Carey Nieuwhof
Don’t settle for an impact smaller than you’re called to make. It's time to unlock your potential and lead confidently into a future filled with growth — for yourself, your church, and your mission. Get access to some of my best leadership content, only published in my newsletters.
What AI is actually doing to your church
Hi Reader, Most conversations about AI in the church are really just conversations about prompts. Which tools to use, how to automate your workflow. Those are fine questions. But what if you've been asking the wrong question. What if the real question is, what is AI going to do to people? To the people in your church? To your city? To humanity? For example, already 31% of teenagers would now rather talk to an AI than a human being. The people most at risk of losing their jobs to AI are the...
Your silence on AI is costing you more than you think
Hi Reader, Quick question. Who do you think is the most AI-optimistic group in America? According to new Barna data, it's practicing Christians... the people sitting in your seats on Sunday morning. 62% of them think AI is making the world a better place, and that's higher than any other group in the study. And it's not just optimism; nearly half of your congregation has already had a conversation with AI about their faith. They've asked it theological questions, they've had it explain a...
"I don't have time for another book." Fair... read this instead.
Hi Reader, Since announcing AI and the Future Church, I've heard some honest questions and hesitations. I love that. So let's tackle them head-on. "I'm not a tech person. Will this go over my head?" Nope. Everything is explained in plain English, with clear definition and zero jargon. If you can read a church board report, you can read this book. (Likely, this is easier.) "My church is small. Is this really relevant to us?" AI isn't a big-church issue. Your congregation (whether it's 50...
On The Rise: How people spend their time + AI for babies & Dallas Willard
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week. Today, an eye-opening video that shows how people have spent their time over the last hundred years and how that's changed, insights from Dallas Willard, AI babytech that is kinda creepy, and a quote from Claude Monet. How People Spend Their Time 1920-2026 This is eye opening. How do you (and the people you lead) spend your time? A fascinating graphic...
Are you avoiding the hard sermon?
Hi Reader, You know there are things you should probably be saying from the pulpit that you’re not. Charlie Dates says them. And yes, he’s had to pay for it. Charlie is senior pastor of two Chicago churches and one of the most respected preachers in America. We talked about the craft of preaching, what Black preaching and white preaching can genuinely learn from each other, and how you can be courageous while still holding on to fear. He told me about watching major donors walk out because of...
The number your church probably isn't tracking
Hi Reader, Here's a question worth sitting with: do you know how many people walked through your doors last Easter? Most pastors do... Now here's the harder question: Of everyone who showed up at Easter, how many are still there? Most pastors don't know that one. Not because they don't care, but because nobody knows how many people are still there. Your instincts about your people are probably right... you already know who's drifting. You can feel when someone's quietly pulling back. That's...
I'm hiring an Executive Assistant (know anyone?)
Hi Reader, I have some news: I'm hiring an Executive Assistant, and I wanted you to hear about it before anyone else. Here's why I'm telling you... you're part of a community that cares about the local church and about leadership done well. Which means there's a good chance you either are the right person for this role, or you know them. So, who are we looking for? We're looking for the kind of person who sees the whole board. You manage a calendar, yes, but what you really manage:...
Why good leaders still fall
Hi Reader, I’ve had enough conversations with fallen leaders to know this: You should never assume it couldn’t happen to you. Eric Geiger and I talked pretty candidly about that in today’s podcast episode. Like you, we’ve both known leaders who loved Jesus, prayed deeply, preached faithfully, and still toppled. That’s sobering. And it raises a needed question: What in me could eventually take me out if I don’t deal with it now? For Eric, one vulnerability is misplaced identity, finding too...
Ambient Exhaustion and Spiritual Formation
Hi Reader, When was the last time you ran into someone who wasn't tired? Or busy? Or had something really profound to say? Yeah, it's been a minute. I spent a lot of time thinking about that (and living it out) this summer on my five week summer break. I thought I was running into my summer holidays refreshed... you know, with some gas in the tank. What I discovered surprised me. Usually after a week or so into my summer break, I find that I've hit 'baseline' - that point at which you've...
On The Rise: Four trends shaping ministry + why promotion is pverrated
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week. Today, four trends that the Barna Group is keeping an eye on, including an emerging discipleship gap. Also, a thoughtful piece from Seth Godin on why you're probably doing too much promoting and missing what really spreads the word about an idea. Plus, TED Talk secrets on public speaking and a fascinating conversation with legendary music producer...
Don’t settle for an impact smaller than you’re called to make. It's time to unlock your potential and lead confidently into a future filled with growth — for yourself, your church, and your mission. Get access to some of my best leadership content, only published in my newsletters.