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
The Vision Every Church Gets Wrong
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.
MORE EPISODES
The Myth of the Big Donor Fix
Posted 09/02/25
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.
Stop Letting Your Facility Drain You. Do This Instead
Posted 08/19/25
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.
Can Pastors Preach Generosity While Drowning in Debt?
Posted 08/05/25
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.
Failing to Live Up to Your Potential? Watch this...
Posted 07/22/25
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
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YOUR HOSTS
FRANK BEALER &
JIM SHEPARD
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.
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