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 (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:
Bishop Frank J. Beard and Melissa K. Beard, MSW
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Rev. Dr. Frank J. Beard is a preacher, teacher, and servant leader with more than 40 years of ministry in the United Methodist Church. He was elected Bishop in 2016 and served the Illinois Great Rivers Conference through 2024. Prior to his election, he ministered in Indiana as a District Superintendent and Pastor, where he developed a reputation for dynamic preaching, practical leadership, and a deep commitment to helping churches become “on fire for Jesus.”
His calling is rooted in Matthew 4:19: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” which guides his vision for Catching Like Jesus Ministries, a movement dedicated to evangelism, discipleship, and prayer renewal.
Bishop Beard holds a B.A. from Taylor University, M.Div. and D.Min. from Asbury Theological Seminary, and an S.T.M. from Christian Theological Seminary. Ordained in 1982, he now serves alongside his wife, Melissa, encouraging individuals, congregations, and communities with faith and purpose.
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Melissa Beard is a devoted minister, teacher, and encourager with a heart for discipleship and spiritual care. For more than four decades, she has served in ministry alongside her husband, Bishop Frank J. Beard, offering wisdom, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others grow in their walk with Christ.
Drawing from her background as a therapist, Melissa is especially dedicated to helping individuals and families find spiritual hope and healing. She leads Mending the Nets, a ministry of Catching Like Jesus Ministries, which provides support for those navigating grief and loss.
Melissa holds a B.S.N. from Ball State University, a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Bethel College, and an M.S.W. from Indiana University. She continues to serve individuals, churches, and communities with grace, hope, and a spirit of hospitality.