Hi Reader,

The world is changing fast—and so is the Church. Are you ready for what’s coming?

Today on the podcast, I sit down with Warren Bird and Adelle Banks to unpack the biggest shifts shaping the future of the Church.

We tackle what happens as Christians become a minority in the U.S. and the real reasons people say they don’t attend church (hint: what changes isn't our theology).

Warren and Adelle bring the latest research and eye-opening insights, including:

​
👉 How today’s younger generations instantly sense when a space lacks diversity—and why that matters
👉 The surprising way digital ministry is transforming discipleship and outreach
👉 How to build a future-ready church that doesn’t just react to culture shifts—but leads through them

​

This conversation will challenge and inspire you to think beyond the status quo and prepare your church for what’s next.

Watch today's conversation.

Warren Bird and Adelle Banks share data and case studies on what you need to do to make your church future-ready, what happens when Christians become the minority in the US, and the surprising reasons people give for not attending church.

Watch it on YouTube or tune in wherever you listen to podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by...

State of the Church

Check out the latest research about the Church in the United States. Just go to StateofTheChurch.com/carey.

Belay

For over a decade, BELAY has matched busy leaders like you with the support they need to start delegating.

​Download BELAY’s free guide to delegation today: 25 Things to Stop Doing in 2025.

StudioC

Imagine automatically knowing who needs encouragement to join a group, who's ready to serve, and who might be considering baptism.

Take StudioC's Member Engagement Assessment to see how you can engage your people better.

Take the free assessment today at thestudioc.org/carey​

Go Deeper

My #1 takeaway from this conversation.

If Gen Z and Millennials come to your church and don't see it as a reflection of your community's demographic, they immediately wonder what's wrong.

Episode questions.

Here are 3 questions you can ask yourself as you listen to the episode. You can also use these as discussion starters with friends, a mentor, or staff.

1. Does our church reflect the diversity of our community?
2. Are we embracing digital ministry as a core part of discipleship?
3. Are we equipping the next generation for leadership?

Transcript and links.

​IMAGE: Dramatic Change in Family Chart​

​IMAGE: 8 Shifts to Becoming a Future Ready Church​

​Warren Bird's Website​

​Adelle Banks​

​Warren Bird's LinkedIn​

​Warren Bird's X​

​Adelle Banks' LinkedIn​

​Adelle Banks' X​

​Becoming a Future-Ready Church by Adelle Banks and Warren Bird​

​Religion News Service​

​ECFA Surveys​

​1776 by David McCullough​

​churchome​

​Faith City Church​

​Article on Robert Schuller and the Crystal Cathedral​

​Pastor William Kumuyi​

​Books by Lyle Schaller​

​Amplify Church​

​Centre Street Church​

​Episode 467 with Rick Warren​

​Episode 710 with Craig Groeschel​

​Episode 426 with Ed Stetzer​

​Episode 628 with Kara Powell​

​Jimmy Carter​

​Pew Research Center​

​Alpha​

Take Action

Want to Future-Proof Your Church?

Let’s talk about it! What shifts are you making to reach the next generation?

Share your insights and learn from other leaders through the Discussion Feed inside The Art of Leadership Academy.

Jump into the conversation now!

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. It truly helps other leaders like you discover these conversations.

Cheering for you,

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