About this episode

The episode discusses four significant church trends affecting congregations in 2026, including the influence of AI and the reasons women are leaving the church.

Six months into 2026, four church trends deserve a closer look. Algorithms are discipling your congregation 49 hours a week. AI's biggest threat isn't prompts—it's disruption on a scale the church isn't ready for. Women are still leaving, and now we know why. And a new kind of megachurch pastor is quietly emerging. Here's what's changing and what to do about it. 🔗 Show Notes 🤖 AI and the Future Church - NEW BOOK! 🗣️ Preaching Cheat Sheet 🧠 The Art of Leadership Academy 🎥 Watch on YouTube 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. Join for free: https://careynieuwhof.com/shownotes SERMON PREP CHALLENGE July 7th through 9th, my team and I are running a free three-day challenge to help you get two weeks ahead on your sermon prep. There's a one-hour call each day, and if you stick with it, by Thursday you'll have a two-week buffer built in. It's free. Sign up at careynieuwhof.com/sermonprep. MINISTRY BRANDS Get the 2026 Annual Church Giving Report from Ministry Brands. This free…

People in this episode

Host: Carey Nieuwhof

Topics covered

• church trends
• AI impact on church
• women in church
• megachurch pastors
• discipleship
• congregational engagement

Keywords

• church trends
• AI
• women leaving church
• megachurch
• discipleship
• congregation
• digital giving
• sermon prep

Sponsors

Ministry Brands

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Lifestone Ministries

Books & works: AI and the Future Church

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• CNLP 816 | The Brutal Reality of Pastoring: John Ortberg on Leadership Pain, the Introvert's Ministry Dilemma, and Dealing With the Job You Didn't Sign Up For · July 9, 2026 · 1h 18m
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• CNLP 812 | Creativity Is the Church's Lost Superpower: Al Gordon on How Stress and Algorithms Are Killing Your Imagination and How to Unlock Creativity in Your Team · June 23, 2026 · 1h 16m

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