LILR 126 | Jim Sheppard on Why Church Attendance is Up But Giving is Not & Other Generosity Myth-Busting

Leaders in Living Rooms

In this episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, Jim Sheppard joins Sean to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing churches today: attendance is up, but giving is not. Jim shares insights from decades of experience helping churches develop a culture of generosity. They dive into why giving must be seen as a discipleship issue rather than a financial transaction, how churches can shift the conversation in practical ways, and what pastors should and shouldn’t delegate in stewardship leadership. Whether you’re a church leader navigating financial challenges or looking to build a more generous congregation, this conversation is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.

Welcome to Episode 126 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.

EPISODE LINKS

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WHO IS JIM SHEPPARD?

Jim Sheppard is the CEO & Principal of Generis, a consulting firm dedicated to helping churches inspire generosity through giving development, coaching, and strategy. A former financial executive and CPA, Jim transitioned from the corporate world to church giving development in 1991. For over 27 years, he has coached pastors in overcoming financial challenges—annual giving, debt, capital projects, and planned giving—helping churches raise over $1.7 billion. A passionate student of generosity, Jim co-authored Contagious Generosity and frequently speaks on ministry funding. He and his wife, Nancy, live in the Atlanta area and have two married daughters.

Instagram: @jim_sheppard | @generisteam

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Thanks to our sponsor: OneHope: OneHope’s mission is to reach every child and youth in the world with God’s Word through the global church. In 35 years of ministry OneHope has reached more than 2 billion young people with the Gospel. Learn how you and your church can get involved by visiting onehope.net/learnmore/.