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.
What load are you carrying that doesn't belong to you?
Published about 11 hours ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader,
Okay so this is a really honest email. Not that the others have been lies, but you know what I mean. Honest. Transparent. Embarrassing.
I wrote a book about burnout and I've taught leaders all about margin and guess what? I still carry too much of the leadership load.
A book project is a great example of needing an entire team to make something work. Yet there's something in me that makes me think that I'm somehow still responsible for everything.
For example, today we released the new trailer for my book. Have a look!
But while we were producing this trailer I was still too interested in writing the script, wondering why it was so short (less than a minute?!?!?!), trying to figure out all the details etc. when I realized:
I'm not a director
I'm not a scriptwriter
I'm basically an author and a thinker.
Therefore, my job is to trust the team.
There are times in the writing and release of this book when I felt completely overwhelmed. Then I get a moment of sanity and clarity and occasional lucidity and I remember that, yep, I'm carrying a load that doesn't fully belong to me.
Can you relate?
When you release your team to do what your team can do, a few things happen:
The product gets better.
They get to use their gifts.
The kingdom vision of all of us working together gets realized.
You get to focus on what you do best.
You (and everyone else) can actually take some time off to restore and recharge.
God's design was never for you to carry the load alone.
So, look around today. Who is ready to serve and ready to help?
Maybe the best thing you can do after reading this email is invite them to do what they are called to do.
Sunday is Always Coming How would Sunday feel if you finally got ahead on your preaching?
When you preach something you finished 24 hours ago, your congregation gets your first draft. When you're two weeks ahead, they get something that's had time to settle... in your study and in your soul.
That's why my team and I put together a free 3-day challenge: Get Ahead on Your Sermon Prep, July 7th–9th. The goal is to get you two weeks ahead by the time we're done. I wish someone had walked me through this twenty years sooner.
Are Pastor's Losing Their Ability to Preach? Watch →
Podcast Tuesday
Al Gordon on the Church's Lost Superpower Subscribe →
Free 3-day Sermon Prep Challenge Available Now
Sunday comes every seven days, whether you’re ready or not. Finally get ahead on your sermon prep with a system that sticks. Start Now →
The Art of Navigating Church Conflict Available Now
Navigate conflict at your church and unite your people around a shared mission.. Learn More →
On The Rise Friday
Gen Z attitudes on marriage are in + how to fix your team by (next) Monday. Check your inbox on Friday!
Ready to stop figuring it out alone?
The Art of Leadership Academy gives you proven guidance for YOUR church — leadership development and strategies trusted by 20,000+ leaders. Monthly coaching. A community of people advancing the Kingdom. Start for $57/month, cancel any time.
Cheering for you,
P.S. Check out the book traileror pre-order your copy of AI and the Future Church today. I'm really proud of the work the team has done on this project.
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.
