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: Do young adults still believe in marriage?
Published 4 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, new Barna data on Gen Z’s attitudes to marriage and family, how to solve some chronic team issues, stolen focus and the gambling on everything craze.
Do Young Adults Still Believe In Marriage?
Well...
The good news is that 78% of Gen Z say they want to get married. The other news is they’re waiting longer than ever and are rethinking family.
The world is a different place, but the latest Barna data sheds light on how views on marriage and family are shifting.
It’s helpful to remember this because otherwise, you impose the last generation’s worldview on this generation, and when you do that, they think you don't understand, which actually, might be true.
Does Sermon Prep Feel Like a Never-Ending Grind?
A free 3-day challenge to finally get ahead on your preaching.
Sunday comes every seven days whether you're ready… or not. And most preachers are not.
You're writing Thursday afternoon, polishing Saturday evening, and waking up to preach a message you finished less than 12 hours ago.
That’s not sustainable. And it’s not necessary.
That’s why my team and I are running afree 3-day challenge from July 7th–9th: Get Ahead on Your Sermon Prep.
By the end of day three, our goal is to get you two weeks ahead on your sermons. And if you stick with the challenge, that’s entirely possible.
Interested? Register for free today and we’ll send you the details instantly.
Les McKeown argues your team does not complete you
I hear from next generation leaders almost every day, and one of their steady complaints is about how bad the culture is at their church. Older leaders can fall into traps that are invisible to them but painfully evident to everyone else.
Les McKeown has a way of getting to the point, and he names three issueschurch leaders often struggle with, including treating their teams like family (in a very unhealthy way).
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.
I read this book a few summers ago. Attention span was an issue then, and it’s gotten worse since. In this book, Hari explains how he tried to regain his focus by going cold turkey off of technology. That parts easier than regaining your focus, long form thinking and deep thought.
One of the podcasts I never miss is Mark Sayer’s Rebuilders. His discussion of the rise of polymarkets, sports betting and how everything has been commodotized is as fascinating as it is disturbing. Few Christian leaders I know of think as well about global trends as Mark does.
Cheering for you,
P.S. Weekend Watching
Al Gordon
Creativity Is the Church's Lost Superpower: Al Gordon on How Stress and Algorithms Are Killing Your Imagination and How to Unlock Creativity in Your Team
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.
