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: 40% of your church is already looking to AI + Viral Gambling
Published 1 day 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 few new updates on AI, including how your congregation is turning to AI for spiritual advice, how AI is going to change preaching, the meteoric rise of gambling as an addiction, and a cool website that gives you your favorite author’s top book picks.
Is AI going to replace pastors?
40% of your church is already looking to AI, not just you…
Every once in a while, research genuinely surprises me, like this recent Barna study that shows that 40% of Christians use AI to help them grow spiritually. That the number is already so high surprised me. Especially given the lack of accuracy AI has on spiritual matters.
A third of Christians want their pastors to guide them on using AI, but only 12% of pastors say they feel equipped to do that.
I think long-term, the church is in a great position (much more on that later this year when it comes to the future church and AI).
I want to scare you a little. That's not something I say often. But when it comes to AI and the future church, it feels like the honest place to start.
Okay, now that I have your attention, let me reframe that: I want to prepare you more than I want to scare you. But 😳 stuff is coming down the pipe.
AI isn't just a productivity tool. It's the most significant global disruption in generations, and your congregation is going to feel it.
In this month’s coaching call, we cover the scale of what's actually coming, the real best and worst-case scenarios, and what it means for your leadership and your church.
Then we'll talk about why the church is better positioned than any other institution to meet people in this moment… If we're paying attention.
Disruption is coming. Join us on Tuesday to learn how to lead through it.
There are always life issues pastors need to address to help people grow: relationships, marriage, dating, singleness, parenting, finances, vocation, mental health, sexuality, porn, doubt, and technology, to name a few. In the last few years, we’ve been navigating the algorithm and what it’s doing to your soul and AI to the list.
Now add one more: gambling. I always thought of gambling as a niche problem. Not anymore.
Sports betting has reached escape velocity, but the emergence of Polymarkets, Kalshi and Tweem allows you to bet on literally anything, including how viral a tweet might go or how many times the President says “huge” in a speech.
This is a huge issue among young adults, too.
This isn’t a great trend, but it’s one you need to know about. As more and more people are strapped for money, more people will be looking for big payoffs.
What if you and your church could turn the world’s largest sporting event into a moment that matters?
This summer, more than 5 billion people will watch the World Cup—including your community. Victory Beyond the Cup, a Cru campaign, is offering FREE host kitsto help believers step into the world's most-watched sporting event with intention and faith. This simple yet powerful resource offers everything believers need to welcome people, deepen relationships, and spark meaningful conversations. Don’t miss this moment for your church to live out their faith beyond the four walls.
Mark Batterson has carved out a unique space as an author. Fresh stories you’ve never heard, science and solid biblical exegesis combine to make this an excellent example of how God works gradually, then suddenly. Encouraging, especially if you feel like you’ve been doing the right thing and waiting for results.
What Does Your Favorite Author Recommend You Read?
This website is pretty cool.
Y’all LOVE books, at least that’s what you tell us when you reply to this email.
This websitelists the recommended books of 750+ authors. Not many Christians on the list, but still, if you want to know what Malcolm Gladwell recommends people read, or what Walter Isaacson picks as his top reads, this is your spot.
Cheering for you,
P.S. Weekend Watching
Vick Green and Robby Gallaty
When the Ministry Playbook Doesn't Work Anymore: Robby Gallaty and Vick Green on the Keys to Discipleship and Revival
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.
