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Carey Nieuwhof

Are you selling church growth or stewarding it?


Hi Reader,

Church growth is a gift. Momentum is a gift. And I want your church to grow.

But here’s the question I’ve been wrestling with lately: what happens inside a leader’s heart when growth becomes visible, public, and shareable?

In this episode, I talk candidly about something every driven leader faces—mixed motives. Not bad motives. Mixed ones. The subtle pressure to tell the story in the most impressive way possible. The temptation to round up, overstate, or use hopeful language before time has tested it. And the danger of letting momentum shape your identity instead of your integrity.

I’ve done this. I’ve felt it. And if you’re honest, you probably have too.

This conversation isn’t about criticizing church growth or dismissing what God is doing. It’s about learning the difference between telling the truth and selling momentum. Between stewarding a season well and quietly marketing it for validation, relevance, or security.

Before you post. Before you share the story. Before you call momentum something it may not yet be, I want to help you slow down and ask better questions.

If you’re leading in a season of growth (or hoping for one), this episode is an invitation to examine your heart and protect your integrity.

🎧 Listen now and take the next step toward healthier leadership. Watch it on YouTube or tune in wherever you listen to podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by...

Art of Leadership Live

If you’re leading a church and you know there’s more in you, and more ahead for your team, I want to personally invite you to something special.

September 21–23, 2026, I’m hosting The Art of Leadership LIVE in Nashville, Tennessee.

Visit theartofleadershiplive.com to secure the best pricing.

State of the Church

Stay up to date on what's happening in the church. Find current research, data, and other resources at stateofthechurch.com/carey.

Show Notes

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Carey Nieuwhof Communications, PO Box 160, Oro Medonte, Ontario L0L 2X0

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.

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