frank is a distinguished leader and innovator in organizational leadership, church ministry, and family-centered development. As the Co-Founder of Phase Franchise Partners, Frank has demonstrated a profound commitment to creating environments that support family growth and community engagement.

He also serves as an advisor and Chief Strategy Officer at Generis. Frank leverages his diverse background to serve churches and non-profit organizations to help maximize their potential through effective stewardship and generosity strategies.

Frank is a devoted husband and father to six children with many other notable professional endeavors that have informed his extensive leadership. His family is at the heart of everything he does, inspiring his work and his dedication to creating positive change in the lives of others.

Jim Sheppard

Jim Sheppard is CEO & Principal of Generis, a consulting firm passionate about helping churches inspire and cultivate generosity through giving development, coaching, and strategy.

Jim is a student of generosity and is passionate about spreading it throughout the Church. For the last 30+ years, he has devoted his life to coaching pastors especially in navigating the resource limitations that restrict their ministry potential. Jim understands the financial challenges that churches face today; annual giving, debt, capital projects, and planned giving. He is a positive force in bridging these needs with the power of spiritually motivated stewardship. Cumulatively, Jim has partnered with his clients to raise over $2 billion for local church ministry. Jim is a frequent writer and speaker on generosity and ministry funding. He is co-author of Contagious Generosity: Creating A Culture Of Giving In Your Church.

Jim and his wife, Nancy, live in the Atlanta, GA area and they have two married daughters. He is actively involved in his church where he serves as an elder and provides guidance to the Generosity Ministry Team.

NEXT SUNDAY

Why Your Church DOESN'T Attract Big Givers

The Truth About Dechurching in 2025

Why Great Leaders Know When to Pass the Baton (Part Two)

Why Great Leaders Know When to Pass the Baton (Part One)

The #1 Reason Church Plants Fail

FRANK BEALER &

JIM SHEPARD

Frank Bealer

Jim Sheppard

Accelerating Generosity Towards God-Inspired Vision