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: 25 stellar questions. + Feedback before you preach
Published 5 days ago • 4 min read
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week.
Today, 25 questions that will challenge you in the best way (questions we should all be asking ourselves).
Plus, what to do with audience feedback before your message or event, a great new Tim Keller book, and the full book list of an ordinary guy who read 3699 books over the course of his life.
25 Challenging Questions To Ask Yourself
Who do I envy who is actually less happy than I am?
In leadership, it’s easy to think you have to have all the answers. But the longer I live, the more I think asking the right questions might be better.
Morgan Housel asks 25 questions that we should be asking ourselves. Some of them are brilliant.
Questions like:
What views do I claim to believe in that I know are wrong, but I say them because I don’t want to be criticized by my employer or industry?
Am I addicted to cheap dopamine?
Whose silence do I mistake for agreement?
How many of my principles are cultural fads?
And…who do I envy that is actually less happy than I am?
Download the updated Preaching Cheat Sheet. Your go-to guide for sermon prep.
The Preaching Cheat Sheet is your quick-check guide to ensure you have an engaging, clear, and memorable sermon ready for Sunday morning.
So, I’ve taken the original Preach Cheat Sheet and made it even better.
From your opening line to landing the plane at the end of your sermon—and each step in between—you can use the 10 steps during sermon prep to ensure you’re ready to deliver an impactful message every time you preach.
Get Feedback Before Your Next Sermon Series or Event
Seth Godin on how simple AI can help.
The challenge most of us have is that we think we know what our congregation is like, wants, and thinks. But the truth is, half the time we’re guessing.
I like to survey people, but the challenge historically has been reading the data correctly. I’m not a statistician and often have my attention hijacked by the most extreme responses (affirming or critical).
So the next time you do a conference or event or big series, try this with a pre-eevnt survey.
A great, simple idea.
Connect With Your People Instantly
Subsplash Tap enables you to engage with your church in a flash.
Tired of hard-to-read connection cards and awkward QR codes? Subsplash Tap instantly connects your people to the right thing at the right time.
How easy is it? People can simply tap their phone to any Subsplash Tap product and automatically connect to your online giving page, connection cards, volunteer sign-ups, or anywhere you want them to go.
Whether it’s on the back of a chair in service, at your welcome center, your kids' check-in stations, or your front office, Subsplash Tap creates endless opportunities to engage your people right where they’re at.
Yes, you get a lot of Tim Keller if you read this newsletter. No apologies.
I appreciate this new work by Matthew Smethurst that breaks down Keller’s preaching and cultural apologetic in deep and helpful ways. Matthew was just on my podcast (Episode 750). His book is worth both reading and adding to your library if you appreciate Keller.
A full list of 3,599 books Dan Peltzer read from 1962 to 2025.
Some stories are inspiring. I loved learning about Dan Peltzer, who read 3,599 books between 1962 and shortly before he died this summer at age 92 in Columbus, Ohio.
Well, Dan borrowed most of the books from the local library, consuming about 8 a week. And, as to not having enough time, Dan often worked two jobs and didn’t make a ton of money. In his retirement, he volunteered.
So I guess my excuses are gone.
Crazy beautiful story.
Cheering for you,
Weekend Watching
Julian Lowe
Julian Lowe never expected to be a pastor, which ironically freed him up to become one. He talks about what he learned at the Groundlings, in music, and ministry. Plus, he shares why he feels white men are afraid to preach the Bible and how to speak the biblical truth to people who disagree with you.
Leadership Is Better Shared. Invite Your Friends!
Know someone who would benefit from The Art of Leadership Academy? Invite them to join by visiting your Invitation Hub.
Carey Nieuwhof Communications, PO Box 160, Oro Medonte, Ontario L0L 2X0
Carey Nieuwhof
Where 100,000+ leaders get top insights to thrive in life and leadership.
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.
