“Nobody can out-local the local church.” - Pastor Carey Nieuwhof

On the latest episode of Unscripted, Marc Cleary, Director of Church Planting at ARC, and Noah Herrin, pastor of Way Church, an ARC church plant located in Nashville, sit down with pastor, author, and leadership expert Carey Nieuwhof for a conversation full of insight and hope for the next generation of leaders.

From his start in law school to pastoring Connexus Church in Canada, Carey has spent decades studying church health, leadership, and cultural trends. In this episode, he unpacks what he is seeing right now among churches and leaders across the world and why he’s never been more optimistic.

Highlights from the conversation include:

The Non-Derivative Church: The most effective churches in the next decade will stop copying formulas and start embracing their unique voice.
Slow Is Pro: Data shows the strongest church plants are the ones that build patiently, raise strong cores, and grow through relationships.
The Gen Z Revival: In the UK, church attendance among young adults has quadrupled since 2018, and Carey believes that same spark is spreading across North America. “Gen Z has seen what the world offers and found it empty. They’re looking for hope, and the church is sitting on a gold mine.”
AI and the Human Soul: Carey addresses the growing use of artificial intelligence for companionship and what it means for the church. Real connection is what people are longing for.
Finishing Strong: “Work twice as hard on your character as you do on your competency,” Carey challenges. “The people closest to you should get the best version of you.”

This conversation is a masterclass in leadership and a powerful reminder of why church planting still matters more than ever. As Carey said, “Ten thousand churches close every year, and only three thousand open. We need more church planters.”

Listen now to hear Carey’s wisdom and heart for the next generation of leaders, along with practical encouragement for pastors navigating growth, calling, and the challenges of modern ministry.

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The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus.

Since 2000, ARC has helped to plant more than 1,180 churches worldwide. If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey. Attending ARC Launch, a church planter training event, is the first step in planting a church with ARC. You will hear from ARC pastors, coaches, and staff as they share the nuts and bolts of church planting. Discover more and register for ARC Launch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/launch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Don’t Do Ministry Alone - We need relationships to thrive. You need other people in your corner, who have gone through similar things that you’ve gone through, and believe in your dream. ARC provides opportunities for you to build relationships with others in ministry that will support and strengthen you in what God has called you to do. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.arcchurches.com/connect/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Carey Nieuwhof, The Art of Leadership