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: Is Religious Interest Turning Into Church Attendance? + Loving AI too much + Throwing Less Stressful Parties.
Published 3 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, a new practice area for counselors and pastoral care category for pastors, fresh data on the rise in religious interest and church attendance, and how to throw a not-very-stressful summer part.
This One’s for Preachers and Counsellors
Counselling for people who get too attached to their AI
When I was still a lead pastor, I made an offhand comment to one of our staff. I said I sometimes wondered what really happened in the life of our congregation between Sundays.
He didn't hesitate. He said probably a third of them smoked weed.
I almost passed out.
Look, we reach a lot of unchurched people which is awesome. The point is often we’re pretty out of touch with what’s really going on in people’s lives.
Like this, for instance. One counselor has set up a service to help counsel people out of an overly emotional attachment to their chatbot.
Did you ever think you've got people sitting in front of you on a Sunday who are having a full one emotional/sexual relationship with an AI?
The more we start talking about this emerging reality pastorally now, the more helpful we’ll be as church leaders. The more we pretend nothing like this is happening, the more people will struggle and never think their church can help.
Have you counselled people who fell in love with their AI? If so, hit reply. I’d love to know what you’re learning.
Something Keeping Me Up At Night
Will this cause one of the biggest discipleship challenges the Church has ever faced?
One of the things keeping me up at night lately is this:
AI answers every question instantly. God often doesn't answer at all.
That gap could become one of the biggest discipleship challenges the church has ever faced.
Think about what AI is quietly training people to expect—immediate, confident answers.
Now place that expectation next to the actual Christian life.
You pray, and sometimes nothing comes back for years. You wrestle with a passage, and it stays opaque. You ask God a real question in a real season of suffering, and the silence is so loud it hurts.
Is the Rise in Belief in God Translating into Church Attendance?
Maybe Not
Ryan Burgebrings his characteristic vigor to recent statistics on religious sentiment and church attendance.
The bottom line? The number of young men who say religion is important is spiking (though not as high was 20 years ago), but church attendance hasn’t seen a similar jump.
That raises the question of whether the ‘conversion’ is ideological, sentimental or real. It also means there are a lot of people left to reach. PS. For Boomers and the Silent Generation, religion is less important than ever.
What Churches Need to Know About Giving in 2026
New research reveals the trends shaping generosity, digital giving, and church engagement this year.
Church giving is changing - and leaders who understand the trends are better positioned to navigate what’s next with confidence.
The 2026 Annual Church Giving Report fromMinistry Brands combines fresh data, real church insights, and practical takeaways to help your team make wiser ministry and financial decisions this year.
Inside the report, you’ll discover how churches are approaching generosity, where digital giving continues to grow, what’s influencing donor behavior, and the opportunities leaders can’t afford to ignore in 2026.
Download the free report and get the clarity you need for the year ahead.
This classic is one that every generation needs to read.
Lewis flips the script. In a literary genius move, a demon trains his protégé on how to wreck a soul. It's terrifyingly funny because you recognize yourself in every page. Lewis diagnoses the subtle machinery of demonic strategy for every age.
One of the best things you could do this summer is host a backyard party. The main reasons you might not do it is because it’s so stressful.
Changing your frame helps a lot. Focus on connecting not impressing. This article has some helpful tips on how to take the pressure off.
I’ve gotten to know Will Guidara a bit (from Unreasonably Hospitality), and he’s told me the thing that impresses him the most are not over the top displays of excellence, but the warm personal touches anyone can do. You’ve got this.
Cheering for you,
P.S. Weekend Watching
David Epstein
The Myth of 10,000 Hours: David Epstein on How Creativity Actually Works and Why Constraints Set You Free
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.
