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.
Rick Warren on the call American churches need to hear
Hi Reader, What if the way most churches approach discipleship is fundamentally incomplete? Rick Warren is back on the podcast, and in this rare, unfiltered conversation, he shares why 99% of churches don’t have a plan to move people from “come and see” to “come and die.” That’s a sobering challenge for any of us leading in the church today. Rick and I dive into: 👉 Why most churches stall at “come and see” 👉 The shift of the global church to the Southern Hemisphere (and what it means for the...
3 practices to invite skeptics, seekers, and saints into a meaningful conversation
Hi Reader, What does it take to lead a church that sparks life-changing conversations? Preaching that resonates with skeptics, atheists, and saints alike (while staying true to the Gospel) feels a lot like walking a tightrope. If you aren't careful, you end up with limp, lifeless preaching and Christians who don't know how to be different from the world. Or... You can create a church that alienates and hates the very people you're trying to reach. Both are bad. So, I'd love to share the three...
On The Rise: 25 stellar questions. + Feedback before you preach
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week. Today, 25 questions that will challenge you in the best way (questions we should all be asking ourselves). Plus, what to do with audience feedback before your message or event, a great new Tim Keller book, and the full book list of an ordinary guy who read 3699 books over the course of his life. 25 Challenging Questions To Ask Yourself Who do I envy...
3 MORE preaching myths that need to be busted
Hi Reader, Chances are, you've heard it all: “Your sermons are too long. Why don't you trim it down a few minutes?”“They’re too short. We need more depth.”“Keep it tight. People don't have the attention span anymore.” So, which is it? You trim a few minutes off (not a bad idea for most preachers)… but then you get told you didn’t go deep enough. So then you dig in longer… and someone says it dragged on and on and on. Well, here’s the truth: There is no ideal sermon length. That's a myth. Why?...
The surprising reason many leaders stay silent.
Hi Reader, What happens when pride, culture, and insecurity collide with leadership? That’s exactly what I unpack with Julian Lowe, lead pastor of Oasis Church in Los Angeles. Julian shares how his years in the music and comedy industries shaped his creativity, but also how chasing validation nearly crushed him. He’s brutally honest about how pride and insecurity almost derailed his ministry—and how God has been reshaping his identity ever since. We also dive into a tough reality: many...
NEW 10-step Preaching Cheat Sheet
Hi Reader, If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in your sermon prep—rushing, unsure if your message is going to land, or unsure of what to say—this is for you. Your congregation lives in a distracted, noisy world that dulls souls. As a result, they're craving messages that cut through the clutter and speak straight to their hearts. How do you preach that kind of message—week after week? That's why I’m so excited to share the NEW and improved version of the Preaching Cheat Sheet with you today....
On The Rise: Marriage is bouncing back. + Deepfakes and analog life
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week. Today, it’s not all bad news. Statistics on marriage show that marriage and family are making a comeback. That’s great! 😀 Also, 50 ways to enjoy some analog moments and pull yourself away from the screen you’re on right now, how to spot a deepfake, and what’s at stake in the coming wave of AI. Marriage is Making a Comeback The divorce rate has fallen...
Firing staff who feel like family.
Hi Reader, One of the toughest leadership challenges I hear about all the time is this: What do you do when someone on your staff feels like family… but they’re no longer the right person for the role? Let’s be honest—most of us avoid those conversations. We rationalize, delay, and hope things will somehow work themselves out. But deep down, we know it’s costing the whole team. That’s why my conversation with Jon Gordon is so important. Jon has worked with everyone from the LA Rams to Fortune...
The 6 surprising traits of sticky sermons
Hi Reader, Remember Made to Stick? It's a book and idea that revolutionized communication when it came out, and now, standing out is even harder. The author of Made to Stick, Dan Heath, joins me on the podcast to explore what makes messages memorable. Plus, we also discuss how the way most leaders talk about leadership is often misguided. Dan has shaped the way millions of leaders communicate, and in this episode, he shares: 👉 Why solving problems isn’t the essence of leadership (and what...
How I knew I burned out (and how I recovered)
Hi Reader, Ever wonder if what you’re feeling is just being tired… or if you're actually burning out? There’s a fine line between the two. And once you cross it, it’s hard to find your way back. I meet leaders all the time who are in burnout and don't realize it. Way too often, it just starts to register as 'normal.' This must be how all leaders feel, right? Wrong. In leadership, it's easy to slip into a pattern of caring for others without adequately caring for your own heart or soul in the...
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.