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Carey Nieuwhof

The trend I should have ranked #1


Hi Reader,

A question for you: Who is discipling your church Monday through Saturday?

Most pastors would instinctively answer, "The church." But what if that's no longer true?

In today’s Church Trends Update, I unpack the trend I underestimated back in January. I originally ranked it fifth. Looking back, it probably should have been number one.

Your people spend an average of 49 hours a week on their phones. Every scroll, click, recommendation, and video is shaping how they think, what they believe, who they trust, and how they see the world.

By the time someone walks into your service on Sunday, they've already been formed by hundreds of voices you never invited into the conversation.

It's why pastors are struggling to navigate everything from political division to AI, truth, mental health, and even why some women are leaving the church.

I also dive deeper into AI and why I think most church leaders are having the wrong conversation about it, why women are leaving churches, and a brand new trend I'm seeing emerge: the rise of the anti-celebrity megachurch pastor.

Listen in and let me know which trend you're seeing firsthand.


🎧 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...

Lifestone Ministries

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Everything you need to walk into your classroom with confidence every quarter.

Ministry Brands

Get the 2026 Annual Church Giving Report from Ministry Brands.

This free report breaks down the latest trends in church generosity, digital giving, donor behavior, and financial engagement — all designed to help church leaders make smarter decisions in a changing ministry landscape.

Go to ministrybrands.com/carey.

Show Notes

Access this episode's show notes and join the discussion in The Art of Leadership Academy:

  • Episode questions and the #1 takeaway
  • Transcript and episode links
  • Exclusive discussion with other podcast listeners

Cheering for you,

Cheering for you,

P.S. I think this one trend is going to shape the rest of the year.

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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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