

The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast
Art of Leadership Network
The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast is a podcast all about leadership, change and personal growth. The goal? To help you lead like never before—in your church or in your business.
Carey interviews top business and church leaders like Seth Godin, Adam Grant, Nancy Duarte, Simon Sinek, Cal Newport, Patrick Lencioni, Tim Keller, Annie F. Downs, Andy Stanley, Craig Groeschel, Rob Pelinka, Michael Hyatt, Christine Caine, John Mark Comer, Henry Cloud, Gordon MacDonald, Francis Chan, Lysa TerKeurst, Ian Morgan Cron and many more.
For insightful posts on leadership, change and personal growth, episode transcripts and podcast show notes, go to https://careynieuwhof.com/.
Carey interviews top business and church leaders like Seth Godin, Adam Grant, Nancy Duarte, Simon Sinek, Cal Newport, Patrick Lencioni, Tim Keller, Annie F. Downs, Andy Stanley, Craig Groeschel, Rob Pelinka, Michael Hyatt, Christine Caine, John Mark Comer, Henry Cloud, Gordon MacDonald, Francis Chan, Lysa TerKeurst, Ian Morgan Cron and many more.
For insightful posts on leadership, change and personal growth, episode transcripts and podcast show notes, go to https://careynieuwhof.com/.
Episodes
Mentioned books

22 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 9min
CNLP 743 | Stuck Under a Bad Boss? Bree Groff on How to Thrive, Lead Up, and Transform Your Job
Bree Groff, a workplace culture expert and author of 'Today Was Fun,' shares invaluable insights on navigating difficult bosses and enhancing job satisfaction. She emphasizes finding joy in work, especially in non-profit settings, and advocates for a culture of open communication. Bree also discusses leadership strategies that prioritize employee well-being and the importance of vulnerability within teams. Finally, she addresses the impact of AI on job security, encouraging a human-centered approach to work that values meaningful connections.

40 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 26min
CNLP 742 | 2025 Church Trends UPDATE: The Gen Z Revival is Real (New Data) + The Mental Health Crisis is Shifting To A Whole New Front
Exciting trends show Gen Z church attendance has skyrocketed from 4% to 16%, with young men hitting 21%. This revival reflects a broader cultural shift, as churches adapt to the spiritual hunger of today’s youth. Meanwhile, the rise of AI therapy poses risks in addressing the mental health crisis, making community support more essential than ever. The conversation emphasizes the church's vital role in fostering genuine connections while navigating these dynamics.

57 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 10min
CNLP 741 | How To Know When You've Crossed A Moral Line: Max Lucado on Church Leadership, Moral Failure, and How to Tame Your Thoughts
Max Lucado, a renowned pastor and bestselling author, shares his insights on navigating moral dilemmas in church leadership. He discusses the trauma caused by breaches of trust within congregations and how leaders can recognize when they've crossed a moral line. Lucado emphasizes the importance of humility, authenticity, and the practice of 'picky thinking' to align thoughts with God's wisdom. He also reflects on his interim role at Gateway Church, addressing the emotional complexities of leadership and the journey toward healing.

91 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 9min
CNLP 740 | Overpoliticized and Undermoralized: David Brooks on the American Church, Culture, Becoming a Christian and Being Pastored By Tim Keller
David Brooks, an op-ed columnist for the New York Times and commentator on PBS NewsHour, explores the deep-rooted spiritual and relational crises in American culture. He shares his journey to Christianity and the mentorship he received from Tim Keller. The discussion dives into the challenges of moral leadership amidst societal divisions, the importance of storytelling in writing, and how vulnerability fosters growth. Brooks emphasizes the need for meaningful conversations to bridge gaps and build trust within communities.

42 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 8min
CNLP 739 | Young and Fighting About Money, Sex and Power: Ashley and Jaime Wooldridge on How They Radically Transformed Their Marriage and Went On To Lead One of America's Fastest Growing Churches
Ashley Wooldridge, the inspiring senior pastor at Christ Church of the Valley, joins his wife Jaime, a passionate software engineer, to discuss their transformative journey through marriage. They candidly share their struggles with money, intimacy, and leadership dynamics, emphasizing the importance of open communication and radical generosity. Their stories illuminate how embracing vulnerability not only strengthened their relationship but also enhanced their ministry, offering valuable insights for listeners seeking to navigate their own relational challenges.

55 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 32min
CNLP 738 | Don't Make the Pastor the Product: Ashley Wooldridge on Building One of America's Fastest-Growing Churches Through Team Empowerment
Ashley Wooldridge, Senior Pastor at Christ Church of the Valley, shares insights from his journey transitioning from Intel to ministry. He emphasizes that teamwork surpasses individual talent and explains how emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership. Wooldridge advocates for a pastor's humility, stating that the focus should be on the community rather than individual personalities. He discusses the importance of cultivating a feedback culture and engaging congregations in innovative ways, showcasing strategies for sustainable growth.

48 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 4min
CNLP 737 | Toxic Masculinity and the Church: Derwin Gray on Using Ministry to Heal Childhood Wounds, Lessons from the NFL, and The Challenge of Finding the Right Team
Derwin Gray, co-founding pastor of Transformation Church and former NFL player, dives into the pressing issues of toxic masculinity within the church and sports culture. He reflects on his own childhood trauma and emphasizes the power of ministry in healing. Derwin also discusses the importance of finding the right team members in a growing church and promotes a new model of masculinity that values humility and service. His insights encourage redefining faith and leadership through love and authenticity.

19 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 30min
CNLP 736 | Why Dying Churches Need to Give Growing Churches Their Buildings: The Argument and The Main Objections
The discussion focuses on the pressing need for dying churches to transfer their buildings to thriving congregations. The conversation highlights the struggles that young leaders face when established churches hesitate to share resources. It calls for a shift in priorities from tradition to mission, underscoring the importance of innovation to meet community needs. Emphasis is placed on the potential for revitalization through collaboration, urging church leaders to adapt and unite for future growth.

87 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 15min
CNLP 735 | 280% More Likely to Come Back: Jason Mitchell on How to Get Visitors To Come Back to Church, The Emotion of Succession and How Preaching Has Changed
Jason Mitchell, Lead Pastor of LCBC Church, shares insights from leading a vibrant church across 25 locations in Pennsylvania. He reveals strategies for boosting visitor returns by 280%, while discussing how preaching has changed significantly over the years. Jason candidly addresses the emotions tied to leadership succession, emphasizing the importance of trust and vulnerability during transitions. He highlights personal stories that inspire connection, showcasing how leaders can adapt and grow while fostering a sense of community within their churches.

64 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 59min
CNLP 734 | Is Your Church Overstaffed? Amy Anderson on The Pivotal Differences Between Growing and Declining Churches, and The Legacy of Tony Morgan
In this insightful discussion, Amy Anderson, Principal Leader at The Unstuck Group, dives into whether churches might be overstaffed and why that often hampers growth. She contrasts the dynamics of thriving versus declining churches, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in leadership transitions after losing a key figure. The conversation also covers effective staffing metrics and how to ensure organizational health, alongside nurturing future leaders from within the congregation. Prepare for thought-provoking insights on church management and growth strategies!