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.
You don't work best under pressure (Jon Acuff explains why)
Hi Reader, If you've ever told yourself, "I work best under pressure", Jon Acuff has some news for you. Spoiler: the research says that's not true. Nobody does their best work at the last second. What you're really saying is, "This is the best solution I know," and it leaves too many pastors still working on their messages Saturday night. Jon is a close friend, and we talk every month. But this conversation? It hit different. We got into procrastination. We discuss what it actually costs you,...
Four out of five people who say they go to church every week... don't.
Hi Reader, You've probably seen the typical survey that reports something along the lines of, '22% of Americans attend church every week.' One in five people, sitting in a pew every Sunday. What if that's not true? A researcher named Devin Pope got access to data suggesting the surveys aren't accurate. He tracked people's cell phone data. So... what does this mean? Lying about attending church? I think there are two reactions worth having as a church leader. I find some of this oddly...
On The Rise: Why It’s Not Worse Than Ever + How To Self-Publish
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week. Today, they say it’s a sign of true intelligence to be able to hold two opposing views at the same time. So on that note, a piece that shows these days aren’t worse than the past, everything you need to know about self-publishing, changed views on women in leadership and a quote I’m thinking about that sets up your future. 17 Lessons From the Past…....
How to find your dream job (best I've ever heard on this)
Hi Reader, A lot of leaders spend years chasing the wrong thing: their passion. Lots of people have ideas about how to find your "passion" and find work that doesn't feel like work, but this is the best framework I've ever heard. You may want to even share this with your kids. In this episode, I sit down with legendary investor Bill Gurley, an early backer of companies like Uber, OpenTable, Zillow, and more. Bill, who has invested and advised so many companies, shares why chasing passion can...
You're more productive but still anxious. What's up with that?
Hi Reader, Arthur Brooks is one of those guests who makes you stop and think long after the conversation ends. In this episode, Arthur and I dive into something every leader feels, but few know how to name: why so many people are more productive, more connected, and more efficient than ever—and yet feel anxious, distracted, and strangely empty. We talk about AI, attention spans, the meaning crisis, and why the future belongs to leaders who can help people become more human, not less. Plus, I...
The cracks reveal your character
Hi Reader, Another Easter in the rear view mirror. First, thank you for leading through it. Second, how are you doing today? Really? A little true confession from me. I'd like to think I'm going to be known for my big moments (like a record weekend service!) and my best moments. But the truth is, we're often known for our worst moments, especially by those closest to us. At least they feel them the most. Often, after a big weekend, I'd crash, and the people around me would bear the brunt of...
On The Rise: A Word of Encouragement for Pastors This Easter + Church Attendance Data Errors and Web 1.0
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week. Today, a note of encouragement for pastors as you enter Easter weekend. Plus, correcting faulty church attendance data, career guidance, and something to satisfy your nostalgia for the old internet. Take Heart This Easter A note of encouragement for pastors this weekend. I know it's Easter weekend, and I hope it's a meaningful spiritual encounter for...
Is digital church actually church?
Hi Reader, Today on the podcast, I sit down with Mark Lutz, founder of Lux Digital Church, and our conversation challenged a lot of assumptions I’ve held about ministry, church, and where people are actually looking for connection. Mark is reaching people that many traditional churches rarely see 👉gamers, digital natives, and people who may never walk into a church building but are open to real community, real discipleship, and real ministry online. And before you dismiss that, consider this:...
The challenge with Easter
Hi Reader, So, like many of us, you're getting ready to celebrate the greatest moment in human history: Easter. And I need to confess something. I get worked up every year around the messaging for Easter. And Christmas. And Good Friday. Now, let me be really clear right up front. I don’t dislike what these days are about. I love the Gospel. I love the story of Jesus. I believe the resurrection changed everything. But as a pastor? These were always the hardest services to plan for the entire...
On The Rise: How Many People REALLY Go To Church Sunday + 3 Tells of Great Leaders, and Not Disappointing Your Family
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week. Today, a study that uses cell phone data to track where people really spend Sunday mornings, three tells of great leaders (they’re not what you think), making things fun again, and reflecting on the people you really don’t want to disappoint. How Many People REALLY Go to Church Every Week??? Way less than you think So, you know when you read that 20ish...
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.