The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast

Matt Smethurst has listened to and studied more hours of Tim Keller's preaching and teaching than almost anyone alive. In this conversation, Matt gets us inside Tim Keller's mind, breaking down what made Keller's preaching so effective, his DNA, and even his rule of life. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes STATE OF THE CHURCH Get instant access to the latest research from State of the Church. Simply go to stateofthechurch.com/carey COMPASSION God describes Himself as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love - aspects that describe His deeply caring, merciful, and generous nature. This summer, I'd like to encourage you to visit my friends at Compassion International to learn how you might grow YOUR compassion and generosity today. Find out more at www.compassion.com/carey. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

In Part 5 of our Revival series, JP Pokluda brings firsthand accounts of how God is moving in college stadiums. He shares the Gospel with your Uber driver, server, and other people you meet, what's different about Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and why God is moving so powerfully now. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes BELAY Take the first step toward financial peace of mind by downloading BELAY’s free Mission-Based Budgeting Guide today. This resource includes templates, step-by-step guides, and a training video to make aligning your budget and your mission simple. CONVOY OF HOPE Convoy of Hope’s Hope Summit has an amazing lineup of speakers like Chris Hodges and Jennie Allen. I'll be speaking as well, and Natalie Grant will be leading worship. You can register at hopesummit.com/carey to take advantage of a special discounted rate. GLOO+ With powerful messaging tools, automated workflows that handle follow-ups and reminders, and, tools like the New Mover Program that help you connect with new families, Gloo+ helps you simplify your fall planning and lead with confidence. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

In Part 4 of the Revival series, Nicky Gumbel, Al Gordon, and Stephen Foster explain how and why Gen Z men in the UK are becoming Christians in record numbers. They discuss how they're seeing generations of church decline reversed and what America can learn from it. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes GLOO+ With powerful messaging tools, automated workflows that handle follow-ups and reminders, and, tools like the New Mover Program that help you connect with new families, Gloo+ helps you simplify your fall planning and lead with confidence. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

In Part 3 of our Revival series, Andy Wood (Lead Pastor of Saddleback Church) and Luke LeFevre (A Gen Z preacher who works with the Gather movement) discuss a prophetic word Luke received about an outpouring of the Spirit at Saddleback church. They discuss the prophetic word, what actually happened, how God is moving at Saddleback, and the implications for every pastor in America who leads large or small churches. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes UPWARD SPORTS Get your church outside its walls and into real connection with people. Right now is the perfect time to start thinking about a winter sport or planning for 2026. Learn more about what Upward sports has to offer at Upward.org/carey CONVOY OF HOPE Convoy of Hope’s Hope Summit has an amazing lineup of speakers like Chris Hodges and Jennie Allen. I'll be speaking as well, and Natalie Grant will be leading worship. You can register at hopesummit.com/carey to take advantage of a special discounted rate. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

In Part 2 of our Revival series, Jon Tyson does a deep dive on the history of revival, including a detailed account of what happened/is happening in the Hebrides and in NYC. Jon explores how to prepare and preach for revival, how to be sensitive to its dynamics, and what to do to get ready personally and organizationally. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes ONEACCORD OneAccord is an AI-based translation platform designed exclusively for the local church, by believers actively serving in the local church. With over 40 languages available, OneAccord would love to partner with your church to bridge this language gap. When you visit oneaccord.ai/carey, you can get a free trial with 3 hours of translation credit. GLOO AI CHAT Gloo AI Chat gives you the power of AI, but from a trusted, faith-based source. It’s built for Christians, so you’re not getting random internet answers. You’re getting responses that are thoughtful, aligned with biblical values, and actually helpful—on real-life stuff like parenting, relationships, leadership, or faith questions. And, it’s free! Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

In our Revival Series opener, Zach Meerkreeb shares the backstory of the Asbury Outpouring sparked by his sermon, which didn't go particularly well. He explores Gen Z's unique spiritual awakening, the power of humility and confession, and offers guidance for church leaders who want to see revival in their churches. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes SUBSPLASH Never miss an opportunity to engage your community instantly—with Subsplash Tap—now a part of the only integrated platform designed to simplify next steps. Go to ​subsplash.com/carey​ to save $500 when you sign up. PARKHILL Church design is changing—and Parkhill is leading that change. Today’s forward-thinking ministries are moving from pews to circles, from crowds to true community, and from auditorium seating to vibrant, multipurpose campuses. With a scalable process designed to protect Kingdom resources, Parkhill empowers churches to join the 20% who see their plans built and their purpose fulfilled. Your vision deserves more than plans. Discover how to be the 20 at Parkhill.com/Faith. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Ray Johnston, senior pastor of Bayside Church in Sacramento, CA, reflects on decades of ministry and how to stay encouraged in ministry even when you feel done, why cynicism is incurable, how to finish well, and how to park your ego so you can raise up a team of all-stars. This episode is a 90-minute breakdown of what a long obedience in the same direction and finishing well look like. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes STATE OF THE CHURCH Check out the latest research coming out of the State of the Church. Visit stateofthechurch.com/carey CONVOY OF HOPE Convoy of Hope’s Hope Summit has an amazing lineup of speakers like Chris Hodges and Jennie Allen. I'll be speaking as well, and Natalie Grant will be leading worship. You can register at hopesummit.com/carey to take advantage of a special discounted rate. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

One question church leaders keep asking is "what do I do about my boss/lead pastor? Enter Bree Groff, workplace expert who explains what to do when you have a bad boss, don't love your job, and the future of work. Plus, Bree talks about how to become a better boss and what kind of jobs are going to make the cut during the coming AI revolution. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes BELAY Take the first step toward financial peace of mind by downloading BELAY’s free Mission-Based Budgeting Guide today. This resource includes templates, step-by-step guides, and a training video to make aligning your budget and your mission simple. ONEACCORD How do we serve those who don't speak our language, without skilled interpreters who also understand the Bible and church culture? OneAccord offers an easy-to-use platform, a friendly support team of church interpreters and sound techs, and flexible plans starting at just $150 a month. Best of all, our listeners can try it out for free with 3 hours of translation credit. Just visit oneaccord.ai/carey Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Major update to Carey's 2025 church trends with stunning new data. Gen Z church attendance has quadrupled (4% to 16%), with young men leading at 21%. US data shows similar revival patterns. Meanwhile, AI therapy/companionship has become the #1 use for ChatGPT, potentially worsening the mental health crisis. In this episode, Carey shares updates on the 2025 disruptive church trends and what it means for your church. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes GLOO+ Gloo+ gives you 15,000 texting credits every month—yep, every month—so you can show up consistently without breaking the bank. If meaningful connection matters to you (and I know it does), Gloo+ is your next best step. Head over to gloo.com/plus and start leading with clarity today. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Max Lucado talks about his new role at Gateway Church, how to carry the trauma and disappointment of a congregation after the senior pastor has breached trust, how to know if and when you've crossed a moral line that requires resignation, and how to tame your thought life. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes Spire Conference SpireConference is a transformative event tailored to empower and encourage leaders like you—through inspiring speakers—such as Max Lucado and Kyle Idleman—practical content, topical breakout sessions, meaningful connections, and more! Use code CAREY for $50 off each ticket. http://spireconference.gloo.com/ Subsplash Never miss an opportunity to engage your community instantly—with Subsplash Tap—now a part of the only integrated platform designed to simplify next steps. Go to subsplash.com/carey to save $500 when you sign up. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

What if our culture’s biggest crisis isn’t political, but spiritual and relational? New York Times columnist, bestselling author, and Atlantic columnist David Brooks talks about how American culture has changed in our lifetime and why he thinks it's overpoliticized and undermoralized. Plus, he shares how he became a Christian, his friendship with Tim Keller, and why he writes for 5 hours to get 1200 words each day. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes CHURCH PULSE Church Pulse is free, and gives pastors real-time insight into the hearts and habits of their congregation—how people are feeling, what they're struggling with, and what they’re looking for from their church right now. http://stateofthechurch.com/ Global Leadership Summit The Summit, happening August 7-8, delivers two powerful days with world-class faculty speaking into the real challenges you face as a church leader. Head to globalleadership.org/summit and enter GLS25CAREY at checkout for 10% off. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

There's nothing like honesty when it comes to hearing people's stories. CCV Lead Pastor Ashley Wooldridge returns to the podcast with his wife, Jaime. In a raw conversation, they open up about their first decade of marriage in corporate life, how that almost did them in as a couple, and how a journey into radical generosity transformed their marriage and their ministry at CCV. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes COMPASSION Visit my friends at Compassion International to learn how you can grow YOUR compassion today. Find out more at www.compassion.com/carey. SPIRE CONFERENCE Give your church staff a place to learn, grow, and build momentum together as you hear from inspiring speakers—like Max Lucado and Kyle Idleman, hold intentional conversations, and discover practical insights. Spire Conference is happening in Louisville, Kentucky this September. Use code CAREY for $50 off each ticket at spireconference.gloo.com Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Lessons from one of America's fastest-growing and largest churches, Christ Church of the Valley (CCV). Senior Pastor Ashley Wooldridge talks about lessons he learned from a decade at Intel before working at a church, how teamwork trumps talent, EQ as a key to success, and why the pastor can't be the product. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes GLOO+ With the New Movers Program, Gloo+ makes it easy to send up to 50 personalized postcards each month to families who’ve just moved nearby. Activate your New Movers Program today by signing up for Gloo+ at gloo.com/glooplus. GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT The Summit, happening August 7-8, delivers two powerful days with world-class faculty speaking into the real challenges you face as a church leader. Head to globalleadership.org/summit and enter GLS25CAREY at checkout for 10% off. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Derwin Gray talks about toxic masculinity and how it plays out in the NFL, the culture, and the church. Plus, insights on using ministry to heal childhood wounds and the challenge of finding the right staff in a growing church. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes STATE OF THE CHURCH From mental health, to Gen Z, to new apologetics, learn more about the research coming out of The State of the Church. BELAY Download BELAY’s free guide today: 5 Blind Spots That Sink Your Leadership. With this resource, you’ll learn how to navigate these leadership landmines with strength and confidence. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Fact: Many churches with facilities and money lack people, while churches with people often lack facilities and funds. In this episode, Carey Nieuwhof argues why dying churches should transfer their buildings to growing congregations. He addresses the 5 key objections to this transition and demonstrates why overcoming these barriers creates a win for everyone involved in advancing the Kingdom's mission. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes GLOO WORKFLOWS Workflows let you automate messages so you can stay connected without doing everything manually. And the best part? It’s free! Yep—10,000 texts every month, no cost. Sign up today at gloo.com/messaging and start communicating with ease through automation! Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Imagine if your biggest question was, why did our church grow so fast? Jason Mitchell, Lead Pastor of LCBC, talks about what you need to do to see a 280% greater spike in first-time visitors returning to your church, what's changing in preaching, and the emotion of succession. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes SUBSPLASH With Subsplash, move from scattered to streamlined—media, giving, apps, messaging, event management—in one platform built for the Church. Go to subsplash.com/carey to save $500 when you sign up. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

The Unstuck Group's Amy Anderson discusses how to know if your church is overstaffed (it probably is), the key differences between growing and declining churches, and leading a company after its founder dies. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes GLOO MESSAGING With Gloo Messaging, it’s easy to segment your audience into Groups—think small group leaders, volunteers, parents, new visitors—so that you send the right message, to the right person, at exactly the right time. Gloo gives you 10,000 texts every month and 3 groups at no cost. Start using group texting to lead better today. Sign up now at gloo.com/messaging. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Has your calling become toxic? Biola Professor Arianna Molloy discusses the identity crisis most church leaders face: identifying with their calling so much that it becomes toxic. She also discusses burnout, how to get healthy, and the problems with boundary-shaming your team. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork ❗️Connect with other podcast listeners about each episode of my podcast, including me. You'll get exclusive insights by asking questions, sharing insights, and learning how others are applying the content in real life. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes UPWARD SPORTS Upward Sports equips churches to share the gospel and make connections in their community. Learn how sports can impact your church and community at https://www.upward.org/carey/ Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Kyle Idleman discusses why it's easier to admit a fault on stage than to a friend in person, the times you feel like you want to punch a hole in the wall (and what to do about it), vulnerability, insecurity, and the spiritual gift of disappointing people. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork GLOO FEED It’s important to be an informed leader, and it doesn’t get any easier than the Gloo Feed. Join for free in 5 seconds today by texting “carey” to 46816. CHURCH.TECH Church.tech is the most complete pastoral AI suite anywhere: instant discipleship guides, outreach plans, kids‑min content, and more. Ready to trade editing for ministry? Visit church.tech and use code CAREY for 50 % off your first three months. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Chris Hodges, founding pastor of Church of the Highlands, opens up for the first time about being bullied as a kid, having an inferiority complex, and how that's impacted his leadership. Plus, he shares how to multiply leaders to craft a successful succession. 🔗 Show Notes 📩 On The Rise Newsletter 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube Follow @careynieuwhof Follow @theartofleadershipnetwork STATE OF THE CHURCH From mental health, to Gen Z, to new apologetics, learn more about the research coming out of The State of the Church. COMPASSION As a pastor, I desire all people to accept God’s compassion towards us and to live a full life of gospel-driven impact as a result. If you also desire this, I encourage you to visit my friends at Compassion International and begin learning how YOU can grow YOUR compassion today. Find out more at www.compassion.com/carey. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network