The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH: A BARNA INTENSIVE

On November 10th, I'm teaming up with Barna for a three-hour leadership intensive called AI and the Future Church, where you'll get never-before-seen research on how pastors and congregations are actually using AI, and leave with a one-page plan including the language for the AI policy your church needed yesterday.

Register at barna.com/aiandthefuturechurch

GENERIS

I've partnered with Generis to bring Generosity360 to your church, a coaching cohort for churches with annual giving between $250,000 and $750,000.

You'll join other churches, and a Generis consultant will guide you to build a lasting culture of generosity, with bonus courses inside The Art of Leadership Academy at no extra cost.

Enrollment for 2027 is open now, with cohorts starting in January.

Go to http://generis.com/carey.

GLOO

The Gloo Feed is a free, regular text that delivers the latest research, trending topics, and updates from across the Church, without the noise.

Text CAREY to 46816 to join for free.

Nov 3, 2026 1 hr 9 min

Philip Anthony Mitchell on Overcoming Jealousy, Surviving a Suicidal Season, How to Lead If Your Church Doesn't Grow (And If It Explodes), and Answering His Critics

Season 1, Episode 839

Show notes

Philip Anthony Mitchell has the number-one book in the world, but only a few years ago, he nearly quit and nearly ended his life.

In a deeply candid interview, he opens up about jealousy, depression, preaching that lands, and leading when your church stalls or explodes.

Then he answers his critics head-on.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH: A BARNA INTENSIVE

On December 1st, I'm teaming up with Barna for a three-hour leadership intensive called AI and the Future Church, where you'll get never-before-seen research on how pastors and congregations are actually using AI, and leave with a one-page plan including the language for the AI policy your church needed yesterday.

Register at http://barnaaiandthefuturechurch.com

COMPASSION

Compassion International partners with churches of all sizes to help your congregation reach the world's most vulnerable children with the gospel. They equip your church with free family resources, church-wide experiences, and direct connections to global missions.

Go to http://compassion.com/carey and fill in the Church Partnership section.

THE CHOSEN

Season 6 of The Chosen begins the powerful journey to the cross, and your church can host a free Early Access screening of the first episode now through November 14. Give your people and your community a meaningful, memorable experience.

Learn more at ComeAndSee.net/church.

Oct 29, 2026 1 hr 34 min

"I Don't Want to Be That Guy": Chuck DeGroat on Shame, Burnout, the Limits of Spiritual Disciplines and the Nervous System

Season 1, Episode 838

Show notes

Chuck DeGroat has spent years helping pastors after the crisis hits. In this conversation, he explains why shame does more damage than fear, what your nervous system is trying to tell you before you burn out or hit a crisis in ministry, and why spiritual disciplines alone won't save you.

If you're a young leader or starting to see the cracks in ministry, listen closely.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH: A BARNA INTENSIVE

On November 10th, I'm teaming up with Barna for a three-hour leadership intensive called AI and the Future Church, where you'll get never-before-seen research on how pastors and congregations are actually using AI, and leave with a one-page plan including the language for the AI policy your church needed yesterday.

Register at barna.com/aiandthefuturechurch

GLOBAL CHRISTIAN RELIEF

Global Christian Relief supports persecuted believers in places like Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, and Iran, bringing Scripture where it's restricted and providing emergency relief when crisis hits. When you stand with the global church, you're not supporting a cause. You're standing with family. Check them out at http://gcrelief.org

GLOO

Gloo is the technology platform for the faith and flourishing ecosystem. They handle your tech and help you connect with the people you're trying to reach, so you can stay focused on the mission instead of burning nights holding your systems together.

If you're tired of spinning plates, go to http://gloo.com/grow

Oct 27, 2026 1 hr 13 min

The Overcorrection Against Church Growth: Andrew Hopper on Why We Shouldn't Celebrate Church Decline

Season 1, Episode 837

Show notes

Andrew Hopper saw his church plant grow to 1000 in two years, and almost nobody understood how hard that actually was. Especially when you planted at 28 years-old.

In this conversation, he tackles church growth critics, and opens up about the tightrope of leading crazy growth in public.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH: A BARNA INTENSIVE

On November 10th, I'm teaming up with Barna for a three-hour leadership intensive called AI and the Future Church, where you'll get never-before-seen research on how pastors and congregations are actually using AI, and leave with a one-page plan including the language for the AI policy your church needed yesterday.

Register at barna.com/aiandthefuturechurch

COMPASSION

Compassion International has been a trusted partner of mine for years. They're reaching the most vulnerable children with the gospel and working with churches of all sizes to do it. They equip churches with free family resources, church-wide experiences, and global partnerships with local churches serving children in poverty.

Find out more and watch my conversation with Compassion's CEO Jimmy Mellado at http://compassion.com/carey.

Oct 20, 2026 1 hr 10 min

The Strengths, Weaknesses and Moral Failures of the Mega-Church Movement: Jimmy Mellado on Healthy Growth, Scale, and Lessons from an Olympian

Season 1, Episode 836

Show notes

Jimmy Mellado unpacks what the church growth movement got right and wrong from the 90s through 2010s, why concentrated power without governance breaks leaders, the ingredients that go into moral failure, and what scale costs a pastor.

Plus, he shares lessons from his time as an Olympian. This one's for leaders who've mistaken growth for health.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH

AI and the Future Church has been out for a few weeks, and the most common question I'm getting is: what do I actually do about it?

That's why we built an AI Hub as a companion to the book — it helps you see where your church stands, what to address first, and how to lead your team through the shifts ahead.

Get your copy wherever books are sold, and access the AI Hub at http://aifuture.church

GLOO

If you're tired of wrestling with technology and guessing whether your marketing is actually working, Gloo handles both. They bring real engineering talent and smarter reach strategy so you can stay focused on the mission while they handle what's behind the scenes. Go to http://gloo.com/grow to learn more.

THE CHOSEN

The new season of The Chosen launches exclusively on Prime Video November 15, and from now through November 14, churches can show the first episode for free.

Visit http://comeandsee.net/church to sign up, and mark your calendar for The Chosen Crucifixion, opening exclusively in theaters March 12, 2027.

Oct 15, 2026 1 hr 41 min

How to Trust God When You Don't Understand: John Ortberg, Ann Voskamp, and Toni Nieuwhof on Wanting to Give Up and What They Would Believe If They Weren't Christians

Season 1, Episode 835

Show notes

John Ortberg, Ann Voskamp, and Toni Nieuwhof get personal about the questions faith doesn't answer easily: what they'd believe if they weren't Christians, why suffering isolates us, wanting to quit, and what Dallas Willard told John about painful seasons.

Plus, all proceeds from http://honesttogodbook.com/ go to empowering youth education in developing nations through Convoy of Hope and Compassion.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

FUND THE FUTURE MASTERCLASS

Most churches are stuck having transactional conversations about money when what actually holds up is a culture of generosity, and that culture is much easier to build now, before you're in a crisis.

Go to careynieuwhof.com/fundthefuture to access the Fund the Future Masterclass with Craig Groeschel, Chris Hodges, and more.

BELAY

Your energy should go toward what you were actually called to do: leading.

Text CAREY to 55123 and get a free resource called The Giving Shift. THE EXCHANGE WITH ED STETZER

Each week on The Exchange, Ed Stetzer brings together theologians, pastors, and researchers for thoughtful, timely dialogue about where the church is headed and how leaders can respond faithfully.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Oct 13, 2026 1 hr 46 min

Everything You Know About Multisite Church is Wrong! What the Largest Multisite Study Ever Done Actually Found with Warren Bird and Sean Morgan

Season 1, Episode 834

Show notes

Warren Bird and Sean Morgan bust the "8,000 multisite churches" myth with real numbers from the largest multisite study ever done (there are only 1800).

Multisite churches are just 0.5% of all churches, yet they reach 10% of churchgoers, and that share is growing.

Tune in for an hour of the most detailed data on multisite churches ever done, and what you can learn in the process.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH

AI and the Future Church has been out for a few weeks, and the most common question I'm getting is: what do I actually do about it?

That's why we built an AI Hub as a companion to the book — it helps you see where your church stands, what to address first, and how to lead your team through the shifts ahead.

Get your copy wherever books are sold, and access the AI Hub at http://aifuture.church

GLOO

Join Gloo and Prison Fellowship for a free three-part webinar series with research-backed ways to strengthen discipleship and prepare your church for meaningful fall outreach.

Watch it on-demand at http://gloo.com/angeltree. SUBSPLASH

61% of church staff are already using AI tools, but most tools weren't built for ministry. Subsplash built AI tools specifically for pastors — analyze giving trends, streamline your media process, and set up automated workflows that keep people from falling through the cracks.

Head to http://subsplash.com/carey and save $500 when you sign up.

Oct 6, 2026 1 hr 20 min

The Problem with Going Viral: Seth Godin on the Truth About Influencers, Status and Affiliation and Why You Should Avoid The Race to the Bottom in AI

Season 1, Episode 833

Show notes

Seth Godin returns to explore the problem with going viral, the truth about influencers, why you don't want to play the game of gaining more and more influence online, how status and affiliation drive everything, and why you should avoid the race to the bottom in AI.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH

I wrote AI and the Future Church to give church leaders a practical playbook for what's ahead. It's built around three shifts every church leader needs to make, and it's grounded in what's actually happening right now.

Learn more at careynieuwhof.com/ai

THE CHOSEN

Season 6 of The Chosen begins the powerful journey to the cross. Your church can host a free Early Access screening of the first episode now through November 14.

Learn more at http://ComeAndSee.net/church.

GLOO

Gloo connects churches with donors, audiences, and partners through trusted channels, so the people who need you can actually find you. Learn more at http://gloo.com/grow. COMPASSION

As a church leader, you're called to help your congregation live out both the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Compassion International is a powerful partner for that mission.

Visit http://compassion.com/carey and fill out the Church Partnership section to connect with their team.

Sep 29, 2026 58 min

Building Your Personal Board of Directors: Annie F. Downs on AI Friendship vs. Real Friends and Why Christians Need to Stay in the Secular World

Season 1, Episode 832

Show notes

Annie F. Downs joins the show to talk about why every leader needs a personal board of directors and who actually belongs there.

Carey and Annie discuss why AI friendship can never replace the real thing and why Christians need to stay in the secular world instead of retreating from it.

Plus, we get a massive update on her recent marriage and what that does to her singles ministry.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH

I wrote AI and the Future Church to give church leaders a practical playbook for what's ahead. It's built around three shifts every church leader needs to make, and it's grounded in what's actually happening right now.

Learn more at careynieuwhof.com/ai

THE CHOSEN

Season 6 of The Chosen begins the powerful journey to the cross. Your church can host a free Early Access screening of the first episode now through November 14.

Learn more at http://ComeAndSee.net/church.

GLOBAL CHRISTIAN RELIEF

Global Christian Relief supports persecuted Christians in places like Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, India, and Iran—bringing Scripture where it's restricted, emergency relief when crisis hits, and long-term support for the Church.

When you give to the global church, you're not supporting a cause, you're standing with family. Check them out at gcrelief.org.

Sep 24, 2026 1 hr 35 min

Is AI Worse for Mental Health Than Social Media? Andy Stanley and Holly Goddard Interview Carey Nieuwhof

Season 1, Episode 831

Show notes

We missed what social media would do to human flourishing. We can't afford to miss what AI is about to do, especially to the next generation.

Andy Stanley and Holly Goddard sat down with Carey Nieuwhof on AI, mental health, employment, and the isolation it's accelerating, and why the church might be the one place AI can't replace.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH

I wrote AI and the Future Church to give church leaders a practical playbook for what's ahead. It's built around three shifts every church leader needs to make, and it's grounded in what's actually happening right now.

Learn more at careynieuwhof.com/ai

THE CHOSEN

Season 6 of The Chosen begins the powerful journey to the cross. Your church can host a free Early Access screening of the first episode now through November 14.

Learn more at http://ComeAndSee.net/church.

GOMPASSION

For almost 75 years, Compassion International has partnered with churches around the world to empower the most vulnerable children to become thriving followers of Jesus Christ.

Check out http://compassion.com/carey and head to the Compassion Sunday section—a great first step for your church to get involved and raise up children to follow Christ and change their families and communities.

Sep 22, 2026 1 hr 6 min

AI Parenting Advice: James Kelly on Whether AI Is Sinful in Nature and the Killer App Trap

Season 1, Episode 830

Show notes

Faith Tech's James Kelly sits in rooms with the people building AI companies and models, and he's blunt about what that means for your kids. He unpacks the Killer App Trap, why he won't let his own kids use AI companions yet, and reflects on how AI itself is subject to the fall.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH

I wrote AI and the Future Church to give church leaders a practical playbook for what's ahead. It's built around three shifts every church leader needs to make, and it's grounded in what's actually happening right now.

Learn more at careynieuwhof.com/ai

CONVOY OF HOPE

Toni and I personally traveled to the field and witnessed firsthand the amazing impact of our Convoy partnership. The work is impressive and the need is great.

Your gift to Convoy of Hope will help make the difference. Join Toni and I in supporting this great ministry. http://convoyofhope.org/carey.

SUBSPLASH

When a first-time visitor fills out a connect card or someone signs up to volunteer, most churches drop the ball on the follow-up. Subsplash Workflows is a drag-and-drop board where every task gets a checklist, a due date, and a person responsible so nothing sits unassigned.

Head to http://subsplash.com/CAREY for $500 off when you sign up.

Sep 15, 2026 1 hr 19 min

The Race To Replace Humans Is Already On: Will Jones' Fight To Ban Superintelligent AI and What Most Leaders Have No Idea Is Coming

Season 1, Episode 829

Show notes

The AI Frontier labs are building AI to do what YOU do, only faster and cheaper. And most leaders have no idea what's coming.

Will Jones of the Future of Life Institute says this is the part nobody tells you: the more you lean on it to keep up, the more replaceable you make yourself.

Will Jones, an AI safety researcher fighting to ban superintelligence, walks through the race to AGI, what it does to your work, and whether you should use AI or resist it.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH

I wrote AI and the Future Church to give church leaders a practical playbook for what's ahead. It's built around three shifts every church leader needs to make, and it's grounded in what's actually happening right now.

Pre-order before September 15th at careynieuwhof.com/ai and you'll get the full executive summary AND audiobook for free!

BELAY

BELAY helps church leaders reclaim their time by personally matching them with highly-vetted, U.S.-based Executive Assistants and Financial Experts.

They're giving away a free copy of Feedback that Fuels Growth, a practical guide to delivering feedback with clarity and care and building a culture of trust on your team.

Text CAREY to 55123

GLOO

Gloo and Prison Fellowship have teamed up for a free, three-part, on-demand webinar series with research-backed insights from Barna, practical ministry examples, and actionable next steps to help your church build meaningful community connections.

Watch all three sessions anytime at http://gloo.com/angeltree.

Sep 10, 2026 1 hr 13 min

The Giving Disruption Coming for the Church: Pat Gelsinger on AI and Mental Health

Season 1, Episode 828

Show notes

Former Intel and VMware CEO Pat Gelsinger talks about what AI is doing to us and our churches. He unpacks the mental health toll of social media (and what's coming next), the job loss scenarios leaders aren't ready for, how AI will reshape giving in the church, and why engaging high-net-worth individuals matters now.

Plus: will the AI optimists or pessimists be proven right?

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH

I wrote AI and the Future Church to give church leaders a practical playbook for what's ahead. It's built around three shifts every church leader needs to make, and it's grounded in what's actually happening right now.

Pre-order before September 15th at careynieuwhof.com/ai and you'll get the full executive summary AND audiobook for free!

CONVOY OF HOPE

With every breaking news story of disaster, help is already on the way through our friends at Convoy of Hope. Last year they trained nearly 50,000 farmers, empowered 80,000 women, and made sure 677,000 children woke up to a nutritious meal.

Join Toni and me in supporting this great ministry at https://convoyofhope.org/carey.

CHURCH GROWTH ENGINE

If your church has faithful people, solid preaching, and genuine love for God but still feels stuck, Church Growth Engine's free guide "Why Do Good Churches Get Stuck?" identifies ten fixable problems and gives you practical steps toward thriving ministry.

Get it free at https://churchgrowthengine.com/actionplan.

COMPASSION

Compassion partners with churches of all sizes to reach the most vulnerable children with the hope of the gospel, providing free family resources and church-wide mission experiences.

Check out http://compassion.com/carey, drop your information in the Church Partnership section, and someone from Compassion will reach out.

Sep 8, 2026 1 hr 30 min

The Questions About AI Leaders Never Ask: AI Girlfriends, Truth and Deepfakes, and Best and Worst Case Scenarios

Season 1, Episode 827

Show notes

You use AI. Have you thought about what it's doing to your church, the people you're reaching, or your soul?

James (JP) Poulter flips the mic to interview Carey! They discuss AI girlfriends, deepfakes, and the best and worst case scenarios nobody's naming.

There's a shift happening in your church and your community right now, and most church leaders haven't caught up.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH

I wrote AI and the Future Church to give church leaders a practical playbook for what's ahead. It's built around three shifts every church leader needs to make, and it's grounded in what's actually happening right now.

Pre-order before September 15th at careynieuwhof.com/ai and you'll get the full executive summary AND audiobook for free!

CHURCH GROWTH ENGINE

If your church has faithful people, solid preaching, and genuine love for God but still feels stuck, Church Growth Engine's free guide "Why Do Good Churches Get Stuck?" identifies ten fixable problems and gives you practical steps toward thriving ministry.

Get it free at https://churchgrowthengine.com/actionplan.

STUDIOC

Our friends at StudioC built the free Church Communications Grader to show you exactly where your church's communication is strong and where people are slipping through the gaps.

In about three minutes, you'll get a score, your biggest opportunity, and practical recommendations based on your role.

Take it free at studioc.org/carey.

Sep 1, 2026 1 hr 36 min

How to Preach Through Controversial Topics: Charlie Dates on What White Preachers and Black Preachers Can Learn From Each Other and Preaching So a Dead Room Wakes Up

Season 1, Episode 826

Show notes

Charlie Dates started preaching at eight, lining up chairs in his living room. Now he's one of Chicago's most respected pastors.

He joins Carey to talk about whose approval you're really preaching for, why a major donor once walked out mad, how to wake up a dead congregation, and what white and Black preachers desperately need to learn from each other.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

BRUSHFIRE

Your staff and volunteers give everything to make ministry events happen. Brushfire has been helping churches manage registrations, check-in, communication, and reporting in one place for over 20 years, all for one monthly subscription for qualifying churches. Save on Brushfire at https://brushfire.com/Carey

CONVOY OF HOPE

When disaster strikes anywhere in the world, Convoy of Hope is already moving. Last year alone, they served 677,000 children with daily meals and empowered tens of thousands of farmers and women across the globe. Your gift makes a real difference. Visit https://convoyofhope.org/carey

GLOO

Gloo has built a network that connects ministries and nonprofits with Christians who are already engaged through trusted podcasts and content channels like this one. If you want to reach an audience like this, visit https://gloo.com/grow

Aug 27, 2026 1 hr 19 min

What Destroys Leaders: Eric Geiger on Preaching to Your Own Sins and On Disappointing Your Staff

Season 1, Episode 825

Show notes

Eric Geiger, senior pastor of Mariners Church, joins Carey to talk about what actually brings leaders down, the personal and systemic reasons for moral failure, why a lot of us end up preaching to our own sin, and how to disappoint the staff you used to work directly with without losing them as your church grows.

If you lead people, listen in.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH

Carey's new book, AI and the Future Church, releases September 15th. Pre-order before September 14th and you get a free Executive Summary and the audiobook. Go to careynieuwhof.com/ai to grab your copy and lock in those bonuses before they're gone.

GLOBAL CHRISTIAN RELIEF

Global Christian Relief supports persecuted believers in places like Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, and Syria, bringing Scripture, emergency relief, and long-term support so the Church can remain and grow strong. Check them out at https://gcrelief.org.

Aug 25, 2026 1 hr 12 min

A $37 Million Building Campaign with a Church of 900 People: Aaron Graham on Big Vision and The Key to Talking About Hot Button Topics

Season 1, Episode 824

Show notes

Aaron Graham is leading a $37 million building campaign with 900 people and explains exactly how to inspire people to give to something much bigger than themselves.

Carey and Aaron also cover what it's like to be held hostage by an enemy army at ten years old, how to unite a congregation in a divided world, and how to tackle cultural lies.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

ALPHA

Alpha is a free 10-week resource that helps your church invite and welcome people who are asking real questions about faith. You create the space, Alpha provides everything else. Start with the free 3-Step Alpha Launch Plan at alphausa.org/carey.

BRUSHFIRE

Brushfire has been helping churches manage registrations, check-in, communication, and reporting for over 20 years. For qualifying churches, they offer a subscription designed to help your ministry grow. Save on Brushfire at brushfire.com/carey.

Aug 18, 2026 1 hr 12 min

Winning Back Lost Customers: Will Guidara on Customer Service Pet Peeves, What Simon Sinek Taught Him About Speaking, and Whether AI Will Harm (or Help) Hospitality

Season 1, Episode 823

Show notes

Every leader loses customers. Few know how to win them back. Will Guidara, the restaurateur behind Eleven Madison Park and author of Unreasonable Hospitality, joins Carey to talk about taking the anxiety out of service, the customer-service pet peeves that drive him crazy, what AI is actually doing to hospitality, and the lesson Simon Sinek taught him about leading people.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ACADEMY

First Impressions Academy gives guest experience leaders live coaching and practical training to help your church make a better first impression. Try it free for 30 days with code CAREY30 at ficonf.com/academy.

GLOO

Gloo is a technology platform built for the faith and flourishing ecosystem. They handle the tech and digital marketing so your church can find and connect with more people in your community. Learn more at gloo.com/grow.

Aug 13, 2026 1 hr 4 min

Seven Signs AI Wrote Your Sermon, What Your Voice Actually Is, and New Study on AI's Impact on the Brain That Should Scare Every Pastor

Season 1, Episode 822

Show notes

Should you use AI to write your sermon? Maybe not. Three years after ChatGPT, we don't just sound the same. We're starting to think the same, or not think at all. Enter brain rot.

Carey walks through seven tells that give away AI writing, shows you how to find the voice only you have, and unpacks a new study on cognitive surrender that every pastor needs to hear before next Sunday's sermon.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.

AI AND THE FUTURE CHURCH

Carey's new book, AI and the Future Church, is built on three shifts that anchor your church through the change ahead. Make Sundays non-downloadable. Build shock absorbers for the crises heading your way. Fortify your integrity before AI exposes what you'll fall for. Pre-order now at aifuture.church.

CHURCH GROWTH ENGINE

Church Growth Engine is the free weekly newsletter for pastors who want real growth without compromising depth. Every Tuesday, research-backed insights on what's actually working in churches your size. Subscribe free at https://churchgrowthengine.com

BELAY

Your church's finances matter, but bookkeeping isn't why you answered the call. BELAY's U.S.-based financial experts handle the numbers so you can stay focused on leading and serving. Text CAREY to 55123 for their free Blueprint for Growth resource.

Aug 11, 2026 29 min

Finding Your Voice as a Young Preacher: Tyler Staton on the Gift of Imagination and What Getting Sick Taught Him About Pace

Season 1, Episode 821

Show notes

Most young leaders try to sound like someone else long before they sound like themselves. Tyler Staton, lead pastor at Bridgetown Church, talks about finding your voice as a preacher and writer, what a season of sickness taught him about pace, why addiction thrives when you're moving too fast, and the gift of imagination you're probably wasting.

Slow down for this one.

🔗 Show Notes

Follow @careynieuwhof

❗️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.