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 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.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.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.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.Key lessons from this episode include:- How to quickly and respectfully conduct a campaign autopsy.- Why staff participation is the hidden indicator of future success.- How unclear vision, staff disengagement, or misaligned projects can derail even well-run campaigns.- Why churches must look beneath the surface numbers to uncover deeper cultural issues.- How to move forward with grace, humility, and stronger leadership practices.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.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.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.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.

Ver todos los episodios