#1 Jun 01, 25

The Hidden Power of Generosity in Marriage

What if generosity is the secret to a thriving marriage? Kevin sits down with generosity expert Jim Sheppard to explore how giving changes relationships—and lives.

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You don’t have to lead alone. Thrive Leaders NorCal | April 30–May 1: Two days to grow in clarity, courage, and calling.

Creators and Guests

Host

Kevin Thompson

Kevin A. Thompson is a husband, father, and Married Life Pastor at Bayside Church in the Greater Sacramento Region. The author of multiple books, including, Friends, Partners & Lovers and Fearless Families. Kevin is passionate about seeing families thrive. Originally from Arkansas, Kevin has been a frequent guest on Focus on the Family, Family Life, and featured in the New York Times. He writes at kevinathompson.com and changetheodds.com. He and his wife, Jenny, along with their two children reside in Auburn, CA.

Guest

Jim Sheppard

Jim Sheppard is CEO & Principal of Generis, a consulting firm passionate about helping churches inspire and cultivate generosity through giving development, coaching, and strategy. After college, Jim passed the CPA exam and pursued a career as a financial executive. Though he grew up in the church, Jim was not a believer until he was 28. That part of his life intersected with his business life in 1991 when he thought he might be called to the pastorate. This came at a time when he was at a very high level in a major financial services company. After an intense spiritual period in his life, Jim realized that was not where God was calling him. Seven months later through a corporate buyout and a series of providentially inspired events, Jim moved from the corporate world to giving development for churches and ministry organizations. Jim is a student of generosity and is passionate about spreading it throughout the Church. For the last 27+ years, he has devoted his life to coaching pastors especially in navigating the resource limitations that restrict their ministry potential. Jim understands the financial challenges that churches face today; annual giving, debt, capital projects, and planned giving. He is a positive force in bridging these needs with the power of spiritually motivated stewardship. Cumulatively, Jim has partnered with his clients to raise over $1.7 billion for local church ministry. Jim is a frequent writer and speaker on generosity and ministry funding. He is co-author of Contagious Generosity: Creating A Culture Of Giving In Your Church. Jim and his wife, Nancy, live in the Atlanta, GA area and they have two married daughters. He is actively involved in his church where he serves as an elder and provides guidance to the Generosity Ministry Team.