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: Pastors aren’t good at this + The value of boredom
Published 14 days ago • 3 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, a report card on pastoral health and flourishing. We’re doing okay except for relationships, which is a big problem.
Plus, the value of boredom, a classic book you might have missed if you’re next gen, and new metrics.
Pastors Are Flourishing Except for This
We still stink at relationships.
How are your friendships? And no, your wife and your dog don’t count.
Most pastors’ relationships aren’t nearly as vibrant or powerful as the relationships their congregational members have. And that’s a challenge, because as you know, as goes the quality of your relationships, so goes your well-being.
And the era of relying only on attendance and giving is over.
So, I’d love to share 9 new metrics healthy churches are tracking—from first-time guest follow-through and baptisms, to volunteer engagement, group participation, and more.
These aren’t vanity numbers; they’re leading indicators that help you identify momentum early, spot friction points before they become barriers, and make smarter decisions week by week.
If you want a clearer picture of spiritual and church health—beyond a Sunday snapshot—start here.
Arthur Brooks on what’s at stake if you don’t get bored.
A boring sermon is still not a great idea, but in other news, “Mom, I’m bored” might be the best thing your kids could say to you. And your boredom is good for you, too, leader-type-person.
Avoiding boredom can lead to an increase in depression, anxiety, and a creeping sense of hollowness.
In light of that, hopefully you don’t find today’s newsletter too exciting.
Is Your Housing Allowance Process Putting You at Risk?
Church Law & Tax has a free resource for you.
Is your housing allowance process putting you at risk?
Pastors can exclude eligible housing costs from their federal income taxes—but only if a housing allowance is properly designated. Handle it incorrectly, and your church and pastor could face unnecessary financial and tax consequences.
That’s why Church Law & Tax put together a free resource to help you and your church stay compliant.
Sometimes, iconic books have been around for long enough that everyone thinks they’ve read them but haven’t. Or they’ve been around long enough that a new generation misses them.
Last week, I shared a lesser-known Simon Sinek book. This week, his all-time classic, Start With Why. This book changed how leaders think about motivation.
If you’re not convinced that boredom is good for humans, consider this quote from James Clear.
Boredom is a filter. Common ideas come before it. Uncommon ideas come after it. Sit with a project long enough to get bored with it, then sit a little more. The most useful insights bubble up after you get bored.
- James Clear
Here’s to ditching the phone for a few hours this weekend and staring off into the ether.
Cheering for you,
Weekend Watching
Tim Stevens
Tim Stevens returns to the podcast to discuss the hardest assignment in ministry: his three years at Willow Creek. He also talks about how to spot talent, firing well, how to recapture momentum, and his biggest lesson in four decades of ministry.
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.
