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 a YouTuber can teach pastors about reaching people
Hi Reader, What happens when church leaders avoid the conversations that are already shaping people all week long? In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Ruslan KD, YouTuber, artist, communicator, and deeply committed local church guy, for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had in this year’s 2026 Church Trends series. Ruslan speaks directly to millions of people online—many of them young men—about theology, current events, discipleship, and truth in a polarized world. And...
4 dangers of using AI as a pastor
Hi Reader, By now, you’ve seen people who land in all three camps when it comes to AI and ministry: Vehemently against it, convinced it’s the end of the world.All-in on it, seeing the opportunities it brings. ... and where most people find themselves — excited about efficiency, embracing the innovation, and careful about integrity. Whether you’re cautious, curious, or somewhere in between, it's important to step back and look at the implications and the ethics. Especially if you're a...
On The Rise: Why is there such an abundance of guttural, hurtful, and profane talk from church leaders?
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week. Today, a powerful, short piece from Seth Godin, not directed at the church but definitely applicable, why the Chosen is so popular, reclaiming conversation, and how long it should take you to get out of a bad mood. Why is There Such an Abundance of Nastiness in the Church Today? Is that who you’re called to be? Really? I’m increasingly concerned about...
What Gen Z is teaching the church about faith right now
Hi Reader, The next 2026 Church Trends installment is ready for you now, and this episode might surprise you if you care about reaching the next generation. I sat down with Luke LeFevre and Daniel Macleod, two Gen Z leaders who are seeing firsthand why young people (especially young men) are showing up with bold faith, deep hunger, and a desire for real truth. And no, this isn’t hype or shallow spirituality. We talk about why Gen Z isn’t interested in polished Christianity, why they want the...
Church attendance is changing (and not how you think)
Hi Reader, Is America in revival? The short answer is: not quite—but something significant is happening. Today’s podcast episode marks Part 2 of my 2026 Church Trends series, and I sat down in studio with my good friend David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna, to dig into the data behind the headlines. What we’re seeing is both sobering and hopeful. Christian identity in the U.S. has declined over the past 25 years—but at the same time, spiritual openness is rising, especially openness to Jesus. Even...
Are you extraordinary? (Some motivation for today)
Hi Reader, Some encouragement this morning that starts with this question: How do you know if you're extraordinary? This may not be the definition of extraordinary you'd expect. I’m guessing you’re going through something right now. In 2025, I was processing a very difficult year with my counselor—health challenges, personal challenges, and 29 stressors in 14 months. He also coaches NBA players and a variety of top leaders, and shared this: “You know, some of these guys might make $10M a...
On The Rise: Why are women leaving church + Church mergers and tips for authors
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week. Today, some data on why women are checking out of church, church mergers as a growth strategy, a killer BBQ book by one of the greatest, and free tips for authors. So, Why Are Women Checking Out of Church? The trend didn’t start yesterday. If you’ve seen my 2026 church trends, you’ll notice fresh data showing that women are disengaging from church and...
Missed out? Here's the Church Trends webinar recording.
Hi Reader, The decisions you make in the next 12 months will help shape your church for years to come. And if there was one big takeaway from our time together at yesterday's Church Trends webinar, it’s this: the future isn’t coming slowly—and it won’t wait for churches to feel ready. The leaders who thrive in 2026 and beyond will be the ones who prepare now, not later. Watch the recording and download the slide deck. You can revisit the webinar—and share it with your team—here. If this...
7 disruptive church trends that will rule 2026
Hi Reader, 2025 was the first year we began to see the stirrings and anecdotes associated with revival become statistically meaningful. Bible sales up 41.6% since 2022. Christian music streams are up 50% since 2019. Spiritual app downloads rose 79.5% since 2019. BUT... it isn't all good news as we start off 2026. If you miss the cultural shifts happening, your day-to-day efforts in ministry often miss the mark, no matter how well-intentioned you are. That's why I release my annual Church...
7 disruptive church trends that will rule 2026
Hi Reader, 2025 was the first year we began to see the stirrings and anecdotes associated with revival become statistically meaningful. Bible sales up 41.6% since 2022. Christian music streams are up 50% since 2019. Spiritual app downloads rose 79.5% since 2019. BUT... it isn't all good news as we start off 2026. If you miss the cultural shifts happening, your day-to-day efforts in ministry often miss the mark, no matter how well-intentioned you are. That's why I release my annual Church...
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.