In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with Frank Bealer, CEO of Generis, to talk about leadership, church growth, and building healthy ministry environments that reach the next generation.

Frank shares his journey—from coming to faith as a teenager in a small rural church, to serving in student ministry, to helping shape family ministry strategies at churches like Elevation Church, and now leading one of the nation's top generosity and stewardship organizations.

At the core of the conversation is a practical and eye-opening framework for church leaders: most growth limitations come down to three key areas—parking, kids' space, and the auditorium. Frank explains how these often-overlooked factors directly impact whether new people feel comfortable engaging and returning.

He also challenges leaders to think from a guest's perspective, especially families with young children, and to evaluate whether their environments feel safe, engaging, and welcoming—not just technically within capacity.

Beyond facilities, Frank shares insights on leadership development and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of focused learning, intentional relationships, and smaller, more meaningful leadership environments rather than just consuming more content.

Finally, the conversation highlights emerging trends—especially how young adults are returning home after college and how churches must adapt to engage them and their families in new ways. Frank encourages leaders to think differently about how they disciple and support this generation in a changing cultural landscape.

Table of Contents:

00:00 – 02:30
Introduction to Frank Bealer and his journey to faith.

02:30 – 06:30
Early ministry experiences and passion for the next generation.

06:30 – 09:00
Transition into leadership roles and Generis.

09:00 – 14:30
The 3 biggest growth barriers: parking, kids space, and auditorium.

14:30 – 17:00
How to evaluate your church from a guest's perspective.

17:00 – 19:30
Leadership growth: focused learning and building relationships.

19:30 – 22:30
Why smaller, intentional leadership environments matter.

22:30 – 27:30
Emerging trends: young adults returning home and family ministry shifts.

27:30 – 28:15
Closing thoughts and encouragement for church leaders.