<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Next Sunday</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/next-sunday--6141742</link><description><![CDATA[<i>Next Sunday</i> is more than just a podcast — this is your community of forward-thinking church leaders looking to make a meaningful impact not only today but for years to come. Our conversations create every church leader’s field guide for bridging generations, cultivating generosity, and inspiring change in the church. Every other week, you can expect candid discussions, insightful interviews with special guests and practical tips you can apply to your congregation to start shaping your church of tomorrow, <i>today</i>. We embrace challenges, celebrate victories, and aren’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers along the way, because what happens next Sunday could change everything. ]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/6141742/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>Business</category><copyright>Generis</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg</url><title>Next Sunday</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/next-sunday--6141742</link></image><lastBuildDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2026 01:14:56 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Generis</itunes:name><itunes:email>nextsundaypodcast@gmail.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>Next Sunday is more than just a podcast — this is your community of forward-thinking church leaders looking to make a meaningful impact not only today but for years to come. Our conversations create every church leader’s field guide for bridging...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[<i>Next Sunday</i> is more than just a podcast — this is your community of forward-thinking church leaders looking to make a meaningful impact not only today but for years to come. Our conversations create every church leader’s field guide for bridging generations, cultivating generosity, and inspiring change in the church. Every other week, you can expect candid discussions, insightful interviews with special guests and practical tips you can apply to your congregation to start shaping your church of tomorrow, <i>today</i>. We embrace challenges, celebrate victories, and aren’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers along the way, because what happens next Sunday could change everything. ]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Business"/><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>[Summer Session Ep.5] What "Ready" Actually Means</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/summer-session-ep-5-what-ready-actually-means--72692283</link><description><![CDATA[<b>This is episode 5 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts. Download </b><a href="https://6138342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6138342/The%20Next%20Sunday%20Podcast%20%E2%80%93%20Workbook.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>Beyond The Generosity Gap Workbook</b></a><b>, a free guide designed to help you put these conversations into action before the season arrives.</b><br /><b></b><br />For God loves a cheerful giver. It is one of the most quoted lines in conversations about generosity, and one of the most misunderstood.<br /><br />In this final episode of the Next Sunday Summer Session, Jim Sheppard unpacks the Greek word behind "cheerful", hilaros, and reveals that it carries two co-equal meanings: joyful and ready. Paul uses the word ready five or six times in the verses immediately before that famous line. The point was never just happiness. It was preparation.<br /><br />Jim and Frank close the series with a direct challenge to pastors: stop apologizing for the offering moment. Stop managing reluctance. The goal is not to protect people from their wallets; they know how to do that better than you do. The goal is to form people into ready, eager, willing givers. And that formation work does not happen in September. It happens now.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72692283</guid><pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 01:20:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72692283/next_summer_session_5.mp3" length="23221478" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is episode 5 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts. Download...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[<b>This is episode 5 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts. Download </b><a href="https://6138342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6138342/The%20Next%20Sunday%20Podcast%20%E2%80%93%20Workbook.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>Beyond The Generosity Gap Workbook</b></a><b>, a free guide designed to help you put these conversations into action before the season arrives.</b><br /><b></b><br />For God loves a cheerful giver. It is one of the most quoted lines in conversations about generosity, and one of the most misunderstood.<br /><br />In this final episode of the Next Sunday Summer Session, Jim Sheppard unpacks the Greek word behind "cheerful", hilaros, and reveals that it carries two co-equal meanings: joyful and ready. Paul uses the word ready five or six times in the verses immediately before that famous line. The point was never just happiness. It was preparation.<br /><br />Jim and Frank close the series with a direct challenge to pastors: stop apologizing for the offering moment. Stop managing reluctance. The goal is not to protect people from their wallets; they know how to do that better than you do. The goal is to form people into ready, eager, willing givers. And that formation work does not happen in September. It happens now.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>726</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>[Summer Session Ep.4] The Generation Nobody's Discipling Into Generosity</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/summer-session-ep-4-the-generation-nobody-s-discipling-into-generosity--72692280</link><description><![CDATA[<b>This is episode 4 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts. Download </b><a href="https://6138342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6138342/The%20Next%20Sunday%20Podcast%20%E2%80%93%20Workbook.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>Beyond The Generosity Gap Workbook</b></a><b>, a free guide designed to help you put these conversations into action before the season arrives.</b><br /><br />The data is encouraging. Gen Z's propensity to give is at or above that of Boomers. Their faith is growing. So why isn't their generosity keeping pace in most churches?<br /><br />In this episode, Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer name the gap honestly and place the responsibility squarely where it belongs. Frank introduces the idea of "checkmatic giving," the way automated digital giving, while convenient, has quietly removed generosity from everyday family life and eliminated the natural discipleship moments that used to happen around the kitchen table.<br /><br />Jim traces the larger pattern: Boomers didn't disciple Gen X well in this area. Gen X didn't disciple Millennials. And now the gap has compounded into Gen Z. The good news is that their willingness is there. The question is whether the church will disciple that willingness before the window closes, and whether it will start building the formation pipeline for Gen Alpha before it is too late.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72692280</guid><pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 01:15:05 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72692280/next_summer_session_4.mp3" length="23254043" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is episode 4 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts. Download...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[<b>This is episode 4 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts. Download </b><a href="https://6138342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6138342/The%20Next%20Sunday%20Podcast%20%E2%80%93%20Workbook.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>Beyond The Generosity Gap Workbook</b></a><b>, a free guide designed to help you put these conversations into action before the season arrives.</b><br /><br />The data is encouraging. Gen Z's propensity to give is at or above that of Boomers. Their faith is growing. So why isn't their generosity keeping pace in most churches?<br /><br />In this episode, Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer name the gap honestly and place the responsibility squarely where it belongs. Frank introduces the idea of "checkmatic giving," the way automated digital giving, while convenient, has quietly removed generosity from everyday family life and eliminated the natural discipleship moments that used to happen around the kitchen table.<br /><br />Jim traces the larger pattern: Boomers didn't disciple Gen X well in this area. Gen X didn't disciple Millennials. And now the gap has compounded into Gen Z. The good news is that their willingness is there. The question is whether the church will disciple that willingness before the window closes, and whether it will start building the formation pipeline for Gen Alpha before it is too late.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>727</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>[Summer Session Ep.3] Starting Strong</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/summer-session-ep-3-starting-strong--72692282</link><description><![CDATA[<b>This is episode 3 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts. Download </b><a href="https://6138342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6138342/The%20Next%20Sunday%20Podcast%20%E2%80%93%20Workbook.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>Beyond The Generosity Gap Workbook</b></a><b>, a free guide designed to help you put these conversations into action before the season arrives.</b><br /><b></b><br />Most churches treat their fall giving campaign, year-end giving, and new year launch as three separate events. In doing so, they exhaust their congregation, miss their best opportunities, and arrive at January wondering what happened.<br /><br />In this episode, Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer make the case that September through February is one continuous discipleship rhythm, not three disconnected seasons. They unpack the theological difference between Cain's question and Abel's question as the frame for what truly transformational giving looks like, and show what it means to build a second-half narrative that carries people through each moment rather than resetting with every new push.<br /><br />They also land on what may be the most overlooked communication opportunity of the entire church year, the annual giving statement. Everybody opens it. Almost nobody uses it well. This episode shows what it looks like when you do.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72692282</guid><pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 01:10:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72692282/next_summer_session_3.mp3" length="32558448" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is episode 3 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts. Download...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[<b>This is episode 3 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts. Download </b><a href="https://6138342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6138342/The%20Next%20Sunday%20Podcast%20%E2%80%93%20Workbook.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>Beyond The Generosity Gap Workbook</b></a><b>, a free guide designed to help you put these conversations into action before the season arrives.</b><br /><b></b><br />Most churches treat their fall giving campaign, year-end giving, and new year launch as three separate events. In doing so, they exhaust their congregation, miss their best opportunities, and arrive at January wondering what happened.<br /><br />In this episode, Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer make the case that September through February is one continuous discipleship rhythm, not three disconnected seasons. They unpack the theological difference between Cain's question and Abel's question as the frame for what truly transformational giving looks like, and show what it means to build a second-half narrative that carries people through each moment rather than resetting with every new push.<br /><br />They also land on what may be the most overlooked communication opportunity of the entire church year, the annual giving statement. Everybody opens it. Almost nobody uses it well. This episode shows what it looks like when you do.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1019</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>[Summer Session Ep.2] Why It Feels Harder Than It Used To</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/summer-session-ep-2-why-it-feels-harder-than-it-used-to--72692281</link><description><![CDATA[<b>This is episode 2 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts. Download </b><a href="https://6138342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6138342/The%20Next%20Sunday%20Podcast%20%E2%80%93%20Workbook.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>Beyond The Generosity Gap Workbook</b></a><b>, a free guide designed to help you put these conversations into action before the season arrives.</b><br /><b></b><br />Most pastors sense it. Generosity feels harder to cultivate than it once did. But few can name exactly why.<br /><br />In this episode, Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer bring the explanation to the surface. The environment that quietly reinforced giving for decades has shifted, and the formation gaps it was masking are now fully visible. Jim introduces the idea of false signals, the metrics that make a church look healthier than it actually is. Hitting the annual budget. A faithful older generation quietly carrying a disproportionate share of the weight. Attendance growing while generosity participation stays flat.<br /><br />Frank adds a challenge that cuts to the heart of it: getting really good at budgeting and forecasting is not the same as making disciples. The status quo is not working. And the summer is the right time to figure out the difference, before fall demands results you haven't prepared for.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72692281</guid><pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 01:05:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72692281/next_summer_session_2.mp3" length="28062808" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is episode 2 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts. Download...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[<b>This is episode 2 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts. Download </b><a href="https://6138342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6138342/The%20Next%20Sunday%20Podcast%20%E2%80%93%20Workbook.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>Beyond The Generosity Gap Workbook</b></a><b>, a free guide designed to help you put these conversations into action before the season arrives.</b><br /><b></b><br />Most pastors sense it. Generosity feels harder to cultivate than it once did. But few can name exactly why.<br /><br />In this episode, Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer bring the explanation to the surface. The environment that quietly reinforced giving for decades has shifted, and the formation gaps it was masking are now fully visible. Jim introduces the idea of false signals, the metrics that make a church look healthier than it actually is. Hitting the annual budget. A faithful older generation quietly carrying a disproportionate share of the weight. Attendance growing while generosity participation stays flat.<br /><br />Frank adds a challenge that cuts to the heart of it: getting really good at budgeting and forecasting is not the same as making disciples. The status quo is not working. And the summer is the right time to figure out the difference, before fall demands results you haven't prepared for.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>877</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>[Summer Session Ep.1] The Mirror Nobody Wants To Look In</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/summer-session-ep-1-the-mirror-nobody-wants-to-look-in--72692279</link><description><![CDATA[<b>This is episode 1 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts. </b><b></b><b>Download <a href="https://6138342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6138342/The%20Next%20Sunday%20Podcast%20%E2%80%93%20Workbook.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beyond The Generosity Gap Workbook</a>, a free guide designed to help you put these conversations into action before the season arrives.</b><br /><br />Before you diagnose your congregation's giving culture, there's a harder question to sit with first.<br /><br />In this opening episode of the Next Sunday Summer Session, Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer make the case that the giving temperature of a congregation almost always reflects the spiritual and emotional temperature of its leader. A great strategy launched into unprepared hearts will run off like rain on hard ground. The real preparation begins with the pastor.<br /><br />Jim and Frank walk through what an unresolved relationship with money actually looks like in practice, the apologetic tone before a giving message, the constant rationalizing, the tendency to reach for a new strategy rather than do the harder interior work. They challenge pastors to identify where money still creates tension in their own lives, and why that unresolved tension will quietly limit everything they try to lead this fall.<br /><br />This episode is not a diagnosis of your congregation. It is an invitation to look in the mirror first.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72692279</guid><pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 01:00:05 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72692279/next_summer_session_1.mp3" length="29070653" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>This is episode 1 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts....</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[<b>This is episode 1 of 5 of the Next Sunday Podcast Summer Session: five focused conversations to help pastors and church leaders arrive at fall with a congregation of ready hearts. </b><b></b><b>Download <a href="https://6138342.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6138342/The%20Next%20Sunday%20Podcast%20%E2%80%93%20Workbook.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beyond The Generosity Gap Workbook</a>, a free guide designed to help you put these conversations into action before the season arrives.</b><br /><br />Before you diagnose your congregation's giving culture, there's a harder question to sit with first.<br /><br />In this opening episode of the Next Sunday Summer Session, Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer make the case that the giving temperature of a congregation almost always reflects the spiritual and emotional temperature of its leader. A great strategy launched into unprepared hearts will run off like rain on hard ground. The real preparation begins with the pastor.<br /><br />Jim and Frank walk through what an unresolved relationship with money actually looks like in practice, the apologetic tone before a giving message, the constant rationalizing, the tendency to reach for a new strategy rather than do the harder interior work. They challenge pastors to identify where money still creates tension in their own lives, and why that unresolved tension will quietly limit everything they try to lead this fall.<br /><br />This episode is not a diagnosis of your congregation. It is an invitation to look in the mirror first.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>910</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>What Your Biggest Givers Wish You Knew</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-your-biggest-givers-wish-you-knew--72300002</link><description><![CDATA[High-capacity givers and major donors are often approached transactionally—by schools, charities, alma maters, museums, and causes that lead with one question: “How much can you give?” This episode explains why pastors must lead differently, and what your biggest givers wish you knew about shepherding them well.<br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer continue the conversation on segmentation and generosity by asking a practical question: once a church knows who its high-capacity givers are, what should pastors do—and how should they relate to these givers with integrity?<br /><br />Jim makes a clear point: don’t start with the money conversation. If a pastor leads with giving, it immediately signals a transactional posture—treating a person like a resource instead of someone to shepherd. Instead, Jim reframes high-capacity giving as a stewardship assignment—one many people are unprepared to carry, especially first-generation wealthy families or newer believers who suddenly find themselves with significant resources and little discipleship framework for what to do next.<br /><br />The episode also challenges assumptions about financial ease. Frank references a recent study noting that even households earning around $500,000 report feeling “paycheck to paycheck,” which exposes how common lifestyle pressure and financial tension can be, even at higher income levels. The takeaway: pastors shouldn’t assume complexity disappears with wealth. <br /><br />A key leadership moment comes when pastors fear reaching out to a major giver who is pulling back, because they worry it will be perceived as “I’m only here for your money.” Jim pushes deeper: that fear often reveals the pastor’s own transactional mindset. Until that posture is corrected, the conversation will stay awkward, because the awkwardness is coming from the leader, not the giver.<br /><br />Finally, Jim and Frank emphasize that generosity is discipleship—progressive sanctification—and churches can hit a campaign goal while still failing their people spiritually. The call is to help people grow over time, strengthen the “muscle” of generosity, and steward the pastoral opportunity with clarity and courage.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72300002</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:47:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72300002/ep_7.mp3" length="25904552" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>High-capacity givers and major donors are often approached transactionally—by schools, charities, alma maters, museums, and causes that lead with one question: “How much can you give?” This episode explains why pastors must lead differently, and what...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[High-capacity givers and major donors are often approached transactionally—by schools, charities, alma maters, museums, and causes that lead with one question: “How much can you give?” This episode explains why pastors must lead differently, and what your biggest givers wish you knew about shepherding them well.<br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer continue the conversation on segmentation and generosity by asking a practical question: once a church knows who its high-capacity givers are, what should pastors do—and how should they relate to these givers with integrity?<br /><br />Jim makes a clear point: don’t start with the money conversation. If a pastor leads with giving, it immediately signals a transactional posture—treating a person like a resource instead of someone to shepherd. Instead, Jim reframes high-capacity giving as a stewardship assignment—one many people are unprepared to carry, especially first-generation wealthy families or newer believers who suddenly find themselves with significant resources and little discipleship framework for what to do next.<br /><br />The episode also challenges assumptions about financial ease. Frank references a recent study noting that even households earning around $500,000 report feeling “paycheck to paycheck,” which exposes how common lifestyle pressure and financial tension can be, even at higher income levels. The takeaway: pastors shouldn’t assume complexity disappears with wealth. <br /><br />A key leadership moment comes when pastors fear reaching out to a major giver who is pulling back, because they worry it will be perceived as “I’m only here for your money.” Jim pushes deeper: that fear often reveals the pastor’s own transactional mindset. Until that posture is corrected, the conversation will stay awkward, because the awkwardness is coming from the leader, not the giver.<br /><br />Finally, Jim and Frank emphasize that generosity is discipleship—progressive sanctification—and churches can hit a campaign goal while still failing their people spiritually. The call is to help people grow over time, strengthen the “muscle” of generosity, and steward the pastoral opportunity with clarity and courage.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1619</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Lessons From Leadership Transition</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/lessons-from-leadership-transition--72077626</link><description><![CDATA[Leadership transition and executive succession are hard, especially in the faith-based sector, where healthy succession stories can feel way too rare. This episode revisits a real transition one year later to unpack what actually makes succession work when the predecessor is still around and the organization keeps moving forward with trust and momentum.<br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer reflect on Generis’ CEO transition—15 months in—to share the behind-the-scenes realities that made it sustainable. They aren’t telling the story to brag. They’re telling it to prove it can go well, and to offer practical “nuggets” that might help leaders facing their own handoff.<br /><br />A key framework Jim shares is the relay race analogy:<br /><br />Succession requires baton release and baton embrace.<br /><br />The outgoing leader has to let go fully. The incoming leader has to take it and run. But the hidden work is what determines whether either side can do that well. Jim explains that before handing off leadership, he had to confront two internal deal-breakers that could have wrecked everything: identity and control.<br /><br />Frank highlights what many teams miss: the hard work is heart work. It’s the internal readiness, the posture, the humility, and the willingness to do deep work before the public announcement ever happens.<br /><br />They also get practical about what protects the new leader:<br /><ul><li>building relational capital and trust long before the transition</li><li>leaders backing words with actions (not operating with “shadow leadership”)</li><li>letting the successor lead meetings and make decisions without constant oversight</li><li>giving context without controlling outcomes—so the new leader can lead with freedom </li></ul><br />A standout line from Jim reframes why he stepped out of the CEO role:<br />“I’m not doing this so I can leave quicker. I’m doing it so I can stay longer.” <br /><br />The episode closes with a challenge for leaders navigating succession: talk to trusted people, do the identity work, do the control work, and make sure you’re truly ready to release the baton—because the greatest gift you can give your successor is a clean handoff they can fully embrace.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72077626</guid><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 03:09:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72077626/ep_6.mp3" length="27983899" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Leadership transition and executive succession are hard, especially in the faith-based sector, where healthy succession stories can feel way too rare. This episode revisits a real transition one year later to unpack what actually makes succession work...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Leadership transition and executive succession are hard, especially in the faith-based sector, where healthy succession stories can feel way too rare. This episode revisits a real transition one year later to unpack what actually makes succession work when the predecessor is still around and the organization keeps moving forward with trust and momentum.<br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer reflect on Generis’ CEO transition—15 months in—to share the behind-the-scenes realities that made it sustainable. They aren’t telling the story to brag. They’re telling it to prove it can go well, and to offer practical “nuggets” that might help leaders facing their own handoff.<br /><br />A key framework Jim shares is the relay race analogy:<br /><br />Succession requires baton release and baton embrace.<br /><br />The outgoing leader has to let go fully. The incoming leader has to take it and run. But the hidden work is what determines whether either side can do that well. Jim explains that before handing off leadership, he had to confront two internal deal-breakers that could have wrecked everything: identity and control.<br /><br />Frank highlights what many teams miss: the hard work is heart work. It’s the internal readiness, the posture, the humility, and the willingness to do deep work before the public announcement ever happens.<br /><br />They also get practical about what protects the new leader:<br /><ul><li>building relational capital and trust long before the transition</li><li>leaders backing words with actions (not operating with “shadow leadership”)</li><li>letting the successor lead meetings and make decisions without constant oversight</li><li>giving context without controlling outcomes—so the new leader can lead with freedom </li></ul><br />A standout line from Jim reframes why he stepped out of the CEO role:<br />“I’m not doing this so I can leave quicker. I’m doing it so I can stay longer.” <br /><br />The episode closes with a challenge for leaders navigating succession: talk to trusted people, do the identity work, do the control work, and make sure you’re truly ready to release the baton—because the greatest gift you can give your successor is a clean handoff they can fully embrace.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1749</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Misdiagnosed: Stop Managing What You Need to Solve</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/misdiagnosed-stop-managing-what-you-need-to-solve--71677720</link><description><![CDATA[Leadership problems don’t disappear when you rename them. But many leaders do exactly that—calling a problem a “tension” so they don’t have to deal with it. This episode exposes that pattern and offers a better path: accuracy, courage, and the willingness to turn the light on. <br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack Frank’s Substack post Misdiagnosed and the leadership drift it names: misdiagnosis becomes a sanctuary for the tired leader, the insecure leader, and the leader running low on emotional margin.<br /><br />The conversation starts with a well-known leadership idea: some things are a problem to solve, and some things are a tension to manage. Frank explains how that true principle often gets misused. When a leader is conflict-avoidant, exhausted, or protecting themselves emotionally, they may start declaring problems to be “tensions,” because tensions feel safer. They can be tolerated. They don’t require action.<br /><br />Jim and Frank explore what fuels that pattern:<br /><ul><li>Fatigue and relentless pace</li><li>Conflict avoidance that intensifies when leaders are tired</li><li>“Avoidance in wisdom’s clothing”</li><li>Growth as a mask that makes misdiagnosis easier to ignore</li></ul>Frank argues that a healthy leadership habit is learning to keep “new eyes” even when you are no longer new, and to ask, “If someone took my job tomorrow, where would they look that I should have been looking?” <br /><br />They also get practical around one of the most common places misdiagnosis shows up: team dysfunction and staff issues. Jim makes the case that keeping the wrong fit around is not kindness. It is costly to the whole team and ultimately costly to the person who isn’t thriving. He even recommends generous severance, because the delay almost always costs more than the decision.<br /><br />This episode is a must-listen for pastors, nonprofit leaders, executive teams, and church boards who want to lead with clarity instead of convenience.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71677720</guid><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:30:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71677720/ep_5_hd_1.mp3" length="26051533" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Leadership problems don’t disappear when you rename them. But many leaders do exactly that—calling a problem a “tension” so they don’t have to deal with it. This episode exposes that pattern and offers a better path: accuracy, courage, and the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Leadership problems don’t disappear when you rename them. But many leaders do exactly that—calling a problem a “tension” so they don’t have to deal with it. This episode exposes that pattern and offers a better path: accuracy, courage, and the willingness to turn the light on. <br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack Frank’s Substack post Misdiagnosed and the leadership drift it names: misdiagnosis becomes a sanctuary for the tired leader, the insecure leader, and the leader running low on emotional margin.<br /><br />The conversation starts with a well-known leadership idea: some things are a problem to solve, and some things are a tension to manage. Frank explains how that true principle often gets misused. When a leader is conflict-avoidant, exhausted, or protecting themselves emotionally, they may start declaring problems to be “tensions,” because tensions feel safer. They can be tolerated. They don’t require action.<br /><br />Jim and Frank explore what fuels that pattern:<br /><ul><li>Fatigue and relentless pace</li><li>Conflict avoidance that intensifies when leaders are tired</li><li>“Avoidance in wisdom’s clothing”</li><li>Growth as a mask that makes misdiagnosis easier to ignore</li></ul>Frank argues that a healthy leadership habit is learning to keep “new eyes” even when you are no longer new, and to ask, “If someone took my job tomorrow, where would they look that I should have been looking?” <br /><br />They also get practical around one of the most common places misdiagnosis shows up: team dysfunction and staff issues. Jim makes the case that keeping the wrong fit around is not kindness. It is costly to the whole team and ultimately costly to the person who isn’t thriving. He even recommends generous severance, because the delay almost always costs more than the decision.<br /><br />This episode is a must-listen for pastors, nonprofit leaders, executive teams, and church boards who want to lead with clarity instead of convenience.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1629</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Stop Apologizing! You're not "Spending Money On Yourself"</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/stop-apologizing-you-re-not-spending-money-on-yourself--71324486</link><description><![CDATA[Church building campaigns and facility projects often get framed with one phrase that creates confusion fast: “We’re spending money on ourselves.” This episode explains why that language is theologically inaccurate, practically unhelpful, and unnecessarily apologetic—especially when the goal of church infrastructure is mission, not self-indulgence.<br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack why pastors and leaders say this so often, even when their vision is clear and their motives are good. Jim argues the phrase usually comes from anxiety about money, inherited church tradition, and a leftover transactional mindset that makes leaders feel like they have to justify internal investment by attaching an external “offset.”<br /><br />Jim offers a cleaner, more faithful framework that brings everything into focus: <b>We invest inside the walls so we can be more effective outside the walls. </b><br /><br />That shift changes the entire conversation. It clarifies that facilities are not inherently selfish. It reminds people that ministry happens both inside and outside the church walls. And it removes the subtle message that internal investment is spiritually suspect.<br /><br />They also talk about how “percentage give-back” language can unintentionally reinforce guilt: “We’re keeping most of this for ourselves, so we should give some away.” Jim argues it’s not wrong to have multiple goals in a generosity initiative. It’s the framing that gets sideways when it sounds like a penalty for building capacity. <br /><br />A key biblical anchor comes from Nehemiah: the burden “out there” drove the project “in here.” That’s how church infrastructure should work. Leaders build and strengthen the base so the mission can expand. And when those projects are aligned to mission, clearly articulated, and rooted in real capacity needs, churches often respond with clarity and faith.<br /><br />Finally, Jim gives practical counsel for changing the culture: the senior pastor has to lead, staff need retraining, and it will take time. But the result is worth it, because when everyone understands “inside the walls, outside the walls,” the whole church can move forward with confidence.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71324486</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:53:46 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71324486/ep_4_hd_1.mp3" length="23725591" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Church building campaigns and facility projects often get framed with one phrase that creates confusion fast: “We’re spending money on ourselves.” This episode explains why that language is theologically inaccurate, practically unhelpful, and...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Church building campaigns and facility projects often get framed with one phrase that creates confusion fast: “We’re spending money on ourselves.” This episode explains why that language is theologically inaccurate, practically unhelpful, and unnecessarily apologetic—especially when the goal of church infrastructure is mission, not self-indulgence.<br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack why pastors and leaders say this so often, even when their vision is clear and their motives are good. Jim argues the phrase usually comes from anxiety about money, inherited church tradition, and a leftover transactional mindset that makes leaders feel like they have to justify internal investment by attaching an external “offset.”<br /><br />Jim offers a cleaner, more faithful framework that brings everything into focus: <b>We invest inside the walls so we can be more effective outside the walls. </b><br /><br />That shift changes the entire conversation. It clarifies that facilities are not inherently selfish. It reminds people that ministry happens both inside and outside the church walls. And it removes the subtle message that internal investment is spiritually suspect.<br /><br />They also talk about how “percentage give-back” language can unintentionally reinforce guilt: “We’re keeping most of this for ourselves, so we should give some away.” Jim argues it’s not wrong to have multiple goals in a generosity initiative. It’s the framing that gets sideways when it sounds like a penalty for building capacity. <br /><br />A key biblical anchor comes from Nehemiah: the burden “out there” drove the project “in here.” That’s how church infrastructure should work. Leaders build and strengthen the base so the mission can expand. And when those projects are aligned to mission, clearly articulated, and rooted in real capacity needs, churches often respond with clarity and faith.<br /><br />Finally, Jim gives practical counsel for changing the culture: the senior pastor has to lead, staff need retraining, and it will take time. But the result is worth it, because when everyone understands “inside the walls, outside the walls,” the whole church can move forward with confidence.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1483</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>All Givers Are The Same, But Not All Gifts Are The same</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/all-givers-are-the-same-but-not-all-gifts-are-the-same--70934762</link><description><![CDATA[“If we treat gifts differently, aren’t we treating people differently?” This episode brings clarity to that question with a simple principle that every church leader needs: all givers are the same, but not all gifts are the same.<br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack why the widow and her two coins is not the only giving story Scripture celebrates—and why forming your entire generosity theology around that single moment can unintentionally limit discipleship and communication in the local church.<br /><br />Jim explains what often triggers this conversation in leadership rooms: a fear of favoritism. Pastors worry that gathering certain givers first, speaking differently to different groups, or acknowledging the impact of larger gifts will create division or compromise spiritual integrity. But Jim argues the issue is usually a misunderstanding of what Scripture means by favoritism—and an assumption that healthy segmentation is the same as special treatment.<br /><br />To reset the conversation, Jim points to three givers in Scripture with very different gifts:<br /><ul><li>The widow and her two coins</li><li>Mary’s lavish worship at Bethany, offering what may have been her dowry</li><li>King David’s giving in 1 Chronicles 29, a gift that—by modern valuation—could be measured in the billions</li></ul>The gifts are wildly different in magnitude and impact, but Scripture honors all three. And Jim offers a memorable summary that ties the stories together:<br /><br />The widow’s gift was magnanimous because of sacrifice.<br />Mary’s gift was profound because of worship and devotion.<br />David’s gift was transformational because of its scale and impact.<br />Scripture honors all three, not because the gifts were equal, but because the givers were. <br /><br />The episode also brings this into real church practice. Jim explains why gathering faithful givers first is not favoritism—it’s often reverse favoritism. These are the people asked to go first, sacrifice most, and set the pace so the whole church can move forward. And he offers a practical reminder: churches already differentiate people in many areas (like worship teams and leadership roles). Money just makes leaders feel nervous in a way other conversations don’t.<br /><br />This episode is a must-listen for pastors, executive pastors, elders, boards, and generosity teams who want clear biblical language and a healthier framework for honoring every giver while communicating with wisdom about the different impact gifts can have in the mission of the church.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70934762</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70934762/ep_3_hd_1.mp3" length="24125578" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>“If we treat gifts differently, aren’t we treating people differently?” This episode brings clarity to that question with a simple principle that every church leader needs: all givers are the same, but not all gifts are the same.

In this episode of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[“If we treat gifts differently, aren’t we treating people differently?” This episode brings clarity to that question with a simple principle that every church leader needs: all givers are the same, but not all gifts are the same.<br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack why the widow and her two coins is not the only giving story Scripture celebrates—and why forming your entire generosity theology around that single moment can unintentionally limit discipleship and communication in the local church.<br /><br />Jim explains what often triggers this conversation in leadership rooms: a fear of favoritism. Pastors worry that gathering certain givers first, speaking differently to different groups, or acknowledging the impact of larger gifts will create division or compromise spiritual integrity. But Jim argues the issue is usually a misunderstanding of what Scripture means by favoritism—and an assumption that healthy segmentation is the same as special treatment.<br /><br />To reset the conversation, Jim points to three givers in Scripture with very different gifts:<br /><ul><li>The widow and her two coins</li><li>Mary’s lavish worship at Bethany, offering what may have been her dowry</li><li>King David’s giving in 1 Chronicles 29, a gift that—by modern valuation—could be measured in the billions</li></ul>The gifts are wildly different in magnitude and impact, but Scripture honors all three. And Jim offers a memorable summary that ties the stories together:<br /><br />The widow’s gift was magnanimous because of sacrifice.<br />Mary’s gift was profound because of worship and devotion.<br />David’s gift was transformational because of its scale and impact.<br />Scripture honors all three, not because the gifts were equal, but because the givers were. <br /><br />The episode also brings this into real church practice. Jim explains why gathering faithful givers first is not favoritism—it’s often reverse favoritism. These are the people asked to go first, sacrifice most, and set the pace so the whole church can move forward. And he offers a practical reminder: churches already differentiate people in many areas (like worship teams and leadership roles). Money just makes leaders feel nervous in a way other conversations don’t.<br /><br />This episode is a must-listen for pastors, executive pastors, elders, boards, and generosity teams who want clear biblical language and a healthier framework for honoring every giver while communicating with wisdom about the different impact gifts can have in the mission of the church.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1508</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>A Giving Initiative Is Like An X-Ray</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-giving-initiative-is-like-an-x-ray--70659175</link><description><![CDATA[Giving initiatives and generosity campaigns are like an X-ray: they reveal what’s already happening inside your church. Giving initiatives don’t cause fractures, they expose them. And that’s why giving initiatives can become one of the clearest diagnostic tools a church leader will ever experience.<br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack a simple but powerful idea: giving initiatives are never really about money. They’re about people—trust, clarity, alignment, leadership health, and spiritual maturity. A generosity season surfaces what’s strong, what’s weak, what’s unified, and what’s fractured. The good stuff rises. The not-so-good stuff shows itself.<br /><br />Jim explains how this became obvious early in his work after several initiatives went well, then one didn’t. On the surface, the church looked healthy. The goal wasn’t unreasonable. The strategy was sound. But traction stalled. And that experience forced a deeper realization: when generosity doesn’t move, something underneath the surface usually needs attention. The giving initiative simply reveals it.<br /><br />Jim and Frank also address a common misconception: that a major generosity initiative can “reunite” or “revive” a church that’s already divided. A giving initiative won’t heal fractures. It will magnify them, because the church is forced into conversations about trust, vision, and commitment. <br /><br />But there’s hope in the X-ray.<br /><br />Once you can see what’s real, leaders can finally address what needs to be strengthened. Jim describes the role of a campaign guide like a whitewater rafting guide: someone who has navigated these waters before and can help pastors avoid “dumb tax” mistakes other churches have already paid. When a church hits unexpected turbulence, the goal isn’t panic. The goal is perspective, intervention, and wise next steps. <br /><br />This episode is a must-listen for pastors, executive leaders, and church teams who are considering a giving initiative, or who are already in one, and want to understand what generosity reveals, why it matters, and how to respond when the X-ray exposes cracks that need healing.<br /><br /><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70659175</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:17:11 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70659175/ep_2_hd_01.mp3" length="55620482" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Giving initiatives and generosity campaigns are like an X-ray: they reveal what’s already happening inside your church. Giving initiatives don’t cause fractures, they expose them. And that’s why giving initiatives can become one of the clearest...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Giving initiatives and generosity campaigns are like an X-ray: they reveal what’s already happening inside your church. Giving initiatives don’t cause fractures, they expose them. And that’s why giving initiatives can become one of the clearest diagnostic tools a church leader will ever experience.<br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack a simple but powerful idea: giving initiatives are never really about money. They’re about people—trust, clarity, alignment, leadership health, and spiritual maturity. A generosity season surfaces what’s strong, what’s weak, what’s unified, and what’s fractured. The good stuff rises. The not-so-good stuff shows itself.<br /><br />Jim explains how this became obvious early in his work after several initiatives went well, then one didn’t. On the surface, the church looked healthy. The goal wasn’t unreasonable. The strategy was sound. But traction stalled. And that experience forced a deeper realization: when generosity doesn’t move, something underneath the surface usually needs attention. The giving initiative simply reveals it.<br /><br />Jim and Frank also address a common misconception: that a major generosity initiative can “reunite” or “revive” a church that’s already divided. A giving initiative won’t heal fractures. It will magnify them, because the church is forced into conversations about trust, vision, and commitment. <br /><br />But there’s hope in the X-ray.<br /><br />Once you can see what’s real, leaders can finally address what needs to be strengthened. Jim describes the role of a campaign guide like a whitewater rafting guide: someone who has navigated these waters before and can help pastors avoid “dumb tax” mistakes other churches have already paid. When a church hits unexpected turbulence, the goal isn’t panic. The goal is perspective, intervention, and wise next steps. <br /><br />This episode is a must-listen for pastors, executive leaders, and church teams who are considering a giving initiative, or who are already in one, and want to understand what generosity reveals, why it matters, and how to respond when the X-ray exposes cracks that need healing.<br /><br /><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1385</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>From Tax Deductions To Discipleship</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-tax-deductions-to-discipleship--70426322</link><description><![CDATA[Tax policy has changed the giving landscape—and this episode explains why churches can’t lean on incentives anymore. If generosity is going to grow, it has to be formed through discipleship, not deductions.<br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer break down how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act shifted giving by nearly doubling the standard deduction. As a result, far fewer households itemize (dropping from about 1 in 3 to about 1 in 10), which removed a key financial nudge that used to reinforce charitable giving, especially at year-end.<br /><br />Jim and Frank walk through the real-world implications in plain language: standard vs. itemized deductions, why Schedule A used to matter for middle-class giving, and how incentives shaped behavior even when they weren’t the primary spiritual motivator. They also discuss how the “One Big Beautiful Act Bill” extends these dynamics and adds new layers—like a small above-the-line deduction for non-itemizers and a “haircut” effect that reduces deductible charitable amounts for some itemizers.<br /><br />But the key takeaway is not political. It’s pastoral.<br /><br />The conversation argues that tax policy changes hit undeveloped givers far harder than developed givers. And when incentives fade, what’s exposed is formation: if people were giving mostly because it “made sense” financially, the church must now disciple people toward giving as worship, not transaction.<br /><br />The conversation challenges pastors and church leaders to stop assuming outside forces will work in the church’s favor and to start asking harder questions. Are we teaching generosity clearly and consistently? Are we forming hearts—or just managing behaviors? Have we unintentionally trained people to see giving as a financial decision rather than a discipleship practice?<br /><br />A powerful closing section gives a pastoral starting point for conversations with people who are “out-strategizing God” with tax planning. Jim points leaders back to Scripture—inviting people to run their giving decisions through passages like Deuteronomy 14:22–23 and the heart posture of David in 1 Chronicles 29:17—so the Holy Spirit can do the work that arguments and spreadsheets never can.<br /><br />This episode is a must-listen for Church leaders who want a more honest, biblically grounded approach to church giving and generosity culture in a world where tax incentives are no longer doing the church any favors.<br /><br />Read the full article and download <b>FREE white paper </b>here: <a href="https://blog.generis.com/blog/from-tax-deductions-to-discipleship-part-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blog.generis.com/blog/from-tax-deductions-to-discipleship-part-2</a>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70426322</guid><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 22:18:34 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70426322/ep_1_mobile.mp3" length="25603898" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Tax policy has changed the giving landscape—and this episode explains why churches can’t lean on incentives anymore. If generosity is going to grow, it has to be formed through discipleship, not deductions.

In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Tax policy has changed the giving landscape—and this episode explains why churches can’t lean on incentives anymore. If generosity is going to grow, it has to be formed through discipleship, not deductions.<br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer break down how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act shifted giving by nearly doubling the standard deduction. As a result, far fewer households itemize (dropping from about 1 in 3 to about 1 in 10), which removed a key financial nudge that used to reinforce charitable giving, especially at year-end.<br /><br />Jim and Frank walk through the real-world implications in plain language: standard vs. itemized deductions, why Schedule A used to matter for middle-class giving, and how incentives shaped behavior even when they weren’t the primary spiritual motivator. They also discuss how the “One Big Beautiful Act Bill” extends these dynamics and adds new layers—like a small above-the-line deduction for non-itemizers and a “haircut” effect that reduces deductible charitable amounts for some itemizers.<br /><br />But the key takeaway is not political. It’s pastoral.<br /><br />The conversation argues that tax policy changes hit undeveloped givers far harder than developed givers. And when incentives fade, what’s exposed is formation: if people were giving mostly because it “made sense” financially, the church must now disciple people toward giving as worship, not transaction.<br /><br />The conversation challenges pastors and church leaders to stop assuming outside forces will work in the church’s favor and to start asking harder questions. Are we teaching generosity clearly and consistently? Are we forming hearts—or just managing behaviors? Have we unintentionally trained people to see giving as a financial decision rather than a discipleship practice?<br /><br />A powerful closing section gives a pastoral starting point for conversations with people who are “out-strategizing God” with tax planning. Jim points leaders back to Scripture—inviting people to run their giving decisions through passages like Deuteronomy 14:22–23 and the heart posture of David in 1 Chronicles 29:17—so the Holy Spirit can do the work that arguments and spreadsheets never can.<br /><br />This episode is a must-listen for Church leaders who want a more honest, biblically grounded approach to church giving and generosity culture in a world where tax incentives are no longer doing the church any favors.<br /><br />Read the full article and download <b>FREE white paper </b>here: <a href="https://blog.generis.com/blog/from-tax-deductions-to-discipleship-part-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blog.generis.com/blog/from-tax-deductions-to-discipleship-part-2</a>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1601</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>church,discipleship,giving,stewardship</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Church Giving ISN’T About the Economy</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-church-giving-isn-t-about-the-economy--69116362</link><description><![CDATA[Church giving and generosity culture are often blamed on the economy, but this episode challenges that assumption head-on. Church giving and generosity culture are far more influenced by church leadership, vision, and what happens inside the walls of the church than by what’s happening on Wall Street.<br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack one of the most common phrases pastors use when giving declines: “It’s the economy.” Drawing on more than three decades of church consulting experience, Jim argues that while economic conditions matter, they are rarely the primary driver of church giving trends. Instead, the real issues are often internal—leadership health, vision clarity, trust, teaching, and culture.<br /><br />Jim and Frank explore why churches so quickly default to external explanations when giving stalls and how a transactional mindset toward generosity fuels that reaction. They highlight real-world examples from economic downturns, the global pandemic, tax policy changes, and local church case studies to demonstrate a consistent truth: churches in the same economy can experience wildly different giving outcomes.<br /><br />The conversation challenges pastors and church leaders to stop outsourcing responsibility to macroeconomic forces and start asking harder questions. Is there vision fatigue? Leadership burnout? Trust erosion? Poor communication around generosity? A lack of teaching that frames giving as transformation rather than transaction?<br /><br />The episode also examines how churches differ from other nonprofits. Unlike most charitable organizations, churches have a weekly “home-field advantage”—regular access to their people to build trust, reinforce vision, and shape culture. When leveraged well, that advantage insulates churches from economic swings far more than leaders realize.<br /><br />A particularly powerful section focuses on pastoral health as a generosity issue. Jim makes the case that the emotional and spiritual temperature of a congregation almost always mirrors that of its senior pastor. When leaders lead with passion and conviction, generosity follows. When leaders are weary or discouraged, giving often slows.<br /><br />The episode closes with a challenge to church boards, elders, and leadership teams: if you want to mitigate financial risk, your first priority should not be spreadsheets—it should be the soul, health, and sustainability of the pastor.<br /><br />This episode is a must-listen for pastors, executive leaders, and church teams who want a more honest, effective, and biblically grounded approach to generosity, leadership, and church giving—regardless of what the economy is doing.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69116362</guid><pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69116362/v1.mp3" length="47507323" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Church giving and generosity culture are often blamed on the economy, but this episode challenges that assumption head-on. Church giving and generosity culture are far more influenced by church leadership, vision, and what happens inside the walls of...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Church giving and generosity culture are often blamed on the economy, but this episode challenges that assumption head-on. Church giving and generosity culture are far more influenced by church leadership, vision, and what happens inside the walls of the church than by what’s happening on Wall Street.<br /><br />In this episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack one of the most common phrases pastors use when giving declines: “It’s the economy.” Drawing on more than three decades of church consulting experience, Jim argues that while economic conditions matter, they are rarely the primary driver of church giving trends. Instead, the real issues are often internal—leadership health, vision clarity, trust, teaching, and culture.<br /><br />Jim and Frank explore why churches so quickly default to external explanations when giving stalls and how a transactional mindset toward generosity fuels that reaction. They highlight real-world examples from economic downturns, the global pandemic, tax policy changes, and local church case studies to demonstrate a consistent truth: churches in the same economy can experience wildly different giving outcomes.<br /><br />The conversation challenges pastors and church leaders to stop outsourcing responsibility to macroeconomic forces and start asking harder questions. Is there vision fatigue? Leadership burnout? Trust erosion? Poor communication around generosity? A lack of teaching that frames giving as transformation rather than transaction?<br /><br />The episode also examines how churches differ from other nonprofits. Unlike most charitable organizations, churches have a weekly “home-field advantage”—regular access to their people to build trust, reinforce vision, and shape culture. When leveraged well, that advantage insulates churches from economic swings far more than leaders realize.<br /><br />A particularly powerful section focuses on pastoral health as a generosity issue. Jim makes the case that the emotional and spiritual temperature of a congregation almost always mirrors that of its senior pastor. When leaders lead with passion and conviction, generosity follows. When leaders are weary or discouraged, giving often slows.<br /><br />The episode closes with a challenge to church boards, elders, and leadership teams: if you want to mitigate financial risk, your first priority should not be spreadsheets—it should be the soul, health, and sustainability of the pastor.<br /><br />This episode is a must-listen for pastors, executive leaders, and church teams who want a more honest, effective, and biblically grounded approach to generosity, leadership, and church giving—regardless of what the economy is doing.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1970</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Giving Under Compulsion: Why It Is Not What You Think</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/giving-under-compulsion-why-it-is-not-what-you-think--69063174</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />Most of all, you will gain a way to speak about generosity that builds trust, honors Scripture, and helps people grow.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69063174</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69063174/audio1.mp3" length="44125746" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />Most of all, you will gain a way to speak about generosity that builds trust, honors Scripture, and helps people grow.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1828</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>How to Raise Generous Kids in a Selfish World</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-raise-generous-kids-in-a-selfish-world--68461030</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68461030</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68461030/generis_ep_dg_v2.mp3" length="46835739" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1944</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Hidden Truth About Church Giving</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-hidden-truth-about-church-giving--68252745</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68252745</guid><pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68252745/generis_ep_df_v1.mp3" length="41920799" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1735</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Harsh Truth About Post-COVID Church Leadership</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-harsh-truth-about-post-covid-church-leadership--68120967</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68120967</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68120967/generis_ep_de_v3.mp3" length="42833868" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1774</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Surprising Reason Church Campaigns Fail</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-surprising-reason-church-campaigns-fail--67894717</link><description><![CDATA[Church fundraising campaigns. Church capital campaigns. These terms carry weight for pastors and leaders everywhere. But what happens when your church capital campaign doesn’t hit the goal? <br /><br />In this episode of the Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack the realities, challenges, and hidden lessons behind a campaign that falls short, and why it’s not the end of the story.<br /><br />Church fundraising campaigns and church capital campaigns can reveal more than dollars and pledge cards. They surface issues of trust, leadership, participation, and vision. Frank Bealer and Jim Sheppard dive deep into the vital distinction between participation and dollars raised, why low engagement is more concerning than low giving, and how to conduct a proper “autopsy” when things don’t go as planned.<br /><br />Listeners will hear real-world stories of campaigns that missed the goal and the surprising insights that came from them. From long-time faithful members who simply didn’t understand the vision, to staff culture challenges that quietly undermine participation, this episode is packed with hard truths every pastor and church leader needs to hear.<br /><br />Jim Sheppard shares candidly from decades of experience helping churches navigate these challenges. He explains why “campaign fatigue” is usually a sign of “vision fatigue,” and why trust is the currency of generosity. Frank Bealer adds pastoral perspective, pointing out the emotional toll leaders feel when campaigns underperform and the importance of gathering feedback without defensiveness.<br /><br />Key lessons from this episode include:<br /><br />- How to quickly and respectfully conduct a campaign autopsy.<br />- Why staff participation is the hidden indicator of future success.<br />- How unclear vision, staff disengagement, or misaligned projects can derail even well-run campaigns.<br />- Why churches must look beneath the surface numbers to uncover deeper cultural issues.<br />- How to move forward with grace, humility, and stronger leadership practices.<br /><br />Listeners will also learn practical steps: asking the right questions of faithful members who didn’t participate, commissioning neutral leaders to gather honest feedback, and identifying whether the issue is messaging, vision, or culture.<br /><br />Ultimately, Frank Bealer and Jim Sheppard remind leaders that falling short on a fundraising campaign doesn’t mean failure. It’s a chance to recalibrate vision, strengthen trust, and build healthier staff and congregational culture. With humility and honesty, a disappointing outcome can become the foundation for long-term growth and generosity.<br /><br />Whether you’re planning your first church capital campaign or reflecting on one that didn’t go as expected, this conversation will equip you to lead with clarity, courage, and renewed hope.<br /><br />The Next Sunday Podcast is designed for pastors, executive leaders, and church staff who want to navigate the realities of ministry leadership with wisdom and practical tools.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67894717</guid><pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67894717/generis_ep_dd_v2.mp3" length="41527202" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Church fundraising campaigns. Church capital campaigns. These terms carry weight for pastors and leaders everywhere. But what happens when your church capital campaign doesn’t hit the goal? 

In this episode of the Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Church fundraising campaigns. Church capital campaigns. These terms carry weight for pastors and leaders everywhere. But what happens when your church capital campaign doesn’t hit the goal? <br /><br />In this episode of the Next Sunday Podcast, hosts Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer unpack the realities, challenges, and hidden lessons behind a campaign that falls short, and why it’s not the end of the story.<br /><br />Church fundraising campaigns and church capital campaigns can reveal more than dollars and pledge cards. They surface issues of trust, leadership, participation, and vision. Frank Bealer and Jim Sheppard dive deep into the vital distinction between participation and dollars raised, why low engagement is more concerning than low giving, and how to conduct a proper “autopsy” when things don’t go as planned.<br /><br />Listeners will hear real-world stories of campaigns that missed the goal and the surprising insights that came from them. From long-time faithful members who simply didn’t understand the vision, to staff culture challenges that quietly undermine participation, this episode is packed with hard truths every pastor and church leader needs to hear.<br /><br />Jim Sheppard shares candidly from decades of experience helping churches navigate these challenges. He explains why “campaign fatigue” is usually a sign of “vision fatigue,” and why trust is the currency of generosity. Frank Bealer adds pastoral perspective, pointing out the emotional toll leaders feel when campaigns underperform and the importance of gathering feedback without defensiveness.<br /><br />Key lessons from this episode include:<br /><br />- How to quickly and respectfully conduct a campaign autopsy.<br />- Why staff participation is the hidden indicator of future success.<br />- How unclear vision, staff disengagement, or misaligned projects can derail even well-run campaigns.<br />- Why churches must look beneath the surface numbers to uncover deeper cultural issues.<br />- How to move forward with grace, humility, and stronger leadership practices.<br /><br />Listeners will also learn practical steps: asking the right questions of faithful members who didn’t participate, commissioning neutral leaders to gather honest feedback, and identifying whether the issue is messaging, vision, or culture.<br /><br />Ultimately, Frank Bealer and Jim Sheppard remind leaders that falling short on a fundraising campaign doesn’t mean failure. It’s a chance to recalibrate vision, strengthen trust, and build healthier staff and congregational culture. With humility and honesty, a disappointing outcome can become the foundation for long-term growth and generosity.<br /><br />Whether you’re planning your first church capital campaign or reflecting on one that didn’t go as expected, this conversation will equip you to lead with clarity, courage, and renewed hope.<br /><br />The Next Sunday Podcast is designed for pastors, executive leaders, and church staff who want to navigate the realities of ministry leadership with wisdom and practical tools.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1721</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Vision Every Church Gets Wrong</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-vision-every-church-gets-wrong--67724270</link><description><![CDATA[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.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67724270</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67724270/generis_ep_dc_v2.mp3" length="41527183" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1721</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Myth of the Big Donor Fix</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-myth-of-the-big-donor-fix--67552730</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67552730</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 10:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67552730/generis_ep_db_v2.mp3" length="25504565" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1595</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Stop Letting Your Facility Drain You. Do This Instead</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/stop-letting-your-facility-drain-you-do-this-instead--67420199</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67420199</guid><pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67420199/generis_ep_da_v2_3017.mp3" length="27686312" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1731</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Can Pastors Preach Generosity While Drowning in Debt?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-pastors-preach-generosity-while-drowning-in-debt--67206703</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Through humor, storytelling, and Scripture, the episode tackles critical questions:<br /><br />- Can a pastor with a “2 out of 10” financial life still preach on giving?<br />- How should spiritual leaders approach transparency without oversharing?<br />- What role does shame and guilt play in blocking breakthrough in financial health?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />If you’re ready to trade silent defeat for empowered, grace-filled leadership, this conversation is your first step.<br /><br />🔔 Subscribe and share with a pastor you know who might need this message of freedom and faith.<br /><br />Episode Timestamps:<br />00:00 - The Unspoken Financial Stress Pastors Face<br />02:00 - The Tension of Preaching on Generosity While in Debt<br />04:00 - Real-Life Causes of Financial Messes in Ministry<br />06:00 - Why Seminary Debt Is the Silent Killer<br />08:00 - Transparency Without Oversharing: How to Be Honest and Safe<br />11:00 - The Real-Life Consequences of Being Transparent<br />14:30 - How to Reframe the Message: Turning Struggle Into Leadership<br />17:30 - Growth as a Part of Spiritual Leadership<br />22:00 - Tools and Resources for Financial Healing<br />24:30 - From Authority to Authenticity: Modeling Transformation]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67206703</guid><pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:30:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67206703/generis_ep_35_flv_v1_3017.mp3" length="38766670" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Through humor, storytelling, and Scripture, the episode tackles critical questions:<br /><br />- Can a pastor with a “2 out of 10” financial life still preach on giving?<br />- How should spiritual leaders approach transparency without oversharing?<br />- What role does shame and guilt play in blocking breakthrough in financial health?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />If you’re ready to trade silent defeat for empowered, grace-filled leadership, this conversation is your first step.<br /><br />🔔 Subscribe and share with a pastor you know who might need this message of freedom and faith.<br /><br />Episode Timestamps:<br />00:00 - The Unspoken Financial Stress Pastors Face<br />02:00 - The Tension of Preaching on Generosity While in Debt<br />04:00 - Real-Life Causes of Financial Messes in Ministry<br />06:00 - Why Seminary Debt Is the Silent Killer<br />08:00 - Transparency Without Oversharing: How to Be Honest and Safe<br />11:00 - The Real-Life Consequences of Being Transparent<br />14:30 - How to Reframe the Message: Turning Struggle Into Leadership<br />17:30 - Growth as a Part of Spiritual Leadership<br />22:00 - Tools and Resources for Financial Healing<br />24:30 - From Authority to Authenticity: Modeling Transformation]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1598</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episode>35</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Failing to Live Up to Your Potential? Watch This…</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/failing-to-live-up-to-your-potential-watch-this--67030616</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br />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.<br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Parable of the Talents, faith and leadership, Christian stewardship, kingdom calling, spiritual growth, faithful risk, biblical leadership]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67030616</guid><pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/67030616/generis_ep_34_ce_flv_v1_3017.mp3" length="39817659" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br />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.<br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Parable of the Talents, faith and leadership, Christian stewardship, kingdom calling, spiritual growth, faithful risk, biblical leadership]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1649</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Don't Make Another Big Decision Until You Watch This</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/don-t-make-another-big-decision-until-you-watch-this--66902346</link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to the Next Sunday podcast, where we dive deeper than the surface of leadership clichés and explore the spiritual tools that actually shape our lives. In this episode, host Jim Shepherd turns the tables and interviews our guest—and usually co-host—Frank Bueller, about his passion for discernment. Frank’s personal journey of faith and leadership has led him to write a new 30-day devotional, “Developing Discernment,” and today he shares the story behind it.Together, Jim and Frank unpack what discernment really means, why it matters more than ever for leaders facing “good versus good” decisions, and how the practice of discernment isn’t just for the spiritually elite—it’s for all of us. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many choices or pressured to make quick decisions, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, seek God’s guidance, and lead not just well, but wisely. Whether you’re leading a team, a church, or simply navigating your own next steps, get ready for honest stories, practical wisdom, and a reminder that discernment is a spiritual lifeline, not just a nifty leadership skill.<br /><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66902346</guid><pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2025 20:00:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66902346/generis_ep_33_cc_flv_v2_3017.mp3" length="47013227" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Welcome to the Next Sunday podcast, where we dive deeper than the surface of leadership clichés and explore the spiritual tools that actually shape our lives. In this episode, host Jim Shepherd turns the tables and interviews our guest—and usually...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to the Next Sunday podcast, where we dive deeper than the surface of leadership clichés and explore the spiritual tools that actually shape our lives. In this episode, host Jim Shepherd turns the tables and interviews our guest—and usually co-host—Frank Bueller, about his passion for discernment. Frank’s personal journey of faith and leadership has led him to write a new 30-day devotional, “Developing Discernment,” and today he shares the story behind it.Together, Jim and Frank unpack what discernment really means, why it matters more than ever for leaders facing “good versus good” decisions, and how the practice of discernment isn’t just for the spiritually elite—it’s for all of us. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many choices or pressured to make quick decisions, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, seek God’s guidance, and lead not just well, but wisely. Whether you’re leading a team, a church, or simply navigating your own next steps, get ready for honest stories, practical wisdom, and a reminder that discernment is a spiritual lifeline, not just a nifty leadership skill.<br /><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1952</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episode>33</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Your Church DOESN’T Attract Big Givers</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-your-church-doesn-t-attract-big-givers--66636244</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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:<ul><li>How can churches overcome the scarcity mindset?<br /><br /></li><li>What does it look like to develop healthy ministry partnerships?<br /><br /></li><li>How can nonprofits better steward their relationships with churches?<br /><br /></li><li>Why is collaboration the future of ministry success?<br /><br /></li></ul>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.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66636244</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:00:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66636244/generis_ep_32_flv_v1_3017.mp3" length="30105042" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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:<ul><li>How can churches overcome the scarcity mindset?<br /><br /></li><li>What does it look like to develop healthy ministry partnerships?<br /><br /></li><li>How can nonprofits better steward their relationships with churches?<br /><br /></li><li>Why is collaboration the future of ministry success?<br /><br /></li></ul>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.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1882</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Truth About Dechurching in 2025</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-truth-about-dechurching-in-2025--66419342</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66419342</guid><pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66419342/generis_ep_31_flv_v1_3017.mp3" length="44282605" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1836</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Great Leaders Know When to Pass the Baton (Part 2)</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-great-leaders-know-when-to-pass-the-baton-part-2--66235440</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66235440</guid><pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2025 10:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66235440/generis_ep_30_v1_3017.mp3" length="49535208" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2056</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episode>30</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Great Leaders Know When to Pass the Baton</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-great-leaders-know-when-to-pass-the-baton--66061520</link><description><![CDATA[What if the end of your leadership wasn’t an ending at all, but the beginning of something even better? <br /><br />In this week's episode of <i>Next Sunday</i>, 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. <br /><br />In this Episode:<br /><ul><li>Why great leaders prepare for transition long before it's needed</li><li>The spiritual and emotional weight of handing off leadership</li><li>How legacy-minded succession can unlock a church’s next season of growth</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66061520</guid><pubDate>Tue, 13 May 2025 09:00:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/66061520/generis_ep_29_ep_ca_fl_audio_v1_3017.mp3" length="41893106" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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....</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[What if the end of your leadership wasn’t an ending at all, but the beginning of something even better? <br /><br />In this week's episode of <i>Next Sunday</i>, 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. <br /><br />In this Episode:<br /><ul><li>Why great leaders prepare for transition long before it's needed</li><li>The spiritual and emotional weight of handing off leadership</li><li>How legacy-minded succession can unlock a church’s next season of growth</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1738</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The #1 Reason Church Plants Fail</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-1-reason-church-plants-fail--65784697</link><description><![CDATA[Nearly 70% of church plants fail within their first four years. But the reason behind these failures isn’t what most people think.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />In this Episode:<br /><ul><li>What the research says about funding and church plant survival</li><li>Breaking down real church planting costs—what’s essential and what’s surprising</li><li>The funding sources church planters rely on and why diversification matters</li></ul><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65784697</guid><pubDate>Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65784697/copy_of_generis_ep_28_fl_audio_v5_3017.mp3" length="22639518" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Nearly 70% of church plants fail within their first four years. But the reason behind these failures isn’t what most people think.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />In this Episode:<br /><ul><li>What the research says about funding and church plant survival</li><li>Breaking down real church planting costs—what’s essential and what’s surprising</li><li>The funding sources church planters rely on and why diversification matters</li></ul><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>936</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Most Teams Never Reach Their Full Potential</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-most-teams-never-reach-their-full-potential--65571152</link><description><![CDATA[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 overcome them.<br /><br />In this episode:<br /><ul><li>The leadership missteps Jim and Frank wish they had caught sooner—and how they’d lead differently today</li><li>How misalignment shows up in teams and what to do when your staff is “rowing in different directions”</li><li>Why rebuilding trust is the key to healthier church culture—and where to start</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65571152</guid><pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65571152/generis_ep_27_flaudio_v2_3017.mp3" length="13681727" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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 overcome them.<br /><br />In this episode:<br /><ul><li>The leadership missteps Jim and Frank wish they had caught sooner—and how they’d lead differently today</li><li>How misalignment shows up in teams and what to do when your staff is “rowing in different directions”</li><li>Why rebuilding trust is the key to healthier church culture—and where to start</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>565</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Is 29 Too Young to Lead a Church?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-29-too-young-to-lead-a-church--65261325</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />In this episode:<br /><ul><li>How Luke handled skepticism and criticism as a young leader</li><li>The biggest lessons from leading through a church split</li><li>Why age doesn’t determine your ability to lead</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65261325</guid><pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2025 08:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/65261325/generis_ep_26_luke_lezon_v1_2_audio.mp3" length="53249270" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />In this episode:<br /><ul><li>How Luke handled skepticism and criticism as a young leader</li><li>The biggest lessons from leading through a church split</li><li>Why age doesn’t determine your ability to lead</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2204</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Missing Piece in Your Church’s Financial Future</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-missing-piece-in-your-church-s-financial-future--64945539</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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 church's finances with its vision. Whether you're a small church just starting out or a growing multi-campus ministry, this episode will give you practical steps to strengthen your financial foundation.<br /><br />In this Episode:<br /><ul><li>Why the CFO role is essential for growing churches</li><li>How to identify financial gaps and plan for the future</li><li>Tips for hiring or outsourcing the right financial leadership</li></ul>Let’s ensure your church is positioned for long-term success!<br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64945539</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:00:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64945539/generis_ep_25_role_of_the_cfo_v1_audio.mp3" length="58412622" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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 church's finances with its vision. Whether you're a small church just starting out or a growing multi-campus ministry, this episode will give you practical steps to strengthen your financial foundation.<br /><br />In this Episode:<br /><ul><li>Why the CFO role is essential for growing churches</li><li>How to identify financial gaps and plan for the future</li><li>Tips for hiring or outsourcing the right financial leadership</li></ul>Let’s ensure your church is positioned for long-term success!<br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2424</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episode>25</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Hidden Trap That Derails Church Leaders</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-hidden-trap-that-derails-church-leaders--64680461</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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-awareness, and accountability needed to protect both influence and soul. Plus, we react to a powerful conversation between Matt Chandler and Lecrae, test our Bible knowledge, and debate some hot-button church finance topics.<br /><br />In this episode:<br /><ul><li>The subtle ways leaders drift from sanctification—and how to stay on course.</li><li>Why accountability and spiritual discipline are non-negotiables for church leaders.</li><li>A fun (and slightly controversial) game of Hot or Not on church finances.</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64680461</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64680461/generis_ep_b_b_1_30_25_hidden_traps.mp3" length="51188527" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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-awareness, and accountability needed to protect both influence and soul. Plus, we react to a powerful conversation between Matt Chandler and Lecrae, test our Bible knowledge, and debate some hot-button church finance topics.<br /><br />In this episode:<br /><ul><li>The subtle ways leaders drift from sanctification—and how to stay on course.</li><li>Why accountability and spiritual discipline are non-negotiables for church leaders.</li><li>A fun (and slightly controversial) game of Hot or Not on church finances.</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2116</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Why Your Church Needs a Clear Theology of Giving</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-your-church-needs-a-clear-theology-of-giving--64423986</link><description><![CDATA[Does your church have a clear theology of giving? Without it, you could be leaving your congregation confused and disengaged.<br /><br />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. It’s time to move beyond transactional giving and create lasting impact.<br /><br />In this Episode:<br /><ul><li>The dangers of unclear messaging about giving in the church.</li><li>How to align your staff and congregation around a shared theology.</li><li>Practical steps to create clarity and inspire generosity.</li></ul><br />]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64423986</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64423986/gen_ep_1_v2_1_28_25_v2_audio.mp3" length="29048859" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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....</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Does your church have a clear theology of giving? Without it, you could be leaving your congregation confused and disengaged.<br /><br />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. It’s time to move beyond transactional giving and create lasting impact.<br /><br />In this Episode:<br /><ul><li>The dangers of unclear messaging about giving in the church.</li><li>How to align your staff and congregation around a shared theology.</li><li>Practical steps to create clarity and inspire generosity.</li></ul><br />]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1816</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>What Makes Gen Z Say Yes to Church Leadership</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-makes-gen-z-say-yes-to-church-leadership--64168136</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />Drawing from their own experiences and observations, Jim and Frank dive into the importance of inclusivity, intentional mentorship, and creating meaningful roles that resonate with Gen Z’s values. This conversation will inspire you to rethink how your church engages the next generation, ensuring a vibrant and thriving future for your ministry.<br /><br />Key takeaways:<br /><ul><li>Why understanding generational differences is essential for church leaders.</li><li>How to create leadership opportunities that align with Gen Z’s passions.</li><li>The role of intentionality in making ministry roles attractive to young leaders.</li></ul>Whether you’re a seasoned church leader or just beginning to explore generational engagement, this episode offers actionable insights to help you connect with and empower the next wave of church leadership.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64168136</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2025 09:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/64168136/audio_by_ep22_flv_v2_3017.mp3" length="72388800" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />Drawing from their own experiences and observations, Jim and Frank dive into the importance of inclusivity, intentional mentorship, and creating meaningful roles that resonate with Gen Z’s values. This conversation will inspire you to rethink how your church engages the next generation, ensuring a vibrant and thriving future for your ministry.<br /><br />Key takeaways:<br /><ul><li>Why understanding generational differences is essential for church leaders.</li><li>How to create leadership opportunities that align with Gen Z’s passions.</li><li>The role of intentionality in making ministry roles attractive to young leaders.</li></ul>Whether you’re a seasoned church leader or just beginning to explore generational engagement, this episode offers actionable insights to help you connect with and empower the next wave of church leadership.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1810</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>How Debt Impacts Your Church’s Mission</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-debt-impacts-your-church-s-mission--63763519</link><description><![CDATA[<b>Imagine a church free to focus entirely on ministry, community, and growth.</b><br /><b></b><br />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.<br /><br />With practical insights and actionable steps, Jim and Frank guide listeners through strategies for achieving financial freedom. Whether your church is navigating debt now or planning for the future, this conversation will help you step into a new season of opportunity, generosity, and growth.<br /><br />Key takeaways:<ul><li>How debt impacts ministry priorities and long-term financial health.</li><li>Actionable steps to help your church move toward financial freedom.</li><li>The benefits of becoming debt-free and how it can empower your church’s ministry.</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63763519</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jan 2025 09:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63763519/audio_by_ep21_flv_v1_3017.mp3" length="83020800" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[<b>Imagine a church free to focus entirely on ministry, community, and growth.</b><br /><b></b><br />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.<br /><br />With practical insights and actionable steps, Jim and Frank guide listeners through strategies for achieving financial freedom. Whether your church is navigating debt now or planning for the future, this conversation will help you step into a new season of opportunity, generosity, and growth.<br /><br />Key takeaways:<ul><li>How debt impacts ministry priorities and long-term financial health.</li><li>Actionable steps to help your church move toward financial freedom.</li><li>The benefits of becoming debt-free and how it can empower your church’s ministry.</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2076</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Biblical Model for Effective Church Leadership</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-biblical-model-for-effective-church-leadership--63590494</link><description><![CDATA[Senior pastors are often stretched thin by impossible job descriptions, but what if focusing on just five roles could change everything?<br /><br />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 effective leadership. Whether you're a seasoned pastor or just starting out, understanding these key roles can transform your ministry and bring balance to your life.<br /><b></b><br /><b>In this Episode:</b><ul><li>The five roles that every senior pastor should focus on</li><li>How these roles align with the biblical model of prophet, priest, and king</li><li>Practical tips for communicating and implementing these roles in your church</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63590494</guid><pubDate>Tue, 07 Jan 2025 10:00:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63590494/audio_by_ep20_flv_v1_3017.mp3" length="73305600" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Senior pastors are often stretched thin by impossible job descriptions, but what if focusing on just five roles could change everything?<br /><br />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 effective leadership. Whether you're a seasoned pastor or just starting out, understanding these key roles can transform your ministry and bring balance to your life.<br /><b></b><br /><b>In this Episode:</b><ul><li>The five roles that every senior pastor should focus on</li><li>How these roles align with the biblical model of prophet, priest, and king</li><li>Practical tips for communicating and implementing these roles in your church</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1833</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Church Giving Without Sounding Pushy</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/church-giving-without-sounding-pushy--63415362</link><description><![CDATA[Starting the year by pushing for more tithes might seem like a strong move, but it can actually backfire if it feels too transactional.<br /><br />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 from the heart. We also discuss how to celebrate first-time givers and keep the spirit of generosity alive without feeling like you're constantly asking for money.<br /><br />In this Episode:<br /><ul><li>Why kicking off with a fundraising push might be a mistake</li><li>The importance of vision casting over financial transactions</li><li>Tips to celebrate and encourage first-time givers</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63415362</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2024 09:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63415362/ep19_audio_v1_3017.mp3" length="26736012" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Starting the year by pushing for more tithes might seem like a strong move, but it can actually backfire if it feels too transactional.<br /><br />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 from the heart. We also discuss how to celebrate first-time givers and keep the spirit of generosity alive without feeling like you're constantly asking for money.<br /><br />In this Episode:<br /><ul><li>Why kicking off with a fundraising push might be a mistake</li><li>The importance of vision casting over financial transactions</li><li>Tips to celebrate and encourage first-time givers</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1671</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Avoid These Common Church Finance Mistakes</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/avoid-these-common-church-finance-mistakes--63238879</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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 align with ministry cycles, this conversation tackles common pitfalls and offers concrete ways to ensure that your church's finances reflect its mission.<br /><br />In this episode:<br /><ul><li>Why switching to a fiscal year may benefit your church</li><li>Key budgeting practices that maximize accountability</li><li>How to leverage reporting for more effective ministry planning</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63238879</guid><pubDate>Tue, 10 Dec 2024 09:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63238879/ep18_audio_extracted_by_video_v1_3017.mp3" length="33979430" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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 align with ministry cycles, this conversation tackles common pitfalls and offers concrete ways to ensure that your church's finances reflect its mission.<br /><br />In this episode:<br /><ul><li>Why switching to a fiscal year may benefit your church</li><li>Key budgeting practices that maximize accountability</li><li>How to leverage reporting for more effective ministry planning</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2124</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Guiding the Next Generation of Faith Leaders</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/guiding-the-next-generation-of-faith-leaders--63004351</link><description><![CDATA[How can seasoned leaders ensure their experiences—the successes and the mistakes—shape the future of the church? <br /><br />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 common pitfalls.<br /><br />In this Episode:<br /><ul><li>Why mentorship is crucial for lasting leadership</li><li>Strategies for maintaining integrity and accountability</li><li>Tips for balancing family life with ministry</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63004351</guid><pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 09:00:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/63004351/copy_of_ep17_audio_v1_3017.mp3" length="35924844" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[How can seasoned leaders ensure their experiences—the successes and the mistakes—shape the future of the church? <br /><br />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 common pitfalls.<br /><br />In this Episode:<br /><ul><li>Why mentorship is crucial for lasting leadership</li><li>Strategies for maintaining integrity and accountability</li><li>Tips for balancing family life with ministry</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2246</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>How to Steady Your Church in a Financial Crisis</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-steady-your-church-in-a-financial-crisis--62691602</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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 common pitfalls that leave churches vulnerable.<br /><br /><b>In this Episode:</b><ul><li>The importance of building financial reserves in the church</li><li>How to communicate financial health to your congregation</li><li>Why investing in leadership care is critical to your church’s stability</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62691602</guid><pubDate>Tue, 12 Nov 2024 09:00:07 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62691602/ep16_audio_v1_3017.mp3" length="32322872" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />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 common pitfalls that leave churches vulnerable.<br /><br /><b>In this Episode:</b><ul><li>The importance of building financial reserves in the church</li><li>How to communicate financial health to your congregation</li><li>Why investing in leadership care is critical to your church’s stability</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2021</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Transforming Church Giving for High-Capacity Donors</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/transforming-church-giving-for-high-capacity-donors--62529640</link><description><![CDATA[How do churches steward the wealth of high-capacity givers without making it awkward or transactional?<br /><br />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, ensuring they understand the deeper responsibilities their wealth brings.<br /><b></b><br /><b>Join us as we discuss:</b><ul><li>Why talking to wealthy church members can be uncomfortable—but necessary.</li><li>How to ensure their giving is about more than just writing a check.</li><li>Practical advice on building trust and offering discipleship for high-capacity donors.</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62529640</guid><pubDate>Tue, 29 Oct 2024 08:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62529640/ep15_audio_v1_3017.mp3" length="52815202" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[How do churches steward the wealth of high-capacity givers without making it awkward or transactional?<br /><br />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, ensuring they understand the deeper responsibilities their wealth brings.<br /><b></b><br /><b>Join us as we discuss:</b><ul><li>Why talking to wealthy church members can be uncomfortable—but necessary.</li><li>How to ensure their giving is about more than just writing a check.</li><li>Practical advice on building trust and offering discipleship for high-capacity donors.</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2201</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Should Pastors Know Who Gives What?</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/should-pastors-know-who-gives-what--62363403</link><description><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />While giving is often viewed as a personal matter, its impact on spiritual growth and leadership can't be ignored. You'll hear a thought-provoking discussion on how this affects church culture and pastoral care.<br /><br />In this episode:<ul><li>Why some pastors avoid knowing who gives, and how much </li><li>The most common scripture used—and how it’s often misapplied</li><li>Practical ways churches can approach giving without favoritism or discomfort</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62363403</guid><pubDate>Tue, 15 Oct 2024 08:00:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62363403/ep14_audio_v1_3017.mp3" length="58409377" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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.<br /><br />While giving is often viewed as a personal matter, its impact on spiritual growth and leadership can't be ignored. You'll hear a thought-provoking discussion on how this affects church culture and pastoral care.<br /><br />In this episode:<ul><li>Why some pastors avoid knowing who gives, and how much </li><li>The most common scripture used—and how it’s often misapplied</li><li>Practical ways churches can approach giving without favoritism or discomfort</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2434</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>How Three Minutes Can Transform Your Church’s Finances</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-three-minutes-can-transform-your-church-s-finances--62167723</link><description><![CDATA[Three minutes each Sunday can completely change the way your congregation views and talks about money.<br /><br />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 views and handles money.<br /><b></b><br /><b>In this Episode:</b><ol><li>Why church giving often feels transactional instead of transformational</li><li>The powerful impact of consistent, focused teaching on money</li><li>Practical steps to reshape your church’s approach to finances</li></ol>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62167723</guid><pubDate>Tue, 01 Oct 2024 08:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/62167723/ep13_audio_v1_3017.mp3" length="56206941" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Three minutes each Sunday can completely change the way your congregation views and talks about money.<br /><br />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 views and handles money.<br /><b></b><br /><b>In this Episode:</b><ol><li>Why church giving often feels transactional instead of transformational</li><li>The powerful impact of consistent, focused teaching on money</li><li>Practical steps to reshape your church’s approach to finances</li></ol>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2342</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Hidden Dangers of ROI in Church Leadership</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-hidden-dangers-of-roi-in-church-leadership--61831287</link><description><![CDATA[The Elephant in the room in YOUR church – it’s time to address it.<br /><br />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 not have immediate tangible returns.<br /><br />In this Episode:<ul><li>Understand the pitfalls of letting ROI drive every ministry decision</li><li>Is God giving you a sign to stop a certain slow-growing ministry?</li><li>The importance of open, honest conversations about ROI and its impact on church decisions</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61831287</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Sep 2024 08:00:01 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/61831287/jim_frank_ep12_audio_v1_3017.mp3" length="34343287" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Elephant in the room in YOUR church – it’s time to address it.<br /><br />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 not have immediate tangible returns.<br /><br />In this Episode:<ul><li>Understand the pitfalls of letting ROI drive every ministry decision</li><li>Is God giving you a sign to stop a certain slow-growing ministry?</li><li>The importance of open, honest conversations about ROI and its impact on church decisions</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2147</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Dealing with Broken Trust in Your Church</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/dealing-with-broken-trust-in-your-church--61240749</link><description><![CDATA[Trust in the Church is at an all-time low – how did we get here, and what can we do about it?<br /><br />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. <br /><br />In this Episode:<b><br /></b><ul><li>Why trust is like a bank account, and how leaders often make inadvertent withdrawals</li><li>The alarming drop in trust towards the church – from 60% in the 70’s to 32% today</li><li>The cost of hiding the truth, and the power of an apology in rebuilding trust</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61240749</guid><pubDate>Tue, 03 Sep 2024 08:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/61240749/v7_3017_op_ep_11_next_sunday_jim_frank_by_z.mp3" length="41505435" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Trust in the Church is at an all-time low – how did we get here, and what can we do about it?<br /><br />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. <br /><br />In this Episode:<b><br /></b><ul><li>Why trust is like a bank account, and how leaders often make inadvertent withdrawals</li><li>The alarming drop in trust towards the church – from 60% in the 70’s to 32% today</li><li>The cost of hiding the truth, and the power of an apology in rebuilding trust</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2595</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Massive Gap in Young Adult Ministry</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-massive-gap-in-young-adult-ministry--61086234</link><description><![CDATA[In 1968, 55% of people ages 18-24 lived with their parents. In 2023, that number has grown to 71%.<br /><br />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 with students to ensure they stay engaged with their faith and community.<br /><br />We'll explore how to balance the practical and spiritual aspects of nurturing young adults, including:<br /><ul><li>The shift in young adult life stages, and its impact on ministry</li><li>Importance of consistent communication and relationship building with college students</li><li>A strategy that bridges the gap between youth and adult ministry</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61086234</guid><pubDate>Tue, 20 Aug 2024 08:00:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/61086234/ep10_audio_v1_3017_jim_frank_by_z.mp3" length="34326986" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[In 1968, 55% of people ages 18-24 lived with their parents. In 2023, that number has grown to 71%.<br /><br />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 with students to ensure they stay engaged with their faith and community.<br /><br />We'll explore how to balance the practical and spiritual aspects of nurturing young adults, including:<br /><ul><li>The shift in young adult life stages, and its impact on ministry</li><li>Importance of consistent communication and relationship building with college students</li><li>A strategy that bridges the gap between youth and adult ministry</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2146</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Avoiding Moral Failures Through Leader Accountability</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/avoiding-moral-failures-through-leader-accountability--60919770</link><description><![CDATA[Since February, we've seen four high-profile pastoral moral failures that are impacting countless lives. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />What can we learn from these moral failures and how can we, as leaders, finish well?<br /><br />This week, Jim and Frank discuss the challenges leaders and pastors face, the burdens they carry, and the critical need for guardrails and accountability. By looking at biblical principles, we aim to guide and inspire leaders to stay grounded and maintain a pure heart before God.<br /><br />Join us as we discuss:<br /><ul><li>The importance of establishing guardrails and accountability systems to prevent moral failures in leadership</li><li>Spiritual and practical measures to maintain self-awareness and avoid blind spots</li><li>Strategies for nonprofit governance and the importance of clear expectations and accountability in decision-making</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60919770</guid><pubDate>Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:00:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/60919770/ep5_audio_v1_3017_jim_frank.mp3" length="55315584" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Since February, we've seen four high-profile pastoral moral failures that are impacting countless lives. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />What can we learn from these moral failures and how can we, as leaders, finish well?<br /><br />This week, Jim and Frank discuss the challenges leaders and pastors face, the burdens they carry, and the critical need for guardrails and accountability. By looking at biblical principles, we aim to guide and inspire leaders to stay grounded and maintain a pure heart before God.<br /><br />Join us as we discuss:<br /><ul><li>The importance of establishing guardrails and accountability systems to prevent moral failures in leadership</li><li>Spiritual and practical measures to maintain self-awareness and avoid blind spots</li><li>Strategies for nonprofit governance and the importance of clear expectations and accountability in decision-making</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3458</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The TRUE End Goal of Reading the Bible</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-true-end-goal-of-reading-the-bible--60769763</link><description><![CDATA[54% of Christians report reading the Bible less than once a month, if at all.<br /><br />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, through that, a deeper relationship with God. <br /><br />Join us as we discuss:<br /><ul><li>The importance of daily scripture reading and how it influences our understanding of God</li><li>The challenges and perceptions around preaching on money and how pastors can approach it in a transformational way by focusing on scripture</li><li>Strategies for church leaders to support their congregations in reading and interpreting scripture correctly</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60769763</guid><pubDate>Tue, 23 Jul 2024 08:00:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/60769763/ep8_audio_v1_3017_jim_frank_by_z.mp3" length="47478072" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[54% of Christians report reading the Bible less than once a month, if at all.<br /><br />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, through that, a deeper relationship with God. <br /><br />Join us as we discuss:<br /><ul><li>The importance of daily scripture reading and how it influences our understanding of God</li><li>The challenges and perceptions around preaching on money and how pastors can approach it in a transformational way by focusing on scripture</li><li>Strategies for church leaders to support their congregations in reading and interpreting scripture correctly</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2968</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The MASSIVE Impending Wealth Transfer</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-massive-impending-wealth-transfer--60647194</link><description><![CDATA[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?<br /><br />This week, Jim and Frank dive into the MASSIVE upcoming wealth transfer between the baby boomers and the next generation, exploring its implications for modern-day church leadership and training. We’ll explore how to balance the practical and spiritual aspects of wealth management during this huge transitionary period.<br /><br />Join us as we discuss:<ul><li>Understanding Biblical principles of stewardship and their application to the wealth transfer</li><li>The Importance of preparing your heirs to receive and manage wealth wisely</li><li>The Role of the church in supporting families through these complex transitions</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60647194</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jul 2024 08:00:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/60647194/ep7_audio_v1_3017_by_z.mp3" length="36180217" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[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?<br /><br />This week, Jim and Frank dive into the MASSIVE upcoming wealth transfer between the baby boomers and the next generation, exploring its implications for modern-day church leadership and training. We’ll explore how to balance the practical and spiritual aspects of wealth management during this huge transitionary period.<br /><br />Join us as we discuss:<ul><li>Understanding Biblical principles of stewardship and their application to the wealth transfer</li><li>The Importance of preparing your heirs to receive and manage wealth wisely</li><li>The Role of the church in supporting families through these complex transitions</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2262</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Giving Your First and Best</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/giving-your-first-and-best--60496297</link><description><![CDATA[Is it true that being rich makes it hard to get into heaven? What was Jesus really saying?<br /><br />This week, Jim and Frank speak about the story of Zacchaeus and the Rich Young Ruler, examining what their encounters with Jesus reveal about our relationship with money. These stories give biblical lessons that will transform your approach to giving and stewardship in the modern church.<br /><br />Hear practical steps for church leaders to address these complicated struggles, ensuring they resonate with both new and mature believers through these 3 ideas:<ul><li>Understanding the difference between transactional and transformational giving</li><li>Approaching the topic of money with a focus on the heart transformation</li><li>Building a culture of generosity in your congregation without being heavy-handed</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60496297</guid><pubDate>Tue, 25 Jun 2024 08:00:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/60496297/copy_of_ep6_audio_v1_3017_jim_frank.mp3" length="38052674" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Is it true that being rich makes it hard to get into heaven? What was Jesus really saying?

This week, Jim and Frank speak about the story of Zacchaeus and the Rich Young Ruler, examining what their encounters with Jesus reveal about our relationship...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Is it true that being rich makes it hard to get into heaven? What was Jesus really saying?<br /><br />This week, Jim and Frank speak about the story of Zacchaeus and the Rich Young Ruler, examining what their encounters with Jesus reveal about our relationship with money. These stories give biblical lessons that will transform your approach to giving and stewardship in the modern church.<br /><br />Hear practical steps for church leaders to address these complicated struggles, ensuring they resonate with both new and mature believers through these 3 ideas:<ul><li>Understanding the difference between transactional and transformational giving</li><li>Approaching the topic of money with a focus on the heart transformation</li><li>Building a culture of generosity in your congregation without being heavy-handed</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2379</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Most Misunderstood Parable About Stewardship</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-most-misunderstood-parable-about-stewardship--60343158</link><description><![CDATA[Luke 16 <i>might</i> contain the most misunderstood Parable about stewardship in the Bible.<br /><br />In this episode of Next Sunday, Jim and Frank go deep into one of the most challenging teachings of Jesus – the parable of the unjust steward. They unpack Luke 16, a part of scripture that pushes us to reconsider our relationship with money and stewardship.<br /><br />We'll explore how to balance the practical and spiritual aspects of stewardship, including:<br /><ul><li>Understanding stewardship and managing resources in the best interest of the master</li><li>The importance of being shrewd and the internal struggle to multiply versus trusting</li><li>Navigating the tension between earthly possessions and eternal treasures as believers</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60343158</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2024 08:00:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/60343158/ep5_audio_v1_3017_jim_frank_by_z.mp3" length="35070954" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Luke 16 might contain the most misunderstood Parable about stewardship in the Bible.

In this episode of Next Sunday, Jim and Frank go deep into one of the most challenging teachings of Jesus – the parable of the unjust steward. They unpack Luke 16, a...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Luke 16 <i>might</i> contain the most misunderstood Parable about stewardship in the Bible.<br /><br />In this episode of Next Sunday, Jim and Frank go deep into one of the most challenging teachings of Jesus – the parable of the unjust steward. They unpack Luke 16, a part of scripture that pushes us to reconsider our relationship with money and stewardship.<br /><br />We'll explore how to balance the practical and spiritual aspects of stewardship, including:<br /><ul><li>Understanding stewardship and managing resources in the best interest of the master</li><li>The importance of being shrewd and the internal struggle to multiply versus trusting</li><li>Navigating the tension between earthly possessions and eternal treasures as believers</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2192</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>8 Mistakes Churches Make with Gen Z</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/8-mistakes-churches-make-with-gen-z--60193447</link><description><![CDATA[How do we connect with a generation living so differently than our own? <br /><br />Engaging with Gen Z can be a challenge, and many churches are struggling to incorporate these individuals into leadership and discipling. In this episode, Jim and Frank highlight how to encourage Gen Z to be a part of the church body and how they can be <i>mentored</i>, but also<i> learned</i> from.<br /><br />Join us as we discuss:<br /><ul><li>What Gen Z is CRAVING in the church</li><li>How to grow Gen Z into leaders</li><li>What we can learn from the younger generations in our churches</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60193447</guid><pubDate>Tue, 28 May 2024 08:00:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/60193447/ep4_audio_v1_3017_jim_frank_by_z.mp3" length="30244779" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>How do we connect with a generation living so differently than our own? 

Engaging with Gen Z can be a challenge, and many churches are struggling to incorporate these individuals into leadership and discipling. In this episode, Jim and Frank...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[How do we connect with a generation living so differently than our own? <br /><br />Engaging with Gen Z can be a challenge, and many churches are struggling to incorporate these individuals into leadership and discipling. In this episode, Jim and Frank highlight how to encourage Gen Z to be a part of the church body and how they can be <i>mentored</i>, but also<i> learned</i> from.<br /><br />Join us as we discuss:<br /><ul><li>What Gen Z is CRAVING in the church</li><li>How to grow Gen Z into leaders</li><li>What we can learn from the younger generations in our churches</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>1891</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Cultivating Heartfelt Church Giving</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/cultivating-heartfelt-church-giving--60009041</link><description><![CDATA[71% of people identified <i>trust</i> as a significant factor in whether they give or don’t give. <br /><br />This week, we invite you to join us in a deep and engaging discussion that challenges conventional views on giving, and how to earn trust from givers.<br /><br />We'll touch on how true generosity is more than just the act of a financial contribution — it’s about cultivating a spirit of giving that resonates from the heart and faith-driven trust. By shifting the focus from monetary transactions to personal transformation, we aim to inspire a more meaningful dialogue around church giving and community involvement.<br /><br />Join us as we discuss:<br /><ul><li>The shift from a transactional mindset to heartfelt generosity through personal giving stories and meaningful connections</li><li>The pivotal shift from "what we want from you" to "what we want for you” in light of Philippians 4:17</li><li>Strategies for fostering trust and authenticity among church leaders and congregations</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60009041</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2024 08:00:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/60009041/ep3_audio_v1_3017.mp3" length="36645406" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>71% of people identified trust as a significant factor in whether they give or don’t give. 

This week, we invite you to join us in a deep and engaging discussion that challenges conventional views on giving, and how to earn trust from givers.

We'll...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[71% of people identified <i>trust</i> as a significant factor in whether they give or don’t give. <br /><br />This week, we invite you to join us in a deep and engaging discussion that challenges conventional views on giving, and how to earn trust from givers.<br /><br />We'll touch on how true generosity is more than just the act of a financial contribution — it’s about cultivating a spirit of giving that resonates from the heart and faith-driven trust. By shifting the focus from monetary transactions to personal transformation, we aim to inspire a more meaningful dialogue around church giving and community involvement.<br /><br />Join us as we discuss:<br /><ul><li>The shift from a transactional mindset to heartfelt generosity through personal giving stories and meaningful connections</li><li>The pivotal shift from "what we want from you" to "what we want for you” in light of Philippians 4:17</li><li>Strategies for fostering trust and authenticity among church leaders and congregations</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2291</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Reframing the Giving Mindset</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/reframing-the-giving-mindset--59706423</link><description><![CDATA[Giving is always a journey — the higher you get, the better the view. <br /><br />Tithing and generosity is a deeply spiritual but often misunderstood topic within the Christian church. Delving into what it truly means to be a ‘cheerful’ giver, Jim and Frank debunk common myths about giving and remind us of the joy that comes from truly understanding God's intentions for financial stewardship.<br /><br />Whether you're a new believer or a seasoned member of the church, this episode offers valuable lessons on integrating the tithe and offering into Sunday service and the peace that comes with trust over treasure. Discover the transformative power of generosity and how it can elevate your relationship with your faith and the community.<br /><br />Join us as we unravel:<ul><li>The biblical perspective on being a 'cheerful giver' versus giving out of obligation</li><li>Generosity as a spiritual journey and the financial, spiritual, and mental challenges that accompany different stages of tithing and giving</li><li>Insights into how shifting your view on money can transform your spiritual journey and lead to genuine joy in giving</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59706423</guid><pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2024 08:00:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/59706423/ep2_next_sunday_audio_v1_3017.mp3" length="33895234" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Giving is always a journey — the higher you get, the better the view. 

Tithing and generosity is a deeply spiritual but often misunderstood topic within the Christian church. Delving into what it truly means to be a ‘cheerful’ giver, Jim and Frank...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Giving is always a journey — the higher you get, the better the view. <br /><br />Tithing and generosity is a deeply spiritual but often misunderstood topic within the Christian church. Delving into what it truly means to be a ‘cheerful’ giver, Jim and Frank debunk common myths about giving and remind us of the joy that comes from truly understanding God's intentions for financial stewardship.<br /><br />Whether you're a new believer or a seasoned member of the church, this episode offers valuable lessons on integrating the tithe and offering into Sunday service and the peace that comes with trust over treasure. Discover the transformative power of generosity and how it can elevate your relationship with your faith and the community.<br /><br />Join us as we unravel:<ul><li>The biblical perspective on being a 'cheerful giver' versus giving out of obligation</li><li>Generosity as a spiritual journey and the financial, spiritual, and mental challenges that accompany different stages of tithing and giving</li><li>Insights into how shifting your view on money can transform your spiritual journey and lead to genuine joy in giving</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2119</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>The Biggest Mistake Pastors Make with Gen Z</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-biggest-mistake-pastors-make-with-gen-z--59474096</link><description><![CDATA[It’s time to shift your mindset as a church leader. While many pastors who are Gen X and older are still focused on what they're going to build, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to leave behind. Right now, pastors have the opportunity to bring up the future generation of strong leaders to guide their church for decades to come.<br /><br />In the very first episode of Next Sunday, Jim and Frank kick off with the delicate topic of generational divides and collaboration in the church. They share surprising statistics that may challenge what you think you know about generational giving in the church, revealing which generations are actually more likely to give to the church. They share real ways you can start shifting your church towards younger generations — starting today. Want to build a diverse, generous church that loves its community today, tomorrow and beyond? We’re here to help.<br /><br />Join us as we discuss: <ul><li>Equipping the future pastors — yep, the ones who will lead your grandchildren!</li><li> The surprising truth behind generational giving gaps</li><li> The cure for generational bias</li><li>  Why two-way mentorship is so important</li></ul>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59474096</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:00:04 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/59474096/ep1_audio_v1_jim_frank_2165_by_z_1.mp3" length="33787819" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>It’s time to shift your mindset as a church leader. While many pastors who are Gen X and older are still focused on what they're going to build, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to leave behind. Right now, pastors have the...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[It’s time to shift your mindset as a church leader. While many pastors who are Gen X and older are still focused on what they're going to build, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to leave behind. Right now, pastors have the opportunity to bring up the future generation of strong leaders to guide their church for decades to come.<br /><br />In the very first episode of Next Sunday, Jim and Frank kick off with the delicate topic of generational divides and collaboration in the church. They share surprising statistics that may challenge what you think you know about generational giving in the church, revealing which generations are actually more likely to give to the church. They share real ways you can start shifting your church towards younger generations — starting today. Want to build a diverse, generous church that loves its community today, tomorrow and beyond? We’re here to help.<br /><br />Join us as we discuss: <ul><li>Equipping the future pastors — yep, the ones who will lead your grandchildren!</li><li> The surprising truth behind generational giving gaps</li><li> The cure for generational bias</li><li>  Why two-way mentorship is so important</li></ul>]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2112</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>What Happens Next Sunday Could Change Everything</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-happens-next-sunday-could-change-everything--59424058</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59424058</guid><pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2024 04:05:02 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/59424058/next_sunday_trailer_sound_by_z_1.mp3" length="1314689" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Generis</itunes:author><itunes:duration>55</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/787031a093c12ca329eedd6acf5220df.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>trailer</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>
