Our Mission:
Teach People to Fish Like Jesus!
To share the good news of Jesus Christ, through preaching and teaching, so that individuals and churches are better equipped to accomplish the Great Commission as outlined in Matthew 28:16-20.
Our Focus
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To reach those that are spiritually lost.
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To strengthen local churches for Evangelism, Discipleship, and Prayer renewal.
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To focus on making and developing disciples of Jesus Christ to transform communities and change the world.
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To help build bridges of reconciliation, collaboration, service, and fellowship among Christians.
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To provide resources to assist individuals and congregations in catching fish like Jesus.
Meet our Founders
Rev. Dr. Frank J. Beard is a passionate preacher, teacher, and servant leader with over 40 years of ministry experience in the United Methodist Church. He was elected Bishop in the North Central Jurisdiction on July 13, 2016. He served the Illinois Great Rivers Conference from September 1, 2016 to August 1, 2024.
Before his election, Bishop Beard served faithfully in the Indiana Area of the UMC as an ordained Elder, holding roles such as local church pastor, District Superintendent, and Senior Pastor of a large congregation. He is widely recognized for his dynamic preaching, practical leadership, and his commitment to helping churches become “on fire for Jesus.”
His calling is anchored in Matthew 4:19: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men,” which inspires his vision for Catching Like Jesus Ministries — a movement focused on evangelism, discipleship, and prayer renewal. Together with his wife Melissa, he serves individuals, congregations, and communities with encouragement and purpose.
Bishop Beard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Taylor University, a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Master of Sacred Theology from Christian Theological Seminary. He was ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1982.
You can check out some of his work at https://www.igrc.org/authordetail/1420090
Melissa Beard is a graduate of Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and a Master of Social Work from Indiana University. As a licensed Clinical Social Worker, Melissa has spent over 25 years serving individuals and families as a mental health clinician, group and individual therapist, and hospice social worker.
When she’s not teaching or serving, Melissa finds joy in gardening, sewing, collecting vintage buttons, and, of course, fishing. Her personal best? A 70-pound Arkansas Blue Catfish! There’s no picture, but you can believe her—she’s not one to tell fish tales!
In addition to being a wife, mother, and grandmother, Melissa has worked alongside her husband for 44 years. One of her great passions is helping others know and love Jesus.
