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.
On The Rise: Transgenderism is Declining + Delightful writing and chasing respect
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week. Today, new data shows that the number of college students identifying as transgender has dropped, some of the best writing I’ve discovered in ages, a book that isn’t funny but very important, and how to get respect (finally). The Number of Young Adults Identifying as Transgender has Dropped New data shows a plummet in just 2 years. Ryan Burge collates...
The rise of “mini-celebrity” pastors
Hi Reader, Today’s episode is one I really wanted you to hear. Les McKeown (author of Predictable Success) is back, and we talk about something a lot of leaders feel…but few say out loud: the rise of “mini-celebrity” pastors—and how it can quietly cap your church’s growth. Here’s the tension: having a platform can be an incredible tool for early momentum. But if your church can’t separate the mission from the founder, growth eventually stalls usually right around that 250–400 range (or when...
Do you trust your church's finances?
Hi Reader, What's the first word that comes to mind when talking about church finances? For most, it's stewardship. (I'm going to guess it's closely followed by stress.) But here's the part that most people miss... you can’t be a wise steward if you’re operating without clarity. I'm guessing you look at the numbers but aren't sure exactly what they mean. Worse, you STILL don't feel like you understand why giving spikes and drops, where all your budget is going, or what the real risks are in...
NEW John Mark Comer on what's really discipling your church
Hi Reader, If you feel like your life (and your church) is running on fumes, you’re not imagining it. We live in a noisy world—digital noise, literal noise, emotional noise. And noise doesn’t just irritate us… it shapes us. In today’s episode of the podcast, I sit down with John Mark Comer in his living room as part of the 2026 Church Trends series, and we talk about what happens when you finally get quiet, really quiet. John Mark shares his experience of a 21-day “desert” retreat (no...
Keep going through the motions
Hi Reader, A few months ago, I was at a worship event when we started singing a song. As we sang, I realized I actually disagreed with some of the lyrics: I’m sorry when I’ve just gone through the motions I’m sorry when I just sang another song I’m sorry when I’ve come with my agenda Oh, I’m not here for blessings What these lyrics express is, of course, solid and right. But that night, they hit me differently. I thought, "No, I'm really grateful that sometimes I kept going through the...
On The Rise: Is America a Christian Nation? + Winter blues
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week. Today, fresh Barna data shows America is still sliding away from its Christian moorings, the death of blogs in 2026 (should we bring them back?), ruthlessly eliminating hurry, and how to beat the winter blues. Believe It or Not, America is Not as Religious as It Used To Be New data shows a further dip. With all the talk of revival, it’s easy to assume...
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...
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.