The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast

Thom Rainer explains the difference he's discovered between what growing churches do and what declining churches do. It's simpler than you think. Plus, how can you help the Anxious Generation feel comfortable coming to church? Thom explains what the research reveals. 🔗 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 FUND THE FUTURE MASTERCLASS You cast vision. You preach faithfully. But when it comes to finances and generational giving, you hit a wall. That's exactly why me, Craig Groeschel, Chris Hodges, Ashley Wooldridge, Dan Clark, and others created Fund the Future Masterclass — a step-by-step program to shift your church from transactional giving to transformational generosity. Enrollment is open now. BELAY Discover exactly what to hand off so you can focus on your calling — not content calendars. Download BELAY's free resource: "15 Tasks a Pastor Can Delegate to a Marketing Assistant." Text the word CAREY to 55123 for your free download. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

YouVersion CEO Bobby Gruenewald discusses what's right and wrong with AI, sharing some shocking examples of why Christians should be cautious about trusting AI for biblical accuracy. Bobby also explains how it took 13 years to reach 500 million installs, but only four years to reach a billion, and the changes YouVersion made to accelerate bible reach. 🔗 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 FUND THE FUTURE MASTERCLASS You cast vision. You preach faithfully. But when it comes to finances and generational giving, you hit a wall. That's exactly why me, Craig Groeschel, Chris Hodges, Ashley Wooldridge, Dan Clark, and others created Fund the Future Masterclass — a step-by-step program to shift your church from transactional giving to transformational generosity. Enrollment is open now. SWITCHER STUDIO Stream to every online platform at the same time — including your website. Think: Facebook, Website, YouTube, Instagram — with no complicated gear needed. Switcher Studio makes it simple. Grab your iPhones, iPads, and cameras, sync them together and switch between angles live. You can even add scripture, lyrics, or graphics on screen to help keep your congregation engaged. Get $30 off a seasonal plan at switcherstudio.com/carey — and keep saving every season with this special offer. SUBSPLASH Subsplash is a unified platform that brings together your website, mobile app, giving, church management, live streaming, and more—so you can simplify your systems to amplify your ministry. That means less time wasted on managing different systems and more time making disciples. Cut the clutter. Keep the calling. Subsplash is here to help. Head to subsplash.com/carey today and you'll save $500 when you sign up. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

In a wide-ranging interview, Tim Timberlake reflects on a challenging pastoral succession and how he rebuilt momentum. Plus, he discusses getting divorced in his twenties, what he learned about leading while bleeding, and a lot more. 🔗 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 Stay up to date on the latest research coming out of Barna’s State of the Church. Visit stateofthechurch.com/carey CHURCH LEADERS CONFERENCE This spring, Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas is hosting the Church Leaders Conference. Over two days, you’ll experience mainstage sessions with biblical teaching, practical breakouts to strengthen key areas of ministry, and time to have fun with your team. Gather your team, choose your dates, and register today at CLC2026.com. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

In this episode, Carey explores why the attractional church model no longer works, what's replacing it, the three shifts that made it ineffective, and what you and your church can do now to reach more people. 🔗 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 SPIRITUAL GIFTS PLUS Leaders, what if you could see exactly where your people fit—so you can place them where they’ll thrive? With Spiritual Gifts Plus, they’re intelligently matched to actual teams inside your church—based on their spiritual gifts and DISC personality. Try SpiritualGiftsPlus.com free for 7 days, and experience it for yourself. Use code CAREY20 at checkout for 20% off any plan. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Tim Stevens returns to the podcast to discuss the hardest assignment in ministry: his three years at Willow Creek. He also talks about how to spot talent, firing well, how to recapture momentum, and his biggest lesson in four decades of ministry. 🔗 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 DIDN'T SEE IT COMING If this conversation with Tim resonates with you, my book, Didn't See it Coming, will give you a roadmap to lead with hope, clarity, and resilience, even in the toughest seasons. You can get your copy of Didn’t See It Coming wherever books are sold. Pick up the book today to discover the 7 challenges that no leader expects, but everyone faces. AMPLIFY+ For so many pastors, our best hours get swallowed up by systems that don’t work—scattered tools, disconnected processes, constant admin. That’s why I want you to see what 55,000 churches nationwide are using: Amplify Plus from Ministry Brands, a fully connected church management platform that brings your people, communication, events, & scheduling—all into one place. Visit ministrybrands.com/amplify to learn more. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Judah Smith and Dr. Les Parrot, Judah's therapist of 15 years, talk about the unique pressures pastors face. Les and Judah explain why your brain is lying to you 80% of the time, offer insights into how pastors self-sabotage, and provide guidance on how to break the cycle of negative thoughts that many church leaders struggle with. 🔗 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 SALARY Every leader I know wants to honor their team and lead with transparency—but it’s hard to know where to start without good data. Visit ChurchSalary.com/carey and start for free today. COMPASSION As believers, scripture calls us to reflect that nature, living a full life of gospel-driven kindness that is set apart from the normal posture of this world. As a pastor, I wonder how that's going for you? 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

Preaching is hard, no matter how you approach it. But throw planting a church during lockdown, a life-long struggle with mental health and anxiety, and planting in a tough to reach area in the mix, and you have a recipe for challenge. Faith Eury Cho opens up and talks about all of 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 THE ART OF PREACHING Most preaching resources give you inspiration. Some give you a formula to follow. But The Art of Preaching gives you the insights, strategies, and tools to transform your skillset and develop your gifting — you’ll transform your skill set one step at a time. SUBSPLASH Subsplash can help you craft a vision, equip your team, and leverage tools that make it easy for your people to give. Head to subsplash.com/carey to save $500 when you sign up. BELAY Download BELAY’s free resource: “15 Tasks a Pastor Can Delegate to a Marketing Assistant.” Text the word CAREY to 55123 for your free download. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Nearly twenty years after releasing his groundbreaking book Simple Church, Eric Geiger reflects on why complexity still doesn’t scale, how complexity subtly creeps in as you grow, and what he’s learned since he started leading Mariners Church. He also shares the great things that happen when older church leaders choose to set aside their own agendas and die to their egos so the next generation can thrive. 🔗 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 THE CHURCH NETWORK The Church Network exists for church operations leaders. It’s not about theory. It’s about real-world support, practical resources, and a community of peers who understand the complexity of your role. Visit thechurchnetwork.com and join today. When your operations run smoothly, your vision and your church have room to grow. GLOO FEED The best way to stay informed about what matters, when it matters… without having to sift through the noise. Get all the latest research, updates on AI and the church, access to resources and much more. Text CAREY to 46816 to join for free. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Megan Fate Marshman is an incredibly compelling preacher who speaks in many of the largest churches in America. She shares how her preaching has evolved since she started, what she does right before preaching to create better sermons and connections, and how to use your body and voice to draw people in and communicate more effectively. 🔗 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 THE ART OF PREACHING From September 22nd through October 3rd, you can get special launch pricing. When you use the code PREACH at checkout, you’ll save $47 off the full price. Check it out by visiting theartofpreachingcourse.com. STATE OF THE CHURCH Stay informed and get access to the latest research coming out of The State of the Church. Visit stateofthechurch.com/carey to get instant access. SPIRITUAL GIFTS PLUS Leaders, what if you could see exactly where your people fit—so you can place them where they’ll thrive? With Spiritual Gifts Plus, they’re intelligently matched to actual teams inside your church—based on their spiritual gifts and DISC personality. ​Try SpiritualGiftsPlus.com free for 7 days, and experience it for yourself.​ Use code CAREY20 at checkout for 20% off any plan. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

83% of Americans say preaching impacts their decision on a church home. Having just filmed a new 45 video course called the Art of Preaching, Carey Nieuwhof and Mark Clark share 90 minutes of their best preaching tips from the course and their accumulated years of reaching tens of thousands of unchurched people. 🔗 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 THE ART OF PREACHING From September 22nd through October 3rd, you can get special launch pricing. When you use the code PREACH at checkout, you’ll save $47 off the full price. Check it out by visiting theartofpreachingcourse.com. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Twenty-nine stressful events in 14 months. One major health crisis. Zero sugar-coating. In this flip-the-mic episode, Sean Morgan interviews Carey to dissect the hardest year Carey's faced in two decades: how external turmoil, internal drive, and an unexpected diagnosis collided—and what he had to modify to ensure he didn't burn out again. 🔗 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 CONVOY OF HOPE Convoy of Hope’s Hope Summit has an amazing lineup of speakers like Chris Hodges and Jennie Allen. Carey will 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

Rick Warren returns to the podcast to explain what 99% of churches don't do. He discusses the extraordinary rise of the global church and how it's outpacing population growth, and he outlines the call from Jesus every American church needs to hear. 🔗 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 KINGDOM ADVISORS In February, more than 3,000 financial professionals, industry leaders, and students will gather to connect with a like-minded community, get practical solutions, and grow spiritually. If you’re a financial professional, you owe it to the people who put their trust in you to join this community and get the wisdom that redefines true financial success. Visit RedeemingMoney.com/Carey for more information and to register. AMPLIFY PLUS For so many pastors, our best hours get swallowed up by systems that don’t work—scattered tools, disconnected processes, constant admin. That’s why I want you to see what 55,000 churches nationwide are using: Amplify Plus from Ministry Brands, a fully connected church management platform that brings your people, communication, events, & scheduling—all into one place. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Julian Lowe never expected to be a pastor, which ironically freed him up to become one. He talks about what he learned at the Groundlings, in Music, and in ministry, sharing why he feels white men are afraid to preach the Bible, and how to speak the biblical truth to people who disagree with you. 🔗 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 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 FEED Gloo Feed is the best way to stay informed about what matters, when it matters… without having to sift through the noise. Get all the latest research, updates on AI and the church, access to resources and much more. Join the Gloo Feed today, for free. Text CAREY to 46816 to join for free. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Many church leaders think of their staff as family. But if they're family, can you fire them? Jon Gordon has coached hundreds of professional sports teams and companies and explains what it takes to make the tough calls, including firing people you see as family. 🔗 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 SALARY If you have questions about church salaries, ChurchSalary is your starting place. Visit ChurchSalary.com/carey to get your free preview today. BELAY Download BELAY’s free resource: “15 Tasks a Pastor Can Delegate to a Marketing Assistant.” Text the word CAREY to 55123 for your free download. COMPASSION If you’re ready to grow your generosity and answer God’s call, head to compassion.com/carey. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

Dan Heath, author of Made to Stick, The Power of Moments, and other seminal leadership books, talks about the six surprising traits of sticky sermons, how to design church experiences people never forget, why focusing on the problem is the wrong approach to leadership, what he's learned from Chick-fil-A, and getting people to change. 🔗 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 THE CHURCH NETWORK Looking to lead your church with clarity, confidence, and connection? Join The Church Network, the premier association for church operations leaders and administrators. Whether you're navigating budgets, staffing, or tech transitions, TCN equips you with practical tools, expert insights, and a nationwide community that gets it. SUBSPLASH With Subsplash Tap, guests can instantly take their next step—whether that’s filling out a connect card, joining a small group, or signing up for events—with just a tap of their phone. Each tap brings them closer to your church community. Head to subsplash.com/carey to save $500 when you sign up. Brought to you by The Art of Leadership Network

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