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
49 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.
91 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!
71 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 17min
CNLP 733 | You Are Not Your Work: Arianna Molloy's Blueprint for Overcoming Toxic Calling and Boundary Shaming
Arianna Molloy, a Biola Professor specializing in Organizational Communication, discusses the toxic nature of over-identifying with one's calling. She shares personal stories about the fine line between fulfillment and burnout, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries. The conversation touches on how emotional well-being and self-care directly impact professional life. Arianna encourages listeners to redefine their identities beyond job titles and cultivate supportive communities to foster growth and resilience in their careers.
59 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 12min
CNLP 732 | When You Want To Punch a Hole in the Wall: Kyle Idleman on Vulnerability, Insecurity and the Spiritual Gift of Disappointing People
Kyle Idleman, Senior Pastor at Southeast Christian Church and a sought-after speaker, dives into the challenges of vulnerability and insecurity in leadership. He shares why admitting flaws on stage feels easier than in personal settings and reflects on the emotional weight of taking a sabbatical. Kyle emphasizes the importance of grounding identity in faith rather than success metrics, explores the complexities of pastoral care, and highlights the transformative power of gratitude. His insights inspire authentic connections and personal growth in leadership.
52 snips
May 27, 2025 • 1h 5min
CNLP 731 | Leading With An Inferiority Complex: Chris Hodges Opens Up About Being Bullied, Insecurity, and How to Foster a Successful Succession
Chris Hodges, founding pastor of Church of the Highlands, shares his journey of overcoming childhood bullying and an inferiority complex that shaped his leadership style. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of empowerment in churches for successful succession. David Kinnaman offers insights on Gen Z's mental health challenges and spiritual curiosity, stressing the need for community support. The discussion highlights the complexities of leadership transitions, mentoring, and embracing vulnerability, offering valuable lessons for leaders in any field.
42 snips
May 22, 2025 • 33min
CNLP 730 | Pick My Brain: Are There Limits to Church Growth? Plus, Being Micromanaged and How to Know Who To Fire
Explore the fascinating limits of church growth, touching on leadership capacity and community dynamics. Discover effective strategies for expanding outreach while maintaining a vibrant church environment. Tackle the challenges of micromanagement with clear governance and defined leadership roles. Hear personal experiences of transitioning worship styles and learn how to navigate staff evaluations with respect. Gain insights on fostering a healthy volunteer culture and the importance of strategic decision-making in church leadership.
34 snips
May 20, 2025 • 1h 20min
CNLP 729 | Church Growth Unleashed: Adam Mesa on Millennial Pastoring and Viral Podcasting
Adam Mesa, Lead Pastor at Patria Church, shares his vibrant journey of transforming his church from 1,100 to over 7,500 members through viral podcasting. He discusses the unique challenges of leading as a millennial with ADHD, including the emotional complexities of taking over from his father and navigating leadership transitions during the pandemic. Adam emphasizes the importance of community engagement and innovative strategies to revitalize church attendance, while also addressing the needs of new believers through accessible faith conversations.
68 snips
May 13, 2025 • 1h 31min
CNLP 728 | The Maniac's Advantage: Ryan Leak on Strategic Preparation, Speaking Success & Meeting Heroes
Ryan Leak, a sought-after preacher and leadership speaker, discusses the meticulous preparation he applies to both short talks and Fortune 100 presentations. He shares insights on making meaningful connections with leadership heroes and emphasizes the importance of audience-centric speaking. Ryan reflects on his journey from the church to corporate speaking, underscoring the need for adaptation and relationship-building. He also addresses the balance of humility in the face of success and the importance of genuine influence over social media fame.
