Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week.

I love and respect Craig Groeschel and his leadership so much. So today, why Craig banned a phrase from his vocabulary and asks his team not to use it, some online traps too many leaders fall into, and the value of humility according to the US Marine Corps.

This Phrase is Illegal at Life.Church

And it’s a good way to stop making excuses.

I run into so many church leaders who explain to me why a particular approach or strategy won’t work in their context.

But it’s New England (or Canada, or rural Ohio, or New Zealand, or fill-in-the-blank-here…)

You don’t understand my people. They’re tough to convince.

Ugh, my denomination won’t…

You get it.

Craig Groeschel banned the phrase “my people won’t” at Life.Church and instead trains his leaders to say something better.

To see the shift, click this link.​

Practice what Craig teaches, and not only do your excuses disappear, your progress on the mission accelerates.

Become a More Compelling Communicator (Live Coaching Call)

Small shifts can lead to a much bigger impact. Make real progress—live on Tuesday.

Whether you’re preaching, leading a staff meeting, or casting vision for the future, your voice is one of your most powerful leadership tools… yet most leaders never learn to use it intentionally.

This Tuesday, October 21st, we’re analyzing real clips from communicators to show you how tone, pace, volume, and emphasis can completely change how a message lands.

You’ll see practical examples of how tiny adjustments can increase trust, create urgency, capture attention, or move people to action.

You’ll walk away from the Live Coaching Call with simple techniques you can put into practice the very same day.

Mark your calendar—and click here to easily save the details.

Is Content Dead?

The dance between AI and creativity is changing.

The internet is filled with AI slop. Is the church far behind as more and more content gets automated?

​In this short, thoughtful post, Charlie Hills explains how he uses AI so he stays the chef and AI becomes the sous-chef. A very helpful metaphor and some solid advice.

You’re Invited: The 2025 Connected Leaders Tour

Discover how church leaders use tech to serve their people.

Curious about AI in the church? At the Connected Leaders Tour, you’ll see exactly how leaders are using technology to know and serve their people—every week.

👉 71.99% of attendees left with a better understanding of how to lead using these tools.

“I am so grateful to have... learn[ed] more about AI and how it can be a valuable tool in building a stronger and more God centered ministry!" -Previous Attendee

Seats are filling fast— See if we’re coming to a city near you & register today.​

Quote I’m Pondering

James Clear on truth and belonging.

Take this idea a little further, and I wonder if some church leaders push their beliefs to the ‘extreme’ simply to get more traction online (I feel like I see a version of this almost every day now…controversy gets clicks).

It’s a dangerous trap, because the more you get known for something the more you have to keep whatever that is up.

And the larger the gap between your true private self and public persona, the more likely you will suffer some kind of moral collapse or become some unrecognizable version of yourself. In both cases, your soul is in danger.

Cheering for you,

Weekend Watching

Judah Smith & Dr. Les Parrot

Judah Smith and Dr. Les Parrot talk about the unique pressures pastors face. Les Parrot has been Judah's therapist for 15 years, and Les and Judah explain why your brain is lying to you 80% of the time, offer insights into how pastors self-sabotage, and provide guidance on how to break the cycle of negative thoughts that many church leaders struggle with.