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

Giving Under Compulsion: Why It Is Not What You Think

In this episode of the Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer take a careful look at the phrase “under compulsion” from 2 Corinthians 9 and why many churches have built entire giving moments around protecting people from pressure instead of equipping people for joyful participation. Jim shares how the text is often reduced to a single warning, which sidelines the larger invitation of the passage. The deeper goal is not less urgency; it is the right kind of urgency that forms disciples and honors the work of the Spirit in the room.

Together, Jim and Frank revisit the wider context of 2 Corinthians 9. Before Paul ever says “not under compulsion,” he celebrates a church that is ready. The Greek word behind “cheerful” carries two ideas: joy and readiness. Paul repeats “ready” and “readiness” throughout verses 1–5, which reframes cheerful giving as eager participation instead of guilt‑driven obligation. When leaders focus on readiness, generosity moves from a transaction to transformation and people learn to respond to God with freedom, clarity, and joy.

The conversation also corrects common habits that unintentionally push toward compulsion. Jim cautions against saying “we are here to take an offering,” and suggests “we are here to receive an offering,” because gifts are received, not extracted. Frank presses on how churches sometimes tell newcomers, “If you are new here, do not give,” which may silence what God is already doing in a guest’s heart. A better approach is simple and honoring: “Nothing is expected from you today. You are welcome to participate.” That language protects people from pressure without shutting down a Spirit‑prompted response.

Jim then connects Paul’s readiness theme to Exodus 35–36, where the people’s hearts were stirred and they gave so freely that Moses had to restrain them from bringing more. This story models a culture of willing gifts, not exactions, and shows what can happen when leaders teach readiness rather than fear. Frank and Jim encourage pastors to stop trying to “protect people’s wallets,” since people already manage their own money, and instead to equip them to become cheerful, ready givers.

If you lead in a church where money talk feels loaded, this episode offers clear language, biblical framing, and practical next steps. You will learn how to name healthy urgency without manipulation, how to replace pressure with invitation, and how to model receiving gifts as worship. Most of all, you will gain a way to speak about generosity that builds trust, honors Scripture, and helps people grow.

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How to Raise Generous Kids in a Selfish World

Posted 11/11/25

In this episode of the Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer have a powerful discussion on engaging kids and teens in generosity. If you are a church leader, parent, or someone passionate about discipleship, this episode dives deep into how generosity in the church and teaching generosity to kids intersect with discipleship, stewardship, and family life. The conversation unpacks practical strategies, biblical perspectives, and real-life stories that highlight why generosity in the church and teaching generosity to kids matter more now than ever.

Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer begin by exploring why introducing children and teenagers to the concept of generosity should not be delayed. They discuss how early lessons on stewardship prepare young believers to be faithful with what God places in their hands, ensuring they become lifelong contributors to the church’s mission rather than passive observers. Jim Sheppard recalls his father’s example of giving even in seasons of unemployment, illustrating the lasting impact parents’ habits leave on their children.

The hosts also highlight the importance of modeling generosity at home. Parents are the primary spiritual influencers, yet many struggle to engage their children in meaningful conversations about money, stewardship, and giving. Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer provide tools and ideas, such as generosity bingo cards, rear-view mirror conversation starters, and intentional family generosity meetings. These strategies equip parents to disciple their children beyond Sunday mornings, helping them connect faith with everyday life.

One memorable story Jim Sheppard shares is about a Houston family who chose to redirect their vacation fund toward a church building campaign after their children suggested it. That sacrifice not only impacted their family’s discipleship but also gave their kids a tangible lesson in what equal sacrifice means in the life of faith. Another powerful story describes a family teaching generosity through radical tipping at restaurants, where kids help decide when and how to bless a server, resulting in unforgettable encounters with God’s provision.

This episode also addresses modern challenges. With digital and automated giving becoming the norm, many children no longer witness their parents giving during worship services. Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer stress that parents and pastors must be intentional about modeling and explaining generosity in this new context. They also caution church leaders not to simply hand off the responsibility to overworked children’s and student ministry staff. Instead, they encourage pastors to see generosity teaching as a whole-church discipleship strategy that blesses adults and kids alike.

Ultimately, this episode is a call for leaders and parents to take ownership of cultivating a culture of generosity in the next generation. Teaching generosity to kids is not about how much money they can contribute today, but about forming hearts that are oriented toward God, others, and the mission of the church. By weaving generosity into discipleship rhythms, churches can raise up a generation that embraces both faith and stewardship as inseparable parts of their identity.

Whether you are a senior pastor, parent, or ministry volunteer, this episode offers practical next steps, inspiring stories, and spiritual encouragement. Don’t miss this conversation between Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer, it may reshape how you think about generosity in your family, your church, and your future.

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The Hidden Truth About Church Giving

Posted 10/28/25

In this episode of the Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer dive deep into the patterns of church giving and why generosity in churches matters more today than ever before. As they share stories, data, and decades of insight, listeners will discover surprising truths about how financial generosity shapes ministry impact, discipleship, and the future of the local church. If you’ve ever wondered how church giving works behind the scenes, or why generosity in churches seems concentrated in just a small group of people, this episode is a must-listen.

Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer kick things off with a lighthearted story about spotting a man walking a possum on a pink leash in Florida, proof that unexpected moments are often the ones that stick with us. But quickly, they pivot to the real topic: generosity inside churches. Jim Sheppard, who has studied giving patterns across three decades, explains how financial data tells a story about discipleship. He reveals that in most churches, as few as 8% of households provide as much as 60% of all giving. This concentration has major implications for church health, ministry expansion, and leadership planning.

Throughout the episode, the hosts explore why generosity is not just about budgets but about spiritual growth. Jim Sheppard emphasizes that numbers reflect spiritual realities, when giving dips, something is happening inside the life of a congregation. When it spikes, something transformative has taken place. This episode challenges leaders to stop treating giving as purely transactional and instead focus on discipleship that fosters lasting generosity.

Listeners will also learn about the pitfalls of ignoring generosity development. Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer point out that church budgets may be met, but if members aren’t being discipled into generosity, the church is missing the greater purpose. They highlight the critical role of teaching, consistent messaging, and practical systems that guide new believers and long-time members alike into a lifestyle of generosity.

From biblical examples like King David’s billion-dollar gift to the widow’s two coins, to modern challenges like declining giving percentages across America, this episode is packed with insights. Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer remind us that all givers are equal in value, but not all gifts are equal in impact. The church must honor all forms of generosity while also equipping its most faithful givers to lead with consistency.

As the conversation unfolds, practical advice emerges. Should churches focus on non-givers or those giving very little? Jim argues for starting with the latter, the group that’s already given something, no matter how small. Why? Because they’ve already taken a step toward generosity and can be discipled more effectively.

The episode closes with encouragement: churches don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Start somewhere. Create systems. Teach generosity regularly. Celebrate all givers while equipping the faithful few to lead. By prioritizing generosity as discipleship, the church can not only meet budgets but also multiply impact in the community and beyond.

This engaging and thought-provoking episode with Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer will challenge pastors, church leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of the church to rethink how generosity is taught, celebrated, and sustained.

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The Harsh Truth About Post-COVID Church Leadership

Posted 10/14/25

On this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer dive deep into the new rules of church leadership in a post-COVID world. The conversation explores how pastors and ministry leaders are navigating the realities of church leadership post-COVID while also preparing for the next generation of believers.

In today’s post-post-COVID landscape, leaders are being asked to be emotionally available, culturally fluent, theologically sound, digitally competent, and excellent at running the business side of the church, all while being “always on.” But is this realistic? Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack what expectations are truly fair for church leaders and how churches can adapt to the new rhythm of attendance and engagement.

The discussion highlights one of the biggest shifts facing ministry today: people are attending church less often, while expecting more from their leaders when they do engage. Regular attenders may only show up one or two times a month, leaving pastors with the challenge of creating consistent touchpoints and meaningful discipleship in fewer interactions.

Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer argue that church leadership post-COVID is not about stirring the pot with controversy but about adjusting expectations, building healthy guardrails, and leading with wisdom across multiple generations. They explore how the pandemic accelerated trends that were already emerging, such as lower attendance frequency, generational divides in church culture, and the growing hunger of Gen Z for authentic faith experiences.

A highlight of the episode is their optimism about the future. Gen Z and Millennials, they note, are carrying physical Bibles more consistently than older generations, showing a renewed passion for scripture and discipleship. They share stories of revival movements on college campuses, bold young leaders stepping into ministry, and national movements like Unite College that are shaping the next generation of pastors and church planters.

The conversation also addresses the leadership crisis in seminaries, where traditional training models may not be preparing pastors adequately for the complexity of leading modern churches. The hosts emphasize the need for hybrid education, mentorship, and residency programs to raise up capable leaders who can thrive in today’s environment.

Finally, Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer turn toward one of the most pressing issues: burnout. They candidly discuss how the relentless job description of senior pastors, emotional counselor, organizational leader, teacher, and digital strategist all at once, is pushing many toward exhaustion. They advocate for “prehab over rehab,” through ministries like the 10:10 Project, to deal with deep issues like family wounds and unhealthy expectations before they take leaders out of ministry entirely.

This episode will resonate with pastors, ministry staff, seminary students, and church members alike who want to understand the future of church leadership and the challenges leaders face in a shifting cultural landscape. Whether you’re leading a megachurch or a small congregation, Frank and Jim provide practical wisdom, inspiring stories, and a clear call to reimagine how we measure discipleship and leadership health in the years ahead.

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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

Giving Under Compulsion: Why It Is Not What You Think

How to Raise Generous Kids in a Selfish World

The Hidden Truth About Church Giving

The Harsh Truth About Post-COVID Church Leadership

FRANK BEALER &

JIM SHEPARD

Frank Bealer

Jim Sheppard

Accelerating Generosity Towards God-Inspired Vision