About The Episode
In this episode, David Hibiske sits down with Frank Bealer, CEO of Generis and former Elevation Church leader, to talk about the discipleship-driven approach to generosity every church planter needs. Frank unpacks why pastors must stop “being weird about money,” how to build a healthy, biblical culture of giving from day one, and the practical rhythms that shape generosity year-round. From teaching frameworks to meeting with top givers, Frank offers clear, actionable guidance to help church planters lead confidently in one of the most essential (and often uncomfortable) areas of ministry.
Welcome to Episode 045 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.
Insights From Frank
- “Stop Being Weird About Money.”
Frank opens with a blunt but freeing challenge: pastors and planters often make money conversations awkward—but they don’t have to. Scripture isn’t weird about money, so church leaders shouldn’t be either. When leaders approach generosity with clarity and confidence, it becomes a natural part of discipleship rather than an uncomfortable sales pitch.
- Generosity Is First a Heart Issue.
Before generosity is about what people give to, it’s about what they give from. Jesus consistently addressed money at the level of the heart, not the budget. Frank emphasizes that pastors must disciple their people in this area, or someone else (culture, financial advisors, fear) will do it for them. “The heart is the first place to start,” as David summarizes.
- Teach on Money Early and Often.
Frank recommends a clear preaching rhythm for new churches:
- 22 Sundays celebrating what giving makes possible
- 22 Sundays teaching about giving from a biblical perspective
- 8 Sundays focused on building trust through transparency
This consistent cadence forms a culture that is healthy, open, and rooted in discipleship rather than pressure.
- Use a Defined Generosity Journey.
Most churches jump straight from “give nothing” to “tithe,” but Frank encourages a more accessible pathway:
Give something → Give consistently → Grow in giving → Give generously.
Creating practical next steps helps people move from obligation to joy-filled generosity.
- Don’t Outsource Discipleship to the Offering Moment.
Frank cautions pastors not to rely only on announcements or values series to talk about finances. A 3–4 week teaching series each year is essential to giving clarity and a unified call to action. His preferred timing: October/November, though new churches should teach it within their first several series.
- Build Real Relationships With Top Givers.
Frank encourages pastors to personally connect with those who “lead the way in generosity.” Not to make an ask—but to listen:
- What’s their story?
- How do they view money?
- How can the pastor pray for them?
High-capacity givers are used to being asked for money. What they rarely receive is pastoral care. This is one of the greatest opportunities for church planters.
- When It’s Time for a Project or Building, Start With a Quiet Phase.
Before launching a public campaign, build internal alignment with core leaders and early givers. Big “to” moments should be reserved for major initiatives—not solving a $50k problem the pastor could solve with 20 phone calls.
Episode Links
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Who Is Frank Bealer?
Frank Bealer is a passionate advocate for faith-based leadership, strategic innovation, and community impact. As the Chief Executive Officer of Generis, Frank brings over 25 years of ministry & leadership experience to helping churches and organizations align their mission with actionable strategies that serve their communities effectively. As an instrumental leader at Generis, he partners with churches and faith-based organizations to help them navigate complex challenges, implement innovative strategies, and develop pathways for sustainable growth. A core passion of Frank’s work is transforming the conversation around generosity, helping churches accelerate giving toward their God-inspired vision and equipping leaders with biblical strategies to cultivate lasting cultures of generosity. Driven by a deep love for the local church, Frank believes in the power of faith communities to lead with purpose, generosity, and resilience. His commitment is not just to help organizations grow, but to help them thrive in fulfilling their God-given mission. Frank and his wife Jessica live in the Atlanta area and are blessed with six wonderful children.
Sponsors
Thanks to our sponsor: Generis.
A generous church is a healthy, growing church. So, if you’re ready to advance your mission, visit Generis.com/getstarted today!
Our goal with the Ascent Leader and our church planting cohorts is to help church planters win early and finish strong. We want to resource you so that you can avoid common pitfalls and simple mistakes. Being involved in a community of leaders like our church planting cohorts is one of the best ways to wrestle through these questions. We’re here to help you, if we can be of assistance to you please feel free to reach out.
Contact our team: ops@theascentleader.org
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