NEXT SUNDAY

MOST RECENT EPISODE

Stop Letting Your Facility Drain You. Do This Instead

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 They explain how younger generations are not opposed to facilities but rather reject outdated, single-use spaces that sit empty most of the week.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 Frank and Jim stress the importance of stewardship, showing how activating unused wings, repurposing outdated education space, or partnering with local government can breathe new life into existing facilities.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.