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Carey Nieuwhof

The rise of “mini-celebrity” pastors


Hi Reader,

Today’s episode is one I really wanted you to hear.

Les McKeown (author of Predictable Success) is back, and we talk about something a lot of leaders feel…but few say out loud: the rise of “mini-celebrity” pastors—and how it can quietly cap your church’s growth.

Here’s the tension: having a platform can be an incredible tool for early momentum. But if your church can’t separate the mission from the founder, growth eventually stalls usually right around that 250–400 range (or when staff complexity starts exploding).

Les explains why the move from “I decide and fix everything” to “I build the team that decides and fixes” is the mindshift that gets you through whitewater and into sustainable growth.

And we also go there: the danger of playing the “God told me” card to shut down healthy debate.

If you’re trying to break a growth barrier (or avoid becoming the bottleneck), this one’s for you.

Listen/watch now—and share it with a leader who needs it.

🎧 Listen now and take the next step toward healthier leadership. Watch it on YouTube or tune in wherever you listen to podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by...

State of the Church

Learn more about the State of the Church and stay up to date on the latest data at stateofthechurch.com/Carey.

Church Law & Tax

For nearly 40 years, the online Church & Clergy Tax Guide has been the go-to resource U.S. pastors trust to handle taxes with confidence.

It’s updated with the latest changes—including how to navigate the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—and now you can even ask Richie, their new AI assistant, to explain how it applies to your church WITHOUT the legal or tax jargon.

Go to ChurchLawAndTax.com/Carey to become a member and access the guide today.

Show Notes

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Carey Nieuwhof Communications, PO Box 160, Oro Medonte, Ontario L0L 2X0

Carey Nieuwhof

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.

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