ChurchPulse Weekly

By Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman

Religion & Spirituality Christianity

What's ChurchPulse Weekly about?

How’s your church going to lead through crisis? The ChurchPulse Weekly podcast gives you unprecedented insights into how church leaders are navigating crisis, and a new set of digital tools to stay connected in real-time to the people in your church. Weekly results from the ChurchPulse Leader Check-in are delivered live in the podcast hosted by leadership author and podcaster, Carey Nieuwhof, and Barna President, David Kinnaman. Each episode, Carey and David bring fresh updates, insights and interview other leading voices in church and ministry innovation.

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122 | Looking Forward to 2023

12.15.2022

David Kinnaman and Carey Nieuwhof share insights and ideas about the future of the Church and some exciting news about what's next for the podcast. Stay tuned for more to come in the new year! - Follow Barna at: Instagram: ...

ChurchPulse Weekly episodes:

12.15.2022 122 \| Looking Forward to 2023 David Kinnaman and Carey Nieuwhof share insights and ideas about the future of the Church and some exciting news about what's next for the podcast. Stay tuned for more to come in the new year! - Follow Barna at: Instagram: ...
12.08.2022 121 \| Key Trends and Insights: 2020-2022 David Kinnaman and Carey Nieuwhof sit down in-person and look back on starting ChurchPulse Weekly in March 2020, what they have learned from leaders through the years of the pandemic and the trends they have seen in the research. Part ...
06.30.2022 120 \| Stephen Chandler on Responding to Voices of Opposition in Ministry and How Selfishness Has Affected Church Culture Stephen Chandler (senior pastor of Union Church) sits down with Carey Nieuwhof to talk about how he responds to pushback as a leader, finding rest amidst the busyness of ministry and redefining success within your church. - Barna’s Resilient Pastor ...
06.23.2022 119 \| Lisa Bevere on the Crisis in Discipleship, the Pressure on Leaders, and Deconstructing Versus Destroying Lisa Bevere (speaker and author) joins Carey Nieuwhof to talk about what has changed in discipleship over the past five years, how to activate the contributions of women in your church and learning the balance for younger generations between deconstructing ...
06.16.2022 118 \| Bryan Loritts on the Challenges of Fatherhood and Why Juneteenth Matters for the Whole Church Bryan Loritts (president of the Kainos Movement) sits down with David Kinnaman to discuss fatherhood and Juneteenth. Together they talk about the challenges fathers are facing, the role of mentors in the lives of fathers and the ongoing journey within ...
06.09.2022 117 \| Next Generation Discipleship: The Differences Between Millennials and Gen Z, and the Key Questions Younger Generations are Asking with Grant Skeldon and Luke LeFevre Grant Skeldon and Luke LeFevre join Barna VP of Church Engagement, Joe Jensen, to talk about next generation discipleship, the differences between Millennials and Gen Z and the key questions younger generations are asking. – Follow Barna at: Instagram: @barnagroup ...
06.02.2022 116 \| John Eldredge on Resiliency and Ways to Replenish Your Soul After Emotional Impact John Eldredge sits down with David Kinnaman to reflect on how to address loneliness and isolation after the pandemic, building resilient friendships and listening for the voice of God. – Follow Barna at: Instagram: @barnagroup Twitter: @davidkinnaman \| @barnagroup Facebook: ...
05.26.2022 115 \| Pete Greig on Growing a Culture of Prayer and How to Hear God's Voice Pete Greig meets with David Kinnaman to talk about growing a culture of prayer in your church. Together, they discuss how to hear God’s voice, rediscovering the practice of lectio divina and practical tips for leading a great prayer meeting ...
05.19.2022 114 \| Obstacles in and Inspiring Opportunities for Discipleship, Plus How to Address Deconstruction with Aubrey Sampson Aubrey Sampson (church planter and author) joins David Kinnaman to discuss the opportunities and obstacles she’s seeing for discipleship, the role of friendship in hosting difficult conversations and encouraging the everyday disciplemakers in your church. – Follow Barna at: Instagram: ...
05.12.2022 113 \| Ed Stetzer on Church Trends and What Metrics Matter Ed Stetzer (author, speaker, professor) sits down with Carey Nieuwhof to discuss shifting trends in church attendance throughout the pandemic, engaging your congregation in the church’s mission and finding new ways to measure church success. – ChurchPulse Weekly Audience Survey: ...
05.05.2022 112 \| Dr. Thema Bryant on Recognizing the Signs of Trauma and How to Properly Address Them Dr. Thema Bryant (president-elect of the American Psychological Association) talks with Carey Nieuwhof about collective trauma and finding healing in the Church. She shares practical ways to recognize the signs of trauma in your congregants as well as advice for ...
04.28.2022 111 \| Children's Ministry and How to Make Resilient Child Disciples with Awana CEO Matt Markins Matt Markins (President and CEO of Awana) sits down with Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman to talk about what’s changed in children’s ministry over the years, how to disciple kids towards a resilient faith and the role parents can play ...
04.21.2022 110 \| Andy Stanley on Political Polarization in the Church, New Thinking on Church Attendance and Ideology Versus Theology Andy Stanley (senior pastor of North Point Ministries) sits down with Carey Nieuwhof to discuss pastoral burnout and political polarization in the Church. He shares new ways he’s thinking about attendance during the pandemic, what he’s learned from preaching to ...
04.14.2022 109 \| Volunteers: Practical Ways to Support, Honor and Retain Them with Brad and Leah Leach Brad & Leah Leach (pastors at City Life Philly) talk with Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman about celebrating the volunteers in your church. They discuss practical ideas for volunteer support and retention, as well as an element of fun as ...
04.07.2022 108 \| Albert Tate on the Perceptions of Race Problems and the Church's Involvement Albert Tate (Lead Pastor of Fellowship Church) joins Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman to discuss how to engage in conversations on racial justice within the Church and the importance of extending unconditional empathy towards those with different perspectives. – Order ...
03.31.2022 107 \| Andy Byrd on How Identity is the Core Issue of Gen Z and Ways We Can Maximize Their Zeal Andy Byrd (leader with University of the Nations, YWAM Kona) shares about the zeal he’s seeing within Gen Z, how he’s answering teenagers' questions around identity and what he’s doing to empower and channel the passion of one of the ...
03.24.2022 106 \| Michael Phillips on Pastoral Burnout in the Black Church and Why Empathy is the Greatest Tool for Social Justice Michael Phillips (education advocate and former pastor) shares with Carey Nieuwhof his reflections on the challenges Black pastors are facing, the importance of local churches in meeting community needs and why he believes empathy is the greatest tool for social ...
03.17.2022 105 \| Dr. Heather Thompson Day on Social Media's Effects on Culture and How It Can Be Used as a Tool to Advance the Church Plus America's Trust Problem Dr. Heather Thompson Day (speaker, writer and professor) joins Carey Nieuwhof to discuss how to use social media as a tool for hope and encouragement in a polarized world. She shares some practical ideas for cutting through the noise online ...
03.10.2022 104 \| Patrick Lencioni on Building a Healthy Team Culture, Activating Your Volunteers and Employee Retention in the Church Patrick Lencioni (author and founder of The Table Group) talks with Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman about building a healthy team culture and how churches can better engage and retain their volunteers. – What is Your Working Genius? Discover Your ...
03.03.2022 103 \| Bob Goff on Getting to the Root of Insecurity, Conflict and New Perspectives for the Church Bob Goff sits down with Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman to talk about finding new, hope-filled perspectives for the Church, what he’s learned from mediating conflict and how pastors can focus their time and attention on what matters most. Pick ...
02.24.2022 102 \| Tyler Staton on Steps for Discerning God's Voice, Celebrating and Grieving Transitions, and Finding Prayer Rhythms Through the Pandemic Tyler Staton (Lead Pastor of Bridgetown Church) joins Carey Nieuwhof to talk about his own leadership transition, cultivating prayer rhythms that sustain through the pandemic and finding spiritual renewal amidst fatigue. - BELAY: Text the word PULSE to 55123 for ...
02.17.2022 101 \| Glenn Packiam on the 5 Types of Relationships Every Pastor Needs and the Illusion of Intimacy Glenn Packiam (pastor at New Life Church, Barna fellow) sits down with David Kinnaman and Carey Nieuwhof to discuss how to cultivate resilience in your leadership and the five types of relationships every pastor needs. – Go to Barna.com/ResilientPastor to ...
02.10.2022 100 \| Sandra Van Opstal on How Self Assessment is Really for the Sake of Others, the Enneagram and Pursuing Justice Sandra Van Opstal (pastor, author and activist) joins David Kinnaman to talk about the transformative power of the Enneagram, why self-reflection is essential for every leader’s development journey and how the Church can move beyond relief work into pursuing justice. ...
02.03.2022 099 \| Levi Lusko on Why He Hasn't Quit, Rethinking the Church Model and Reaching the Next Generation Levi Lusko (Pastor of Fresh Life Church) joins Carey Nieuwhof to talk about reaching the next generation, the power of physically gathering and what he’s learning about church attendance through the pandemic. – State of Your Church: Barna’s State of ...
01.28.2022 098 \| Juliet Funt on Maximizing Productivity and How to Set Boundaries with Your Congregation 098: Juliet Funt Globally-renowned keynote speaker and author, Juliet Funt, talks with Carey Nieuwhof about what pastors need to do to maximize productivity. Together, they unpack some of the root causes of burnout, the role of rest in fostering creative ...
01.20.2022 097 \| Jenni Catron on the Importance of Strategic Leadership and Being Proactive During Times of Crisis Jenni Catron (Founder of the 4Sight Group) sits down with David Kinnaman to discuss why strategic leadership matters for the church, leadership lessons from The Great Commission and how to take a proactive approach with your vision in times of ...
01.13.2022 096 \| Ashlee Eiland on Leading Your Church Through Transitions, During a Pandemic and With Your Spouse Ashlee Eiland (Co-lead Pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI) joins Carey Nieuwhof this week to talk about shepherding a church through difficult leadership transitions, managing a team in the pandemic and setting healthy boundaries when doing ...
01.06.2022 095 \| Mark Batterson on Setting Habits and Goals That Will Actually Last To kick off the new year, Mark Batterson (Lead Pastor at National Community Church) joins David Kinnaman to talk about setting habits and goals that will last for the new year. He shares lessons he has learned from the past ...
12.30.2021 094 \| Dave Lomas on Reimagining Preaching in a Hybrid Church Era and Building Life-Long Friendships as a Pastor Dave Lomas (Pastor of Reality SF) talks with Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman about the role of friendships in ministry, how preaching has changed over the past couple of years and the challenges of doing discipleship in a hybrid church ...
12.23.2021 093 \| Hybrid Christmas Services: Practical Ideas for Online Worship with DK Kim and Abby Burley Worship leaders DK Kim (Mariner’s Church) and Abby Burley (New Life Church) join Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman to discuss Christmas worship services in a hybrid church era. They offer practical ideas for worship services for any church size and ...
12.16.2021 092 \| Church Planters, Amy Gannett & Justin Kendrick, on Theology and the Next Generation, What We're Missing About Discipleship, and How We Value Programs Over People Church planters, Amy Gannett & Justin Kendrick, sit down with Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman to talk about why theology matters for the next generation, the limitations of program-centered church models and why leaders can never graduate from discipleship. -- ...
12.09.2021 091 \| Keri Ladouceur and Katie Matsumoto Moore on Creating a Community of Engagers Instead of Consumers During a Pandemic and in the Digital Age Keri Ladouceur and Katie Matsumoto Moore join Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman to discuss practical ways to mobilize volunteers around causes in your community, redefining engagement beyond a church building and how your church can better serve your city as ...
12.02.2021 090 \| Dr. Matthew D. Kim on the Loneliness Epidemic, Reaching People in Pain and How a Good God Can Allow Suffering Dr. Matthew D. Kim (author and professor at Gordon-Conwell) sits down with Carey Nieuwhof to talk about preaching to people in pain. Matthew shares about how he has dealt with grief and pain in his own life, ways to connect ...
11.24.2021 089 \| Rick Warren on Why Christ Has Not Yet Returned and How to Build a Mission-Driven Church Rick Warren joins Carey Nieuwhof to discuss why he’s focusing on missions in this next season of life, practical tips for preaching on missions and the vision behind his new initiative, Finishing the Task. PLUS check out Barna’s YouTube channel ...
11.22.2021 088 \| Bonus: Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman on How Pastors Want to Quit Full Time Ministry and Ways to Persevere Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman discuss a brand new statistic revealing that 38% of pastors have seriously considered quitting full time ministry in the last 12 months. Their conversation offers insights into why this finding matters and how to encourage ...
11.18.2021 087 \| Aaron and Michelle Reyes on Navigating Diverse Cultural Differences During a Pandemic Aaron & Michelle Reyes sit down with Carey Nieuwhof to talk about making space for difficult conversations as church planters of a multiethnic church. Together, they discuss how they navigate racial and political differences within their congregation, what they have ...
11.11.2021 086 \| Loneliness, Community, and Discipleship Online Versus In-Person with Ben Windle and Jay Kim Ben Windle (Australian pastor, author and Barna contributor) and Jay Kim (author of Analog Church) sit down with Carey Nieuwhof to discuss making space for community in the digital era. They discuss what you can’t get from doing church online, ...
11.04.2021 085 \| Jo Saxton on Fostering Meaningful Relationships in a Digital Age, Understanding the Gaps in Digital Discipleship, and the Incredible Statistics on How Women Have Been Impacted by the COVID-19 Pa Jo Saxton (author, speaker and entrepreneurial coach) joins Carey Nieuwhof to talk about making space for meaningful relationships in a digital age. She shares how the pandemic has shaped her personal relationships, the possibilities and limitations of digital discipleship and ...
10.28.2021 084 \| Skye Jethani and Kimberly Deckel on the Strengths and Weaknesses of American Church Traditions, Worship and Physical Gatherings Skye Jethani (author, ordained minister and co-host of the Holy Post Podcast) and Rev. Kimberly Deckel (Anglican priest and executive pastor at Church of the Cross in Austin, TX) sit down with David Kinnaman to talk about the theology of ...
10.21.2021 083 \| Derwin Gray on How the Lord's Prayer Has Reshaped How He Views Intimacy with God and His Beliefs About the Importance of Physical Space Derwin Gray (Pastor of Transformation Church) joins Carey Nieuwhof to talk about making space for prayer. He shares how the Lord’s Prayer, in particular, has radically reshaped how he thinks about intimacy with the Father and why he believes physical ...
10.14.2021 082 \| Carey Nieuwhof on the Importance of Making Space for Rest, Healthy Rhythms and High Productivity Carey Nieuwhof is in the guest seat today as David Kinnaman flips the mic on him to talk about making space for rest and healthy rhythms for leaders. Carey talks about designing physical spaces for productivity, managing your energy to ...
10.07.2021 081 \| Misperceptions About Givers and the Church and How to Disciple Your Church Towards Generosity with Jim Sheppard and Julie Bullock Jim Sheppard (Generis CEO) and Julie Bullock (Senior Generosity Strategist at Generis) join Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman to talk about generosity. They explore common barriers to giving, the root struggles pastors face around money and how to disciple your ...
09.30.2021 080 \| Rachel Cruze on the Lies Every Generation Believes About Debt and How to Talk About Money from the Pulpit Rachel Cruze (national bestselling author and financial expert at Ramsey Solutions) sits down with Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman to discuss financial flourishing. Together, they talk about mistakes every generation makes around debt, practical ways for leaders to speak with ...
09.23.2021 079 \| The Four Steps to Understanding Your Calling and Purpose with Barna Fellow Dr. Stephanie Shackelford Dr. Stephanie Shackelford (senior Barna fellow and author) joins David Kinnaman to talk about vocational discipleship within the Church. Drawing from recent Barna research, she debunks the common myths Christians believe about finding happiness and explains why the conversation on ...
09.16.2021 078 \| John Mark Comer on Perceptions of the Local Church, Challenges in Church Leadership, and Dealing with Hurt by People Leaving the Church John Mark Comer returns to talk with David Kinnaman about the opportunities and challenges the Church is facing in the current cultural moment. In particular, he discusses a new form of church membership, dealing with people leaving the church and ...
09.09.2021 077 \| John Mark Comer on Resisting the 3 Enemies of the Soul and Understanding the New Cultural Assumptions of the Next Generation, Part 1 of 2 John Mark Comer (author and founding pastor of Bridgetown Church) sits down with David Kinnaman to discuss the three enemies of the soul, cultural trends he’s seeing in the next generation and the difficult expectations pastors face when leading through ...
09.02.2021 076 \| Rebekah Lyons on How to Manage Anxiety and Triggers During the Unknown and Creating Rhythms of Renewal Bestselling author and speaker, Rebekah Lyons, sits down with Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman to talk about setting healthy rhythms amidst the pandemic. Together, they discuss how embodied practices (such as sleep and physical exercise) can help leaders address mental ...
08.26.2021 075 \| Volunteers: In-Person and Digital Engagement Post-Pandemic and Attracting the Next Generation with Rob Peabody and Derek Sanford Rob Peabody (CEO of VOMO) and Derek Sanford (Lead Pastor of Grace Church in McKean, PA) join Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman to talk about engaging volunteers digitally and in-person. In particular, they unpack how volunteer ministry can draw in ...
08.19.2021 074 \| North Point's Bill Willits and Libby Hempen on Connection and the Loneliness Epidemic, Its Impact on Small Groups and Creating Community During a Pandemic Bill Willits and Libby Hempen join Carey Nieuwhof to share about their experience leading small groups in a hybrid church context at North Point Ministries. Together, they discuss how to lead conversations amidst political tensions, generational trends in attendance through ...
08.12.2021 073 \| Jon Tyson on Digital Church and the Transition of Traditional Evangelism to Cultural Evangelism, Part 2 of 2 Jon Tyson (Lead Pastor at Church of the City New York) returns to talk with Carey Nieuwhof & David Kinnaman about the possibilities of online evangelism, creating a culture of prayer and a new approach to discipleship. Part 2 of ...

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