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.
On The Rise: How much of your life should you broadcast? + Failed apocalypses.
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week. Today, some interesting thoughts about how much of your personal life you should put online. Plus, a website that chronicles all the failed predictions of the end of the world, discovering your working genius, and some Booker Prize-nominated authors’ favorite writing spots. Should You Broadcast Your Life? When chronicling everything on social media...
Why some churches are finally growing again (and others aren’t).
Hi Reader, For the first time in decades, the decline of the church might actually be reversing. That’s not wishful thinking, it’s backed by data. My guest this week, Thom Rainer, has been tracking the trends for years, and what he’s seeing is surprising even him. Thom says churches that are growing—especially among Gen Z—have one simple thing in common: they’re doing at least three outwardly focused events each year. Sounds almost too simple, right? But when churches look beyond their walls,...
Bobby Gruenewald on the hidden dangers of ChatGPT
Hi Reader, Can you really trust ChatGPT as a Christian? That’s the question I asked Bobby Gruenewald, founder of YouVersion, the Bible app that just hit one billion installs. In this episode, Bobby and I talk about what that milestone really means—and why it signals a growing global hunger for Scripture. But, we also go deep on the new frontier of technology: artificial intelligence. Bobby shares why, despite AI’s incredible potential, he’s urging church leaders to slow down, stay discerning,...
5 silent giving breakdowns in your church
Hi Reader, What holds you back from being more generous? Think about it... You sense a nudge to support a cause other than your church. You feel compelled to give to someone in need. Or you just want to pick up the tab when you're out for dinner with friends. ...but then the moment passes. You check your bank account. You remember the credit card bill. You hesitate. Not because you don’t care, but because life gets in the way, budgets get tight, and margin is thin. Your heart says yes, but...
[Academy] How to spark growth in your church this month
Sign In Hi Reader, Every leader faces a moment when the mission just feels… stuck. People disengage.Energy dips. Giving slows. But the good news? Growth isn’t gone... it’s just waiting to be rekindled. Through brand-new resources, exclusive conversations, and live coaching, you can be equipped to lead your church and your people into renewal. So, check out everything November has in store for you below! 👉 New Resources Every Week Nov 3rd: 5 Silent Giving-Killers in Your Church. Discover...
On The Rise: A guide on using AI for sermon prep + Bad PIN codes
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week. Today, a very helpful guide on when and how to use AI in sermon preparation, why Gen Z is thought by many business leaders to be unhirable, how to handle difficult people, and the most commonly used and stolen PIN codes. Should You Use AI In Sermon Prep? Well, it depends. Some of the early reactions to AI by church leaders were predictable and (at...
Does THIS frustrate you about church budgeting? (It frustrates me.)
Hi Reader, Let me start with a simple truth: You aren't called to ministry to chase numbers. You are called to a God-given mission—and to lead people toward life-change. But if you're like most leaders right now, you're knee-deep in spreadsheets, budget meetings, and staffing decisions as you plan for 2026... trimming where you can... cutting what you have to... and hoping you can fill in the gaps. Budget cuts have always been my least favorite part of ministry. It's also the side of ministry...
How to lead when you’re bleeding.
Hi Reader, What do you do when leadership breaks your heart? In this week’s episode, I sit down with Tim Timberlake, Global Senior Pastor of Celebration Church, to talk about what happens when pastoral succession doesn’t go well and how to keep leading when you’re hurting. Tim opens up about walking through one of the most painful leadership transitions I’ve ever heard. He shares how he lost friends, faced betrayal, and led a divided church through crisis—all while discovering what it really...
Why so many non-Christians don't like Christians
Hi Reader, These days, it's hard to deny: many Christians feel bruised and battered by what non-Christians say about them. But here's a deeper question: Is there any of that criticism that we actually deserve? There are times when I see what Christians are saying and how people are acting, and I cringe. So today, I want to share 5 reasons why non-Christians don't like Christians. And here’s the kicker: At different points, I’ve been guilty of every single one. If you’re willing to look in the...
On The Rise: Pastors aren’t good at this + The value of boredom
Welcome to the On The Rise newsletter, where I feature fascinating, helpful, and sometimes curious content that caught my attention this week. Today, a report card on pastoral health and flourishing. We’re doing okay except for relationships, which is a big problem. Plus, the value of boredom, a classic book you might have missed if you’re next gen, and new metrics. Pastors Are Flourishing Except for This We still stink at relationships. How are your friendships? And no, your wife and your...
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.