Church Trends UPDATE: AI Replacing Your Ministry, Women Leaving Church, + the Anti-Celebrity Pastor

72% of teens use AI companions right now 72% of teens use AI companions right now and 31% of them say they prefer their AI and 31% of them say they prefer their AI and 31% of them say they prefer their AI companion to human beings. Now, if that companion to human beings. Now, if that companion to human beings. Now, if that doesn't ring your alarm bell, I don't doesn't ring your alarm bell, I don't doesn't ring your alarm bell, I don't know what's going to This is happening know what's going to This is happening know what's going to This is happening in your student ministry right now, in in your student ministry right now, in in your student ministry right now, in your college ministry, in your church. your college ministry, in your church. your college ministry, in your church. This is not the future. This is today. I This is not the future. This is today. I This is not the future. This is today. I can't say that loudly enough. I think can't say that loudly enough. I think can't say that loudly enough. I think there's sort of a loop tape in our head there's sort of a loop tape in our head there's sort of a loop tape in our head that says, "Yeah, that's coming one day. that says, "Yeah, that's coming one day. that says, "Yeah, that's coming one day. I don't have to deal with it." Uh-uh. I don't have to deal with it." Uh-uh. I don't have to deal with it." Uh-uh. here right now. We've also seen tragic here right now. We've also seen tragic here right now. We've also seen tragic teen suicides already that resulted from teen suicides already that resulted from teen suicides already that resulted from uh relationships that teens created with uh relationships that teens created with uh relationships that teens created with artificial intelligence, but I would artificial intelligence, but I would artificial intelligence, but I would expect those to spike. The mental health expect those to spike. The mental health expect those to spike. The mental health crisis caused by artificial intelligence crisis caused by artificial intelligence crisis caused by artificial intelligence is going to make the mental health is going to make the mental health is going to make the mental health crisis caused by social media look like crisis caused by social media look like crisis caused by social media look like the kitty pool. Welcome to the Carrie the kitty pool. Welcome to the Carrie the kitty pool. Welcome to the Carrie New Hoff leadership podcast. Hey, today New Hoff leadership podcast. Hey, today New Hoff leadership podcast. Hey, today I'm going to update our 2026 church I'm going to update our 2026 church I'm going to update our 2026 church trends and look at what's changed since trends and look at what's changed since trends and look at what's changed since back in January when I released the back in January when I released the back in January when I released the annual church trends report. And we've annual church trends report. And we've annual church trends report. And we've been fortunate to have pretty much a been fortunate to have pretty much a been fortunate to have pretty much a half million leaders download the report half million leaders download the report half million leaders download the report or view the report since January. And or view the report since January. And or view the report since January. And it's one of the favorite things that I it's one of the favorite things that I it's one of the favorite things that I do every year. So if you're new, maybe do every year. So if you're new, maybe do every year. So if you're new, maybe you discovered us because of the church you discovered us because of the church you discovered us because of the church trends or maybe you've jumped on since trends or maybe you've jumped on since trends or maybe you've jumped on since January, want to welcome you to the January, want to welcome you to the January, want to welcome you to the podcast. Also to all the nextgen leaders podcast. Also to all the nextgen leaders podcast. Also to all the nextgen leaders who are watching and listening, really who are watching and listening, really who are watching and listening, really glad that you're here. And the reason I glad that you're here. And the reason I glad that you're here. And the reason I do these church trends is I led a church do these church trends is I led a church do these church trends is I led a church for 20 years. And I always have tried to for 20 years. And I always have tried to for 20 years. And I always have tried to read fairly widely, get some good read fairly widely, get some good read fairly widely, get some good sources, you know, try to figure out sources, you know, try to figure out sources, you know, try to figure out what's going on in culture because the what's going on in culture because the what's going on in culture because the churches that I inherited basically when

churches that I inherited basically when churches that I inherited basically when I started ministry in the '9s were I started ministry in the '9s were I started ministry in the '9s were decades, one could argue maybe a century decades, one could argue maybe a century decades, one could argue maybe a century behind in their ministry model because behind in their ministry model because behind in their ministry model because culture moved on but the church didn't culture moved on but the church didn't culture moved on but the church didn't change. And I guess that's probably what change. And I guess that's probably what change. And I guess that's probably what put in my heart this desire to help put in my heart this desire to help put in my heart this desire to help leaders see the the times, right? leaders see the the times, right? leaders see the the times, right? There's that beautiful verse in the Old There's that beautiful verse in the Old There's that beautiful verse in the Old Testament that says uh you know the men Testament that says uh you know the men Testament that says uh you know the men of Issachar can see the times and know of Issachar can see the times and know of Issachar can see the times and know what to do with them. So they kind of what to do with them. So they kind of what to do with them. So they kind of look at God's eternal truth. They look look at God's eternal truth. They look look at God's eternal truth. They look at the world around them. And since I at the world around them. And since I at the world around them. And since I started doing these church trends a started doing these church trends a started doing these church trends a decade ago, I hear from some of the top decade ago, I hear from some of the top decade ago, I hear from some of the top leaders, including some of the top uh leaders, including some of the top uh leaders, including some of the top uh church leaders in America, who say, church leaders in America, who say, church leaders in America, who say, "Thank you for doing these." because if "Thank you for doing these." because if "Thank you for doing these." because if you're leading a local church, your head you're leading a local church, your head you're leading a local church, your head is down and you're trying to get to is down and you're trying to get to is down and you're trying to get to Sunday or you're solving crisis. And so Sunday or you're solving crisis. And so Sunday or you're solving crisis. And so I have the privilege with what I do I have the privilege with what I do I have the privilege with what I do these days to spend pretty much the these days to spend pretty much the these days to spend pretty much the whole year looking around trying to see whole year looking around trying to see whole year looking around trying to see what's going on and also then putting what's going on and also then putting what's going on and also then putting that in a comprehensible form that is that in a comprehensible form that is that in a comprehensible form that is going to help you hopefully lead better. going to help you hopefully lead better. going to help you hopefully lead better. And if you haven't got the 2026 church And if you haven't got the 2026 church And if you haven't got the 2026 church trends yet, they're still relevant.

trends yet, they're still relevant. trends yet, they're still relevant. Things change, but they don't change Things change, but they don't change Things change, but they don't change that quickly. You can go to 2026 that quickly. You can go to 2026 that quickly. You can go to 2026 churchtrends.com churchtrends.com churchtrends.com and get your free copy of it. So, first and get your free copy of it. So, first and get your free copy of it. So, first a really quick recap of what I covered a really quick recap of what I covered a really quick recap of what I covered back in January. Then I'm going to drill back in January. Then I'm going to drill back in January. Then I'm going to drill down deeper on three of the trends and down deeper on three of the trends and down deeper on three of the trends and how they're changing. And I'm going to how they're changing. And I'm going to how they're changing. And I'm going to add a new trend. So, if you're ready for add a new trend. So, if you're ready for add a new trend. So, if you're ready for that journey, buckle up. Let's go. Trend that journey, buckle up. Let's go. Trend that journey, buckle up. Let's go. Trend number one for 2026, Gen Z leading the number one for 2026, Gen Z leading the number one for 2026, Gen Z leading the surge in church attendance. Trend number surge in church attendance. Trend number surge in church attendance. Trend number two was young men are coming to church two was young men are coming to church two was young men are coming to church and women are leaving. So, I've got an and women are leaving. So, I've got an and women are leaving. So, I've got an update on that. We're coming back this update on that. We're coming back this update on that. We're coming back this episode with reasons why women are episode with reasons why women are episode with reasons why women are leaving the church. We were asking the leaving the church. We were asking the leaving the church. We were asking the question back in January. We have a question back in January. We have a question back in January. We have a little more insight and there's probably little more insight and there's probably little more insight and there's probably some data coming up as well. Trend some data coming up as well. Trend some data coming up as well. Trend number three was evangelism is getting number three was evangelism is getting number three was evangelism is getting bolder and more direct. Trend four, bolder and more direct. Trend four, bolder and more direct. Trend four, preaching is starting to shift from preaching is starting to shift from preaching is starting to shift from presentation to encounter. Trend number presentation to encounter. Trend number presentation to encounter. Trend number five, and this one we're coming back to five, and this one we're coming back to five, and this one we're coming back to on this episode, disciplehip is now on this episode, disciplehip is now on this episode, disciplehip is now largely controlled by algorithm and largely controlled by algorithm and largely controlled by algorithm and pastors are paying a huge price. That pastors are paying a huge price. That pastors are paying a huge price. That one really resonated with you. So, I'm one really resonated with you. So, I'm one really resonated with you. So, I'm going to update you on that trend. Trend going to update you on that trend. Trend going to update you on that trend. Trend number six was senior pastors are aging number six was senior pastors are aging number six was senior pastors are aging out and few are replacing them. And then out and few are replacing them. And then out and few are replacing them. And then finally, trend seven was the church has finally, trend seven was the church has finally, trend seven was the church has yet to embrace for the upcoming AI yet to embrace for the upcoming AI yet to embrace for the upcoming AI revolution. I'm going to drill down on revolution. I'm going to drill down on revolution. I'm going to drill down on that because I think what's happening in that because I think what's happening in that because I think what's happening in AI is changing very rapidly. So, once AI is changing very rapidly. So, once AI is changing very rapidly. So, once again, you can get all of these original again, you can get all of these original again, you can get all of these original church trends at 2026urch trends.com church trends at 2026urch trends.com church trends at 2026urch trends.com absolutely free. You'll get a leader absolutely free. You'll get a leader absolutely free. You'll get a leader guide that you can walk through. It's a guide that you can walk through. It's a guide that you can walk through. It's a report with all the research, all the report with all the research, all the report with all the research, all the sources. etc., etc. So, I'm going to

sources. etc., etc. So, I'm going to sources. etc., etc. So, I'm going to update trends 2, five, and seven in this update trends 2, five, and seven in this update trends 2, five, and seven in this episode, not in that order. And then I'm episode, not in that order. And then I'm episode, not in that order. And then I'm going to introduce a new trend I'm going to introduce a new trend I'm going to introduce a new trend I'm seeing, and the new trend is the rise of seeing, and the new trend is the rise of seeing, and the new trend is the rise of the anti-ceelebrity the anti-ceelebrity the anti-ceelebrity megaurch pastor. Spent a lot of time on megaurch pastor. Spent a lot of time on megaurch pastor. Spent a lot of time on the road in the first few months of the road in the first few months of the road in the first few months of 2026. Stay to the end if you want to 2026. Stay to the end if you want to 2026. Stay to the end if you want to hear about that one. Why is the new hear about that one. Why is the new hear about that one. Why is the new generation of large or megaurch pastor generation of large or megaurch pastor generation of large or megaurch pastor kind of anti-seleelebrity? I think kind of anti-seleelebrity? I think kind of anti-seleelebrity? I think that's a really fascinating development. that's a really fascinating development. that's a really fascinating development. So here's what I am seeing as we update So here's what I am seeing as we update So here's what I am seeing as we update the church trends mid2026. So let's the church trends mid2026. So let's the church trends mid2026. So let's update this trend. Disciplehip is update this trend. Disciplehip is update this trend. Disciplehip is controlled by algorithm. I really think controlled by algorithm. I really think controlled by algorithm. I really think sometimes you bury the lead. This should sometimes you bury the lead. This should sometimes you bury the lead. This should have been the number one church trend. have been the number one church trend. have been the number one church trend. The response to that has been huge. So I The response to that has been huge. So I The response to that has been huge. So I put this one fifth on the list. Honestly put this one fifth on the list. Honestly put this one fifth on the list. Honestly should have been number one. I mean should have been number one. I mean should have been number one. I mean hindsight's always 2020. It's the most hindsight's always 2020. It's the most hindsight's always 2020. It's the most talked about church trend that I've had talked about church trend that I've had talked about church trend that I've had personal conversations with all kinds of personal conversations with all kinds of personal conversations with all kinds of church leaders about. And the more I've church leaders about. And the more I've church leaders about. And the more I've watched what's actually happening in watched what's actually happening in watched what's actually happening in congregations, the more convinced I am congregations, the more convinced I am congregations, the more convinced I am that this is kind of a foundational that this is kind of a foundational that this is kind of a foundational issue underneath everything else that issue underneath everything else that issue underneath everything else that we're seeing. So, let me go a little bit we're seeing. So, let me go a little bit we're seeing. So, let me go a little bit deeper into what I said in January.

deeper into what I said in January. deeper into what I said in January. Here's what's happening. Your people are Here's what's happening. Your people are Here's what's happening. Your people are being discipled 49 hours a week by their being discipled 49 hours a week by their being discipled 49 hours a week by their screens. And their screens are really screens. And their screens are really screens. And their screens are really being determined by algorithms, right? being determined by algorithms, right? being determined by algorithms, right? Not by you, not by scripture, not by the Not by you, not by scripture, not by the Not by you, not by scripture, not by the church, but by algorithms. And you know church, but by algorithms. And you know church, but by algorithms. And you know this, your Instagram looks very this, your Instagram looks very this, your Instagram looks very different than my Instagram. Not just different than my Instagram. Not just different than my Instagram. Not just based on the people we follow, but based based on the people we follow, but based based on the people we follow, but based on now what the algorithm thinks we on now what the algorithm thinks we on now what the algorithm thinks we should be seeing. The same is true of should be seeing. The same is true of should be seeing. The same is true of your Netflix. The same is true your Netflix. The same is true your Netflix. The same is true increasingly of your podcast feed, of increasingly of your podcast feed, of increasingly of your podcast feed, of um, for example, YouTube. your YouTube um, for example, YouTube. your YouTube um, for example, YouTube. your YouTube looks very different than my YouTube. looks very different than my YouTube. looks very different than my YouTube. And again, some of that is our choice, And again, some of that is our choice, And again, some of that is our choice, right? This is who I follow. This is who right? This is who I follow. This is who right? This is who I follow. This is who you follow. This is who the people in you follow. This is who the people in you follow. This is who the people in your church follow. But the algorithm your church follow. But the algorithm your church follow. But the algorithm increasingly is serving us up content to increasingly is serving us up content to increasingly is serving us up content to hook us and the content is more extreme hook us and the content is more extreme hook us and the content is more extreme and more extreme gets more engagement. and more extreme gets more engagement. and more extreme gets more engagement. So that's what we're dealing with. So if So that's what we're dealing with. So if So that's what we're dealing with. So if you think about your church right now, you think about your church right now, you think about your church right now, one person's Instagram feed is serving one person's Instagram feed is serving one person's Instagram feed is serving up ultraright-wing partisan commentary.

up ultraright-wing partisan commentary. up ultraright-wing partisan commentary. Another person goes on to Tik Tok and Another person goes on to Tik Tok and Another person goes on to Tik Tok and they're getting progressive politics. they're getting progressive politics. they're getting progressive politics. And someone else's YouTube is taking And someone else's YouTube is taking And someone else's YouTube is taking them deep into conspiracy theories, not them deep into conspiracy theories, not them deep into conspiracy theories, not necessarily good, but true. And then you necessarily good, but true. And then you necessarily good, but true. And then you got, you know, your crypto bros, the got, you know, your crypto bros, the got, you know, your crypto bros, the people who are into protein and peptides people who are into protein and peptides people who are into protein and peptides and true crime and Christian and true crime and Christian and true crime and Christian deconstruction, whatever catches their deconstruction, whatever catches their deconstruction, whatever catches their attention. And each click reinforces attention. And each click reinforces attention. And each click reinforces what they already think. Okay, so you what they already think. Okay, so you what they already think. Okay, so you got that picture. By the time they walk got that picture. By the time they walk got that picture. By the time they walk through your church doors on Sunday, through your church doors on Sunday, through your church doors on Sunday, they have been discipled by the they have been discipled by the they have been discipled by the algorithm. They've been not informed but algorithm. They've been not informed but algorithm. They've been not informed but formed by it. So they have spent 49 formed by it. So they have spent 49 formed by it. So they have spent 49 hours in a disciplehip ecosystem. And hours in a disciplehip ecosystem. And hours in a disciplehip ecosystem. And disciplehip is basically formation. disciplehip is basically formation. disciplehip is basically formation. They're being formed by the algorithm. They're being formed by the algorithm. They're being formed by the algorithm. So they spent 49 hours on average. So they spent 49 hours on average. So they spent 49 hours on average. That's how long the average American That's how long the average American That's how long the average American spends on their phone in an ecosystem spends on their phone in an ecosystem spends on their phone in an ecosystem that's completely fragmented and often that's completely fragmented and often that's completely fragmented and often actively working against what you as a actively working against what you as a actively working against what you as a leader are trying to teach your church leader are trying to teach your church leader are trying to teach your church in. So here's what happens. You stand in. So here's what happens. You stand in. So here's what happens. You stand up. You preach on unity and up. You preach on unity and up. You preach on unity and reconciliation, but half your reconciliation, but half your reconciliation, but half your congregation hears something totally congregation hears something totally congregation hears something totally different all week and they are coming different all week and they are coming different all week and they are coming in through a filter someone else built in through a filter someone else built in through a filter someone else built for them and they're upset with you for them and they're upset with you for them and they're upset with you because you shouldn't be talking about because you shouldn't be talking about because you shouldn't be talking about it or you shouldn't be talking about it it or you shouldn't be talking about it it or you shouldn't be talking about it that way.

that way. that way. So the problem is that we're still So the problem is that we're still So the problem is that we're still running our churches like the primary running our churches like the primary running our churches like the primary disciplehip happens on Sunday morning or disciplehip happens on Sunday morning or disciplehip happens on Sunday morning or in our small groups. And the reality is in our small groups. And the reality is in our small groups. And the reality is today it doesn't. It should, but it today it doesn't. It should, but it today it doesn't. It should, but it doesn't. Okay? I'm not I'm not saying doesn't. Okay? I'm not I'm not saying doesn't. Okay? I'm not I'm not saying this is right. I'm just saying this is this is right. I'm just saying this is this is right. I'm just saying this is true. The primary disciplehip is true. The primary disciplehip is true. The primary disciplehip is happening on your congregation's phones happening on your congregation's phones happening on your congregation's phones all week long. And I've talked to all week long. And I've talked to all week long. And I've talked to pastors who are frustrated with Tik Tok pastors who are frustrated with Tik Tok pastors who are frustrated with Tik Tok theology. They're frustrated because theology. They're frustrated because theology. They're frustrated because their congregation won't unite on their congregation won't unite on their congregation won't unite on anything. They can't understand why some anything. They can't understand why some anything. They can't understand why some people hear unity and think it's one people hear unity and think it's one people hear unity and think it's one thing. Others hear it and they think thing. Others hear it and they think thing. Others hear it and they think it's a fighting word. And it's because it's a fighting word. And it's because it's a fighting word. And it's because they're not actually the same they're not actually the same they're not actually the same congregation spiritually. There's dozens congregation spiritually. There's dozens congregation spiritually. There's dozens of different congregations even in a of different congregations even in a of different congregations even in a church of a hundred. You've got like church of a hundred. You've got like church of a hundred. You've got like different algorithms working on different algorithms working on different algorithms working on different people's devices and each is different people's devices and each is different people's devices and each is discipled by a different algorithm. And discipled by a different algorithm. And discipled by a different algorithm. And that's why I said this church trend that's why I said this church trend that's why I said this church trend should have been number one. Everything should have been number one. Everything should have been number one. Everything else flows from this. Um, even the women else flows from this. Um, even the women else flows from this. Um, even the women leaving that is partly algorithmic. I leaving that is partly algorithmic. I leaving that is partly algorithmic. I want to get into it a lot more deeply in want to get into it a lot more deeply in want to get into it a lot more deeply in this podcast. Uh, but the culture wars this podcast. Uh, but the culture wars this podcast. Uh, but the culture wars are tearing churches apart. And that too are tearing churches apart. And that too are tearing churches apart. And that too is algorithmic fragmentation. Pastors is algorithmic fragmentation. Pastors is algorithmic fragmentation. Pastors feel like you can never get it right feel like you can never get it right feel like you can never get it right because you literally cannot reach a because you literally cannot reach a because you literally cannot reach a church being discipled by infinite church being discipled by infinite church being discipled by infinite competing voices. Now, that's why when competing voices. Now, that's why when competing voices. Now, that's why when you get up and you know the classic you get up and you know the classic you get up and you know the classic example most recently is Charlie Kirk example most recently is Charlie Kirk example most recently is Charlie Kirk last fall, no matter what you did with last fall, no matter what you did with last fall, no matter what you did with Charlie Kirk, it wasn't enough. It was Charlie Kirk, it wasn't enough. It was Charlie Kirk, it wasn't enough. It was too much. It was too right-wing. It was too much. It was too right-wing. It was too much. It was too right-wing. It was too leftwing. It was too woke. It was

too leftwing. It was too woke. It was too leftwing. It was too woke. It was too anti-woke. It was too this. It was too anti-woke. It was too this. It was too anti-woke. It was too this. It was too that I talked to a black pastor who too that I talked to a black pastor who too that I talked to a black pastor who said, "I got in trouble for not being said, "I got in trouble for not being said, "I got in trouble for not being black enough." And then the next email, black enough." And then the next email, black enough." And then the next email, he was too black. Like, you just can't he was too black. Like, you just can't he was too black. Like, you just can't win. Okay, now here's what gives me win. Okay, now here's what gives me win. Okay, now here's what gives me hope. And this is the update. pastors, hope. And this is the update. pastors, hope. And this is the update. pastors, when you read this, and again, I'm when you read this, and again, I'm when you read this, and again, I'm really grateful that a half million really grateful that a half million really grateful that a half million people have accessed these church people have accessed these church people have accessed these church trends, you jumped on this trend, and I trends, you jumped on this trend, and I trends, you jumped on this trend, and I heard from many of you who started heard from many of you who started heard from many of you who started teaching through this, that I think this teaching through this, that I think this teaching through this, that I think this is going to be key to a lot of the is going to be key to a lot of the is going to be key to a lot of the fragmentation. We're going to talk about fragmentation. We're going to talk about fragmentation. We're going to talk about this with AI as well. What you did, and this with AI as well. What you did, and this with AI as well. What you did, and I'm really happy and proud of you for I'm really happy and proud of you for I'm really happy and proud of you for doing this, is you started teaching doing this, is you started teaching doing this, is you started teaching about this because once you see it, you about this because once you see it, you about this because once you see it, you can't unsee it. And a lot of you did can't unsee it. And a lot of you did can't unsee it. And a lot of you did sermon series or messages. And basically sermon series or messages. And basically sermon series or messages. And basically what you did is you just said to your what you did is you just said to your what you did is you just said to your congregation, here's how the algorithm congregation, here's how the algorithm congregation, here's how the algorithm works. You guys are on your screens 49 works. You guys are on your screens 49 works. You guys are on your screens 49 hours a week and that is outpacing this hours a week and that is outpacing this hours a week and that is outpacing this 30 minute or 40 minute sermon that maybe 30 minute or 40 minute sermon that maybe 30 minute or 40 minute sermon that maybe you access once or twice a month. And you access once or twice a month. And you access once or twice a month. And that helps people see how they all got that helps people see how they all got that helps people see how they all got so polarized. And this isn't just about so polarized. And this isn't just about so polarized. And this isn't just about their life at church. It's about why their life at church. It's about why their life at church. It's about why they can't get along with their uncle they can't get along with their uncle they can't get along with their uncle who used to be their favorite uncle or who used to be their favorite uncle or who used to be their favorite uncle or why sometimes families get estranged.

why sometimes families get estranged. why sometimes families get estranged. And seeing that we're part of this major And seeing that we're part of this major And seeing that we're part of this major experiment that isn't going particularly experiment that isn't going particularly experiment that isn't going particularly well can give people empathy for the well can give people empathy for the well can give people empathy for the views of other people they disagree views of other people they disagree views of other people they disagree with. In the same way that my algorithm with. In the same way that my algorithm with. In the same way that my algorithm is taking me down this rabbit trail, is taking me down this rabbit trail, is taking me down this rabbit trail, maybe my neighbor isn't quite as crazy maybe my neighbor isn't quite as crazy maybe my neighbor isn't quite as crazy as I thought because her algorithm is as I thought because her algorithm is as I thought because her algorithm is taking her down a different trail. And taking her down a different trail. And taking her down a different trail. And it helps us see how we're being shaped it helps us see how we're being shaped it helps us see how we're being shaped in real time by forces that are only in real time by forces that are only in real time by forces that are only somewhat beyond our control. Now, the somewhat beyond our control. Now, the somewhat beyond our control. Now, the other thing I've seen pastors do is that other thing I've seen pastors do is that other thing I've seen pastors do is that you have taken the time to show your you have taken the time to show your you have taken the time to show your church how to change what you see, how church how to change what you see, how church how to change what you see, how to unfollow outreach, how to, you know, to unfollow outreach, how to, you know, to unfollow outreach, how to, you know, disengage from ragebait. And you've disengage from ragebait. And you've disengage from ragebait. And you've shown people like you can take a digital shown people like you can take a digital shown people like you can take a digital Sabbath and encourage them to get a Sabbath and encourage them to get a Sabbath and encourage them to get a wider variety of perspectives. And I'm wider variety of perspectives. And I'm wider variety of perspectives. And I'm seeing some churches get intentional seeing some churches get intentional seeing some churches get intentional about scripture, community, and the about scripture, community, and the about scripture, community, and the spirit as the real disciplehip engine. spirit as the real disciplehip engine. spirit as the real disciplehip engine. Basically just naming it and saying, Basically just naming it and saying, Basically just naming it and saying, "Look, you need to be more formed by the "Look, you need to be more formed by the "Look, you need to be more formed by the Bible, by community and by the teachings Bible, by community and by the teachings Bible, by community and by the teachings of the Christian church. Not just my of the Christian church. Not just my of the Christian church. Not just my teachings, but you know, the teachings teachings, but you know, the teachings teachings, but you know, the teachings that have that have held true over the that have that have held true over the that have that have held true over the the millennia." Uh, and and I think just the millennia." Uh, and and I think just the millennia." Uh, and and I think just raising the problem, like raising raising the problem, like raising raising the problem, like raising awareness and seeing helping people see awareness and seeing helping people see awareness and seeing helping people see that we're all mice in a cage and we're that we're all mice in a cage and we're that we're all mice in a cage and we're being experimented on by the big tech being experimented on by the big tech being experimented on by the big tech companies has really been helpful. So companies has really been helpful. So companies has really been helpful. So for all of you who have done that, for all of you who have done that, for all of you who have done that, wonderful. Well done. For those of you wonderful. Well done. For those of you wonderful. Well done. For those of you who are like, "Oh, I think I have an who are like, "Oh, I think I have an who are like, "Oh, I think I have an idea for my September sermon series."

idea for my September sermon series." idea for my September sermon series." Yes, yes, yes, you should be teaching on Yes, yes, yes, you should be teaching on Yes, yes, yes, you should be teaching on this. So here's the reality. You cannot this. So here's the reality. You cannot this. So here's the reality. You cannot unplug people from algorithms, but you unplug people from algorithms, but you unplug people from algorithms, but you can help them recognize what's can help them recognize what's can help them recognize what's happening. Oh, that's what's in the happening. Oh, that's what's in the happening. Oh, that's what's in the water supply. Oh, that's what's making water supply. Oh, that's what's making water supply. Oh, that's what's making me think differently than I did 10 years me think differently than I did 10 years me think differently than I did 10 years ago. And you can help them experience ago. And you can help them experience ago. And you can help them experience what it feels like to be formed by what it feels like to be formed by what it feels like to be formed by scripture and by a community instead of scripture and by a community instead of scripture and by a community instead of by simply their feed. So, if you haven't by simply their feed. So, if you haven't by simply their feed. So, if you haven't taught through this yet, uh you can do taught through this yet, uh you can do taught through this yet, uh you can do it. You can help people see through the it. You can help people see through the it. You can help people see through the chaos and choose Christ and community as chaos and choose Christ and community as chaos and choose Christ and community as their primary formation. And I really their primary formation. And I really their primary formation. And I really believe that as we elevate this as believe that as we elevate this as believe that as we elevate this as church leaders, because we're all part church leaders, because we're all part church leaders, because we're all part of this giant experiment, right, you're of this giant experiment, right, you're of this giant experiment, right, you're going to help not only the church, but going to help not only the church, but going to help not only the church, but the world understand why we're confused the world understand why we're confused the world understand why we're confused about why unity is so difficult, while about why unity is so difficult, while about why unity is so difficult, while the why the culture is so divided and the why the culture is so divided and the why the culture is so divided and how we can get better. So that is how we can get better. So that is how we can get better. So that is disciplehip by algorithm. Again, shout disciplehip by algorithm. Again, shout disciplehip by algorithm. Again, shout out to JD Greer who helped me out to JD Greer who helped me out to JD Greer who helped me crystallize thoughts around that. Uh crystallize thoughts around that. Uh crystallize thoughts around that. Uh we'll link to his episode in the show we'll link to his episode in the show we'll link to his episode in the show notes where he and I talked about it and notes where he and I talked about it and notes where he and I talked about it and uh he wrote a great book about it too uh he wrote a great book about it too uh he wrote a great book about it too that we'll link to in the show notes as that we'll link to in the show notes as that we'll link to in the show notes as well. So anyway, that that was uh trend well. So anyway, that that was uh trend well. So anyway, that that was uh trend number five, which should have been number five, which should have been number five, which should have been trend number one. Now, let's jump down trend number one. Now, let's jump down trend number one. Now, let's jump down to trend number seven. I elevated this to trend number seven. I elevated this to trend number seven. I elevated this one too for the purposes of the update.

one too for the purposes of the update. one too for the purposes of the update. And trend seven was the church has yet And trend seven was the church has yet And trend seven was the church has yet to brace for the upcoming AI revolution. to brace for the upcoming AI revolution. to brace for the upcoming AI revolution. So my update is actually we're not just So my update is actually we're not just So my update is actually we're not just bracing for it. We're actually having bracing for it. We're actually having bracing for it. We're actually having the wrong conversation about artificial the wrong conversation about artificial the wrong conversation about artificial intelligence. So most pastors are intelligence. So most pastors are intelligence. So most pastors are talking about how to use AI, right? Do talking about how to use AI, right? Do talking about how to use AI, right? Do you prefer claude versus chat GPT? Which you prefer claude versus chat GPT? Which you prefer claude versus chat GPT? Which chatbot is better? What prompt are you chatbot is better? What prompt are you chatbot is better? What prompt are you using? The much bigger conversation is using? The much bigger conversation is using? The much bigger conversation is what no one's talking about. And I think what no one's talking about. And I think what no one's talking about. And I think this is the conversation we need to this is the conversation we need to this is the conversation we need to elevate. It's not how to use AI, it's elevate. It's not how to use AI, it's elevate. It's not how to use AI, it's the impact of AI. And I'm a little bit the impact of AI. And I'm a little bit the impact of AI. And I'm a little bit worried that AI is going to have a worried that AI is going to have a worried that AI is going to have a potentially devastating impact on potentially devastating impact on potentially devastating impact on culture, on mental health. But the good culture, on mental health. But the good culture, on mental health. But the good news is this could be the church's news is this could be the church's news is this could be the church's finest hour. So AI is probably going to finest hour. So AI is probably going to finest hour. So AI is probably going to be, and we're living in it right now. be, and we're living in it right now. be, and we're living in it right now. This is not in the future. This is This is not in the future. This is This is not in the future. This is today. The biggest revolution humanity today. The biggest revolution humanity today. The biggest revolution humanity has ever seen. It'll be the biggest has ever seen. It'll be the biggest has ever seen. It'll be the biggest disruption we've experienced certainly disruption we've experienced certainly disruption we've experienced certainly in our lifetimes, but also many are in our lifetimes, but also many are in our lifetimes, but also many are arguing and I would agree the biggest in arguing and I would agree the biggest in arguing and I would agree the biggest in human history. So, while this is an human history. So, while this is an human history. So, while this is an incomplete list of the challenges that incomplete list of the challenges that incomplete list of the challenges that the rise of AI will pose, here are a few the rise of AI will pose, here are a few the rise of AI will pose, here are a few things to watch for as they develop. And things to watch for as they develop. And things to watch for as they develop. And again, this is not about, hey, what again, this is not about, hey, what again, this is not about, hey, what prompt do you use, man? This is about prompt do you use, man? This is about prompt do you use, man? This is about the impact of AI. So, you've already the impact of AI. So, you've already the impact of AI. So, you've already seen the first seeds of each disruption, seen the first seeds of each disruption, seen the first seeds of each disruption, but what what will probably happen is but what what will probably happen is but what what will probably happen is that this disruption will elevate to 10 that this disruption will elevate to 10 that this disruption will elevate to 10 to a,000x the impact of what we're to a,000x the impact of what we're to a,000x the impact of what we're seeing. Now, this episode is brought to

seeing. Now, this episode is brought to seeing. Now, this episode is brought to you by Lifest Ministries. If you teach you by Lifest Ministries. If you teach you by Lifest Ministries. If you teach an adult Sunday school class, you know an adult Sunday school class, you know an adult Sunday school class, you know the pressure. You got to walk in the pressure. You got to walk in the pressure. You got to walk in prepared. You got to have something prepared. You got to have something prepared. You got to have something meaningful to say, and you have to be meaningful to say, and you have to be meaningful to say, and you have to be ready when somebody asks you a question ready when somebody asks you a question ready when somebody asks you a question you weren't expecting. Keeping your you weren't expecting. Keeping your you weren't expecting. Keeping your class engaged when everyone's minds are class engaged when everyone's minds are class engaged when everyone's minds are elsewhere. That can be the challenge. elsewhere. That can be the challenge. elsewhere. That can be the challenge. So, I want to tell you about a resource So, I want to tell you about a resource So, I want to tell you about a resource that's been helping teachers do exactly that's been helping teachers do exactly that's been helping teachers do exactly that for generations. It's called Adult that for generations. It's called Adult that for generations. It's called Adult Bible Teacher from Lifest Ministries. Bible Teacher from Lifest Ministries. Bible Teacher from Lifest Ministries. 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One of Bible Expositor and illuminator. One of the most trusted adult curriculum the most trusted adult curriculum the most trusted adult curriculum resources in the country. It's available resources in the country. It's available resources in the country. It's available in standard and large print. And if you in standard and large print. And if you in standard and large print. And if you were asked to teach, let Adult Bible were asked to teach, let Adult Bible were asked to teach, let Adult Bible Teacher help you do it well. Head on Teacher help you do it well. Head on Teacher help you do it well. Head on over to lifestoneministries.org/carry over to lifestoneministries.org/carry over to lifestoneministries.org/carry to order and learn more. This episode is to order and learn more. This episode is to order and learn more. This episode is brought to you by Ministry Brands. So, brought to you by Ministry Brands. So, brought to you by Ministry Brands. So, if you lead a church, one of the biggest if you lead a church, one of the biggest if you lead a church, one of the biggest questions right now is how is giving questions right now is how is giving questions right now is how is giving changing and what should we be paying changing and what should we be paying changing and what should we be paying attention to heading into the second attention to heading into the second attention to heading into the second part of 2026? And that's why I want to part of 2026? And that's why I want to part of 2026? And that's why I want to tell you about the new 2026 annual tell you about the new 2026 annual tell you about the new 2026 annual church giving report from ministry church giving report from ministry church giving report from ministry brands. It's a free report and it breaks brands. It's a free report and it breaks brands. 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landscape. So whether you're a lead landscape. So whether you're a lead pastor, executive pastor, finance pastor, executive pastor, finance pastor, executive pastor, finance leader, or part of a ministry team, this leader, or part of a ministry team, this leader, or part of a ministry team, this report offers real practical insights report offers real practical insights report offers real practical insights backed by actual church data. You can backed by actual church data. You can backed by actual church data. You can download your free copy today at download your free copy today at download your free copy today at ministrybrands.com/carry. ministrybrands.com/carry. ministrybrands.com/carry. That's ministrybrands.com/carry. That's ministrybrands.com/carry. That's ministrybrands.com/carry. So the first disruption to watch is a So the first disruption to watch is a So the first disruption to watch is a white collar bloodbath. That phrase not white collar bloodbath. That phrase not white collar bloodbath. That phrase not mine came from Dario Amade in May of mine came from Dario Amade in May of mine came from Dario Amade in May of 2025 where that's what he's has 2025 where that's what he's has 2025 where that's what he's has predicted. Now there is a real debate predicted. Now there is a real debate predicted. Now there is a real debate going on right now. There's kind of a going on right now. There's kind of a going on right now. There's kind of a counternarrative. Last year it was like counternarrative. Last year it was like counternarrative. Last year it was like ah everyone's going to lose their job. ah everyone's going to lose their job. ah everyone's going to lose their job. This year people have come back and said This year people have come back and said This year people have come back and said well no every time you know we invent well no every time you know we invent well no every time you know we invent new technology like there's no new technology like there's no new technology like there's no blacksmiths anymore because we don't use blacksmiths anymore because we don't use blacksmiths anymore because we don't use horses. We use cars but the people who horses. We use cars but the people who horses. We use cars but the people who used to be blacksmiths went to work in used to be blacksmiths went to work in used to be blacksmiths went to work in automobile manufacturing automobile manufacturing automobile manufacturing etc etc. Well, yes. Historically, that's etc etc. Well, yes. Historically, that's etc etc. Well, yes. Historically, that's true. Another argument I've heard tech true. Another argument I've heard tech true. Another argument I've heard tech CEOs tell me face to face is when CEOs tell me face to face is when CEOs tell me face to face is when spreadsheets came out, Microsoft Excel, spreadsheets came out, Microsoft Excel, spreadsheets came out, Microsoft Excel, people said, "This is the death of people said, "This is the death of people said, "This is the death of accountants. Everybody can do it accountants. Everybody can do it accountants. Everybody can do it themselves." In fact, there are more themselves." In fact, there are more themselves." In fact, there are more accountants today than there ever were accountants today than there ever were accountants today than there ever were when the spreadsheet was invented on when the spreadsheet was invented on when the spreadsheet was invented on Excel. Now, that said, here's the Excel. Now, that said, here's the Excel. Now, that said, here's the challenge. uh the industrial revolution.

challenge. uh the industrial revolution. challenge. uh the industrial revolution. Other big changes in the past have been Other big changes in the past have been Other big changes in the past have been sort of slow and they took time and they sort of slow and they took time and they sort of slow and they took time and they were revolutions but but but but they were revolutions but but but but they were revolutions but but but but they took years or centuries and we had took years or centuries and we had took years or centuries and we had decades to reconfigure the job market decades to reconfigure the job market decades to reconfigure the job market and Deis Sabis co-founder of Google and Deis Sabis co-founder of Google and Deis Sabis co-founder of Google DeepMind has said the AI revolution is DeepMind has said the AI revolution is DeepMind has said the AI revolution is going to be 10 times faster and 10 times going to be 10 times faster and 10 times going to be 10 times faster and 10 times bigger. I agree with him. So there's an bigger. I agree with him. So there's an bigger. I agree with him. So there's an active debate right now about whether active debate right now about whether active debate right now about whether we're going to see employment we're going to see employment we're going to see employment dislocation. And even the tech CEOs who dislocation. And even the tech CEOs who dislocation. And even the tech CEOs who say it's not going to be that bad, say it's not going to be that bad, say it's not going to be that bad, they'll be the first to say, "Yeah, they'll be the first to say, "Yeah, they'll be the first to say, "Yeah, it'll it'll probably be difficult. it'll it'll probably be difficult. it'll it'll probably be difficult. There'll be some dislocation." But the There'll be some dislocation." But the There'll be some dislocation." But the implication for you as a church leader implication for you as a church leader implication for you as a church leader is, well, what happens if unemployment is, well, what happens if unemployment is, well, what happens if unemployment right now it's at just over 4%, rises to right now it's at just over 4%, rises to right now it's at just over 4%, rises to 7% or 8%. And it's the white collar jobs 7% or 8%. And it's the white collar jobs 7% or 8%. And it's the white collar jobs that are disappearing. The narrative you that are disappearing. The narrative you that are disappearing. The narrative you can see in the summer of 2026 can see in the summer of 2026 can see in the summer of 2026 in terms of updating this trend is high in terms of updating this trend is high in terms of updating this trend is high school jobs are down meaningfully. There school jobs are down meaningfully. There school jobs are down meaningfully. There were over a million jobs in 2024 in were over a million jobs in 2024 in were over a million jobs in 2024 in America for high school students down to America for high school students down to America for high school students down to the high 700,000. So almost 300,000 jobs the high 700,000. So almost 300,000 jobs the high 700,000. So almost 300,000 jobs have disappeared for summer students.

have disappeared for summer students. have disappeared for summer students. College students having a very difficult College students having a very difficult College students having a very difficult time finding work right now. And a lot time finding work right now. And a lot time finding work right now. And a lot of tech executives are saying, "Yeah, of tech executives are saying, "Yeah, of tech executives are saying, "Yeah, we're just not hiring college students we're just not hiring college students we're just not hiring college students cuz AI can do their job." So, is that cuz AI can do their job." So, is that cuz AI can do their job." So, is that going to happen? It's a debate. I would going to happen? It's a debate. I would going to happen? It's a debate. I would prepare as though it is going to happen. prepare as though it is going to happen. prepare as though it is going to happen. All right. Second thing that I think is All right. Second thing that I think is All right. Second thing that I think is way less debatable, mental health way less debatable, mental health way less debatable, mental health challenges. They're going to increase as challenges. They're going to increase as challenges. They're going to increase as AI companionship surges. Currently, the AI companionship surges. Currently, the AI companionship surges. Currently, the number one use of AI is companionship number one use of AI is companionship number one use of AI is companionship and therapy. 72% of teenagers, for and therapy. 72% of teenagers, for and therapy. 72% of teenagers, for example, use artificial intelligence as example, use artificial intelligence as example, use artificial intelligence as a companion. They're using the a companion. They're using the a companion. They're using the relational like, "Hey, bud. What's going relational like, "Hey, bud. What's going relational like, "Hey, bud. What's going on?" Right? I talked to doctors this on?" Right? I talked to doctors this on?" Right? I talked to doctors this year who say that they come in to meet year who say that they come in to meet year who say that they come in to meet with the doctor. So, you go to your with the doctor. So, you go to your with the doctor. So, you go to your family doctor, but you bring your AI family doctor, but you bring your AI family doctor, but you bring your AI with you and AI listens to the whole with you and AI listens to the whole with you and AI listens to the whole consultation. It's kind of like consultation. It's kind of like consultation. It's kind of like bringing, you know, your spouse or bringing, you know, your spouse or bringing, you know, your spouse or someone with you, a friend with you, but someone with you, a friend with you, but someone with you, a friend with you, but they're bringing their their AIs to they're bringing their their AIs to they're bringing their their AIs to medical appointments. Uh New York Times medical appointments. Uh New York Times medical appointments. Uh New York Times ran a piece about throppples couples who ran a piece about throppples couples who ran a piece about throppples couples who have a third person in the relationship.

have a third person in the relationship. have a third person in the relationship. The third person being an AI. This is The third person being an AI. This is The third person being an AI. This is getting weird. So 72% of teens use AI getting weird. So 72% of teens use AI getting weird. So 72% of teens use AI companions right now and 31% of them say companions right now and 31% of them say companions right now and 31% of them say they prefer their AI companion to human they prefer their AI companion to human they prefer their AI companion to human beings. Now if that doesn't ring your beings. Now if that doesn't ring your beings. Now if that doesn't ring your alarm bell, I don't know what's going alarm bell, I don't know what's going alarm bell, I don't know what's going to. This is happening in your student to. This is happening in your student to. This is happening in your student ministry right now, in your college ministry right now, in your college ministry right now, in your college ministry, in your church. This is not ministry, in your church. This is not ministry, in your church. This is not the future. This is today. I can't say the future. This is today. I can't say the future. This is today. I can't say that loudly enough. I think there's sort that loudly enough. I think there's sort that loudly enough. I think there's sort of a loop tape in our head that says, of a loop tape in our head that says, of a loop tape in our head that says, "Yeah, that's coming one day. I don't "Yeah, that's coming one day. I don't "Yeah, that's coming one day. I don't have to deal with it." Uh-uh. Here, have to deal with it." Uh-uh. Here, have to deal with it." Uh-uh. Here, right now. We've also seen tragic teen right now. We've also seen tragic teen right now. We've also seen tragic teen suicides already that resulted from uh suicides already that resulted from uh suicides already that resulted from uh relationships that teens created with relationships that teens created with relationships that teens created with artificial intelligence, but I would artificial intelligence, but I would artificial intelligence, but I would expect those to spike. The mental health expect those to spike. The mental health expect those to spike. The mental health crisis caused by artificial intelligence crisis caused by artificial intelligence crisis caused by artificial intelligence is going to make the mental health is going to make the mental health is going to make the mental health crisis caused by social media look like crisis caused by social media look like crisis caused by social media look like the kiddie pool. So, we've got to get the kiddie pool. So, we've got to get the kiddie pool. So, we've got to get ready. Another change that's happening, ready. Another change that's happening, ready. Another change that's happening, again, this is not about what prompt are again, this is not about what prompt are again, this is not about what prompt are you using. This is about the impact of you using. This is about the impact of you using. This is about the impact of AI. Deep fakes are going to erode the AI. Deep fakes are going to erode the AI. Deep fakes are going to erode the line between truth and fiction. So, we line between truth and fiction. So, we line between truth and fiction. So, we already live in a post-truth culture.

already live in a post-truth culture. already live in a post-truth culture. But the rise of AI generated deep fakes But the rise of AI generated deep fakes But the rise of AI generated deep fakes that are now completely imperceptible that are now completely imperceptible that are now completely imperceptible even to professionals from reality. even to professionals from reality. even to professionals from reality. They're filling our feeds more and more. They're filling our feeds more and more. They're filling our feeds more and more. and your social media fade. It's already and your social media fade. It's already and your social media fade. It's already filled with AI slob, but that's going to filled with AI slob, but that's going to filled with AI slob, but that's going to intensify. intensify. intensify. So, what do we do when we really cannot So, what do we do when we really cannot So, what do we do when we really cannot tell what is true and what is false? tell what is true and what is false? tell what is true and what is false? It's a good question. I mean, pastors, It's a good question. I mean, pastors, It's a good question. I mean, pastors, shouldn't the church have something to shouldn't the church have something to shouldn't the church have something to say about what truth is? You see, this say about what truth is? You see, this say about what truth is? You see, this is where we have to change the is where we have to change the is where we have to change the conversation. And I know I'm I'm conversation. And I know I'm I'm conversation. And I know I'm I'm touching a lot of issues just briefly touching a lot of issues just briefly touching a lot of issues just briefly and then moving on, but I want to give and then moving on, but I want to give and then moving on, but I want to give you some hope in a few minutes. Another you some hope in a few minutes. Another you some hope in a few minutes. Another another thing to ask is AI resurrection. another thing to ask is AI resurrection. another thing to ask is AI resurrection. So there are apps you can download So there are apps you can download So there are apps you can download today, again this is not in the future, today, again this is not in the future, today, again this is not in the future, this is not science fiction, that are this is not science fiction, that are this is not science fiction, that are attempting to erase the idea of death. attempting to erase the idea of death. attempting to erase the idea of death. And what they're doing, one of the apps And what they're doing, one of the apps And what they're doing, one of the apps is called two-way. If you have 3 minutes is called two-way. If you have 3 minutes is called two-way. If you have 3 minutes of video of somebody that you just of video of somebody that you just of video of somebody that you just captured today, and let's say, god captured today, and let's say, god captured today, and let's say, god forbid, they die tomorrow, you can then forbid, they die tomorrow, you can then forbid, they die tomorrow, you can then regenerate a FaceTimelike conversation regenerate a FaceTimelike conversation regenerate a FaceTimelike conversation with that person indefinitely, and they with that person indefinitely, and they with that person indefinitely, and they will say things they've never said. I will say things they've never said. I will say things they've never said. I mean, AI can just put words in their mean, AI can just put words in their mean, AI can just put words in their mouth. Uh, we are probably, if this mouth. Uh, we are probably, if this mouth. Uh, we are probably, if this hasn't been invented yet, it will be hasn't been invented yet, it will be hasn't been invented yet, it will be soon. You know, if you have a toddler soon. You know, if you have a toddler soon. You know, if you have a toddler who passes away, has a rare form of who passes away, has a rare form of who passes away, has a rare form of cancer or something like that. Again, cancer or something like that. Again, cancer or something like that. Again, horribly tragic. But if you have enough horribly tragic. But if you have enough horribly tragic. But if you have enough video, what if you could just recreate video, what if you could just recreate video, what if you could just recreate that toddler and she hits her third

that toddler and she hits her third that toddler and she hits her third birthday and fourth birthday and goes to birthday and fourth birthday and goes to birthday and fourth birthday and goes to kindergarten and graduates elementary kindergarten and graduates elementary kindergarten and graduates elementary school and you kind of carry on the life school and you kind of carry on the life school and you kind of carry on the life cycle. Well, what does that what death cycle. Well, what does that what death cycle. Well, what does that what death is erased? Like the Christian faith is is erased? Like the Christian faith is is erased? Like the Christian faith is actually based on death and actually based on death and actually based on death and resurrection, right? And what about resurrection, right? And what about resurrection, right? And what about grieving? And what about being human? grieving? And what about being human? grieving? And what about being human? And what about rights of passage? Like And what about rights of passage? Like And what about rights of passage? Like this is this is really deep stuff. And this is this is really deep stuff. And this is this is really deep stuff. And the pope has issued an encyclical on the pope has issued an encyclical on the pope has issued an encyclical on artificial intelligence, but we got to artificial intelligence, but we got to artificial intelligence, but we got to get to the front of the line in get to the front of the line in get to the front of the line in discussing this. Uh so maybe the better discussing this. Uh so maybe the better discussing this. Uh so maybe the better question when it comes to artificial question when it comes to artificial question when it comes to artificial intelligence isn't what's at stake, but intelligence isn't what's at stake, but intelligence isn't what's at stake, but perhaps what is not at stake because perhaps what is not at stake because perhaps what is not at stake because almost everything you could imagine almost everything you could imagine almost everything you could imagine probably becomes an issue. So, we're probably becomes an issue. So, we're probably becomes an issue. So, we're going to go through some staggering going to go through some staggering going to go through some staggering implications of what we're going to have implications of what we're going to have implications of what we're going to have to wrestle with in our society. So, to wrestle with in our society. So, to wrestle with in our society. So, you're like, "Okay, great. This is a 30 you're like, "Okay, great. This is a 30 you're like, "Okay, great. This is a 30 40m minute podcast." Like, how are we 40m minute podcast." Like, how are we 40m minute podcast." Like, how are we going to solve this? Well, the good news going to solve this? Well, the good news going to solve this? Well, the good news is I spent the last two years deep is I spent the last two years deep is I spent the last two years deep diving on this and I'll be giving diving on this and I'll be giving diving on this and I'll be giving regular updates on artificial regular updates on artificial regular updates on artificial intelligence and its implications for intelligence and its implications for intelligence and its implications for the church and my weekly newsletter on the church and my weekly newsletter on the church and my weekly newsletter on the rise. It's important for leaders, I the rise. It's important for leaders, I the rise. It's important for leaders, I think, to be spiritually, mentally, and think, to be spiritually, mentally, and think, to be spiritually, mentally, and theologically prepared to pastor through theologically prepared to pastor through theologically prepared to pastor through a highly disrupted era. So, I encourage a highly disrupted era. So, I encourage a highly disrupted era. So, I encourage you to start now. We're not exactly sure you to start now. We're not exactly sure you to start now. We're not exactly sure what's going to unfold or when, but God what's going to unfold or when, but God what's going to unfold or when, but God knows and you can be prepared. And I knows and you can be prepared. And I knows and you can be prepared. And I would start teaching on the impact of would start teaching on the impact of would start teaching on the impact of the AI revolution just like pastors have the AI revolution just like pastors have the AI revolution just like pastors have started teaching on the algorithm. This started teaching on the algorithm. This started teaching on the algorithm. This is this is the time to start right now.

is this is the time to start right now. is this is the time to start right now. Start talking about mental health. Start Start talking about mental health. Start Start talking about mental health. Start talking about what happens when your talking about what happens when your talking about what happens when your first relationship is a chatbot. Start first relationship is a chatbot. Start first relationship is a chatbot. Start talking about what happens when you like talking about what happens when you like talking about what happens when you like your AI more than you like your spouse. your AI more than you like your spouse. your AI more than you like your spouse. Um, maybe teach a personal financial Um, maybe teach a personal financial Um, maybe teach a personal financial series about how to basically make ends series about how to basically make ends series about how to basically make ends meet and bank some payroll just in case meet and bank some payroll just in case meet and bank some payroll just in case there's a disruption that happens. And there's a disruption that happens. And there's a disruption that happens. And you want to start talking about deep you want to start talking about deep you want to start talking about deep fakes and truth and discuss AI uh fakes and truth and discuss AI uh fakes and truth and discuss AI uh resurrection because your church, resurrection because your church, resurrection because your church, believe it or not, is not the future. believe it or not, is not the future. believe it or not, is not the future. And I know I keep saying that, but it's And I know I keep saying that, but it's And I know I keep saying that, but it's so important. Your church is struggling so important. Your church is struggling so important. Your church is struggling now and you're probably not hearing now and you're probably not hearing now and you're probably not hearing about it because it's happening on the about it because it's happening on the about it because it's happening on the sidelines. Like, are you going to admit sidelines. Like, are you going to admit sidelines. Like, are you going to admit that you've got a relationship with an that you've got a relationship with an that you've got a relationship with an AI? Probably not. AI? Probably not. AI? Probably not. But that's happening statistically in But that's happening statistically in But that's happening statistically in your church right now. So, start talking your church right now. So, start talking your church right now. So, start talking about it now. Now, you want some good about it now. Now, you want some good about it now. Now, you want some good news? We are perfectly positioned by God news? We are perfectly positioned by God news? We are perfectly positioned by God to minister to the profound human needs to minister to the profound human needs to minister to the profound human needs that are going to surface during the that are going to surface during the that are going to surface during the disruption because we can connect people disruption because we can connect people disruption because we can connect people with Jesus, with each other, and with with Jesus, with each other, and with with Jesus, with each other, and with the truth. And I believe the church's the truth. And I believe the church's the truth. And I believe the church's future direction is human connection.

future direction is human connection. future direction is human connection. The more we connect with people, The more we connect with people, The more we connect with people, the more we connect people with God and the more we connect people with God and the more we connect people with God and with each other and help them navigate with each other and help them navigate with each other and help them navigate an entirely new landscape, the more an entirely new landscape, the more an entirely new landscape, the more people are going to find hope and people are going to find hope and people are going to find hope and meaning in life. I think this could be meaning in life. I think this could be meaning in life. I think this could be the church's finest hour. So, I've the church's finest hour. So, I've the church's finest hour. So, I've written a new book called AI in the written a new book called AI in the written a new book called AI in the Future Church. It's about making your Future Church. It's about making your Future Church. It's about making your ministry irreplaceable in a world of ministry irreplaceable in a world of ministry irreplaceable in a world of artificial everything. It releases artificial everything. It releases artificial everything. It releases midepptember 2026. You can pre-order it midepptember 2026. You can pre-order it midepptember 2026. You can pre-order it now. I'll have a lot more to say about now. I'll have a lot more to say about now. I'll have a lot more to say about this in the future. It is all about what this in the future. It is all about what this in the future. It is all about what I just talked about. So, stay tuned. I just talked about. So, stay tuned. I just talked about. So, stay tuned. It's going to have a lot of help, a lot It's going to have a lot of help, a lot It's going to have a lot of help, a lot of hope. We got a lot coming on this of hope. We got a lot coming on this of hope. We got a lot coming on this channel about this because I think this channel about this because I think this channel about this because I think this is the big crisis that nobody is ready is the big crisis that nobody is ready is the big crisis that nobody is ready for. I want to come alongside and do as for. I want to come alongside and do as for. I want to come alongside and do as much as I can to help you. All right. We much as I can to help you. All right. We much as I can to help you. All right. We also said we're going to talk about also said we're going to talk about also said we're going to talk about women leaving the church. So, since the women leaving the church. So, since the women leaving the church. So, since the church trends released in January of church trends released in January of church trends released in January of 2026, we did four episodes just having 2026, we did four episodes just having 2026, we did four episodes just having conversations with people about why do conversations with people about why do conversations with people about why do you think this is happening? So Katie you think this is happening? So Katie you think this is happening? So Katie Cole, Beth Moore, Christine Kaine, and Cole, Beth Moore, Christine Kaine, and Cole, Beth Moore, Christine Kaine, and Preston Sprinkle weighed in. Again, this Preston Sprinkle weighed in. Again, this Preston Sprinkle weighed in. Again, this is anecdotal, not statistical. But over is anecdotal, not statistical. But over is anecdotal, not statistical. But over a few weeks on the podcast, we just kept a few weeks on the podcast, we just kept a few weeks on the podcast, we just kept asking people, why are women leaving the asking people, why are women leaving the asking people, why are women leaving the church? So, I want to give you a summary church? So, I want to give you a summary church? So, I want to give you a summary of what I learned from those four of what I learned from those four of what I learned from those four conversations. If you missed them, we conversations. If you missed them, we conversations. If you missed them, we will link to all of them in the show will link to all of them in the show will link to all of them in the show notes. You can go back and listen again notes. You can go back and listen again notes. You can go back and listen again cuz I know this was a flash point for a cuz I know this was a flash point for a cuz I know this was a flash point for a lot of people. We heard from a lot of lot of people. We heard from a lot of lot of people. We heard from a lot of you saying, "Yeah, I'm glad that men are you saying, "Yeah, I'm glad that men are you saying, "Yeah, I'm glad that men are coming to church. not cool that women

coming to church. not cool that women coming to church. not cool that women are leaving. What can we do? So, why is are leaving. What can we do? So, why is are leaving. What can we do? So, why is this happening? Again, we hope there this happening? Again, we hope there this happening? Again, we hope there will be data on this. We don't have data will be data on this. We don't have data will be data on this. We don't have data right now, but according to those four right now, but according to those four right now, but according to those four episodes, I would say the number one episodes, I would say the number one episodes, I would say the number one theme or issue that came across was a theme or issue that came across was a theme or issue that came across was a severe breakdown of trust. Katie Cole severe breakdown of trust. Katie Cole severe breakdown of trust. Katie Cole said in her conversation with me, I said in her conversation with me, I said in her conversation with me, I think it's probably the number one think it's probably the number one think it's probably the number one issue. Women have watched abuse happen issue. Women have watched abuse happen issue. Women have watched abuse happen in churches, not just the abuse, but in churches, not just the abuse, but in churches, not just the abuse, but also the covering up of it. They've also the covering up of it. They've also the covering up of it. They've watched leaders they study fall from watched leaders they study fall from watched leaders they study fall from grace. Beth Moore was pretty sharp on grace. Beth Moore was pretty sharp on grace. Beth Moore was pretty sharp on this. Churches are proof texting this. Churches are proof texting this. Churches are proof texting scripture to make sure all the power scripture to make sure all the power scripture to make sure all the power sits right with the existing leadership. sits right with the existing leadership. sits right with the existing leadership. Uh that's a direct quote. And when your Uh that's a direct quote. And when your Uh that's a direct quote. And when your safest place becomes unsafe. safest place becomes unsafe. safest place becomes unsafe. That's a loss you don't recover from That's a loss you don't recover from That's a loss you don't recover from easily. So that was number one, a severe easily. So that was number one, a severe easily. So that was number one, a severe breakdown of trust. Second theme that breakdown of trust. Second theme that breakdown of trust. Second theme that kept coming back, nowhere for women to kept coming back, nowhere for women to kept coming back, nowhere for women to actually lead. As Preston Sprinkle put actually lead. As Preston Sprinkle put actually lead. As Preston Sprinkle put it, he said, "You're preventing half the it, he said, "You're preventing half the it, he said, "You're preventing half the kingdom of God from fulfilling their kingdom of God from fulfilling their kingdom of God from fulfilling their God-given calling." And Christine Kaine God-given calling." And Christine Kaine God-given calling." And Christine Kaine said, "There's no leadership development said, "There's no leadership development said, "There's no leadership development pipeline that goes down into the pipeline that goes down into the pipeline that goes down into the nursery." I thought that was a really nursery." I thought that was a really nursery." I thought that was a really powerful thought. Thank you for that, powerful thought. Thank you for that, powerful thought. Thank you for that, Christine. Beth Moore built a ministry Christine. Beth Moore built a ministry Christine. Beth Moore built a ministry that reaches millions largely because that reaches millions largely because that reaches millions largely because the church didn't have room for her the church didn't have room for her the church didn't have room for her gift. Same with Anne Voscamp, Lisa gift. Same with Anne Voscamp, Lisa gift. Same with Anne Voscamp, Lisa Turkers, Jenny Allen. NextGen women Turkers, Jenny Allen. NextGen women Turkers, Jenny Allen. NextGen women aren't even knocking on church doors as aren't even knocking on church doors as aren't even knocking on church doors as a platform. they're going straight to a platform. they're going straight to a platform. they're going straight to Instagram, straight to Tik Tok, straight Instagram, straight to Tik Tok, straight Instagram, straight to Tik Tok, straight to YouTube. So, to YouTube. So, to YouTube. So, why try church if you can build

why try church if you can build why try church if you can build something outside that really values something outside that really values something outside that really values them? So, I'm not saying that's right. them? So, I'm not saying that's right. them? So, I'm not saying that's right. I'm just saying that's true. If we I'm just saying that's true. If we I'm just saying that's true. If we haven't made a lot of room and and haven't made a lot of room and and haven't made a lot of room and and before you say, "Well, I'm a before you say, "Well, I'm a before you say, "Well, I'm a complimentarian." You know, a lot of the complimentarian." You know, a lot of the complimentarian." You know, a lot of the women that we interviewed, they're women that we interviewed, they're women that we interviewed, they're they're they're good at working with they're they're good at working with they're they're good at working with complimentarian churches. This is not an complimentarian churches. This is not an complimentarian churches. This is not an eitheror thing. So, listen to the eitheror thing. So, listen to the eitheror thing. So, listen to the interviews and I hope that'll help. interviews and I hope that'll help. interviews and I hope that'll help. There's a third reason as well and that There's a third reason as well and that There's a third reason as well and that is that the church is not adding enough is that the church is not adding enough is that the church is not adding enough value. And this is what Katie Cole kept value. And this is what Katie Cole kept value. And this is what Katie Cole kept coming back to. Women are educated. coming back to. Women are educated. coming back to. Women are educated. They're working. Many are primary income They're working. Many are primary income They're working. Many are primary income earners. They're sandwiched between kids earners. They're sandwiched between kids earners. They're sandwiched between kids and aging parents. And they've got two and aging parents. And they've got two and aging parents. And they've got two hours a week to invest. And they're hours a week to invest. And they're hours a week to invest. And they're asking, "What's the return on my time?" asking, "What's the return on my time?" asking, "What's the return on my time?" And perhaps it's a question. They're And perhaps it's a question. They're And perhaps it's a question. They're really not finding it in the church really not finding it in the church really not finding it in the church right now. So sometimes the church right now. So sometimes the church right now. So sometimes the church extracts value from women volunteers, extracts value from women volunteers, extracts value from women volunteers, but they don't add enough back. And but they don't add enough back. And but they don't add enough back. And women, unlike a lot of men, they've got women, unlike a lot of men, they've got women, unlike a lot of men, they've got community elsewhere. So maybe that is community elsewhere. So maybe that is community elsewhere. So maybe that is squeezing churches out. Fourth reason, squeezing churches out. Fourth reason, squeezing churches out. Fourth reason, women are invisible. When women are women are invisible. When women are women are invisible. When women are invisible in a church, you kind of invisible in a church, you kind of invisible in a church, you kind of leave. And what does it look like? Well, leave. And what does it look like? Well, leave. And what does it look like? Well, sermons are preached by men. Sermon sermons are preached by men. Sermon sermons are preached by men. Sermon illustrations feature men. Women in illustrations feature men. Women in illustrations feature men. Women in scripture, this was pointed out by one scripture, this was pointed out by one scripture, this was pointed out by one of the guests, are only preached if of the guests, are only preached if of the guests, are only preached if they're moms or prostitutes. Beth Moore they're moms or prostitutes. Beth Moore they're moms or prostitutes. Beth Moore said it, "Go mark every mention of women said it, "Go mark every mention of women said it, "Go mark every mention of women in Luke and Acts. God positioned women in Luke and Acts. God positioned women in Luke and Acts. God positioned women to announce the resurrection, but then to announce the resurrection, but then to announce the resurrection, but then we proof text one verse and say, "No, we proof text one verse and say, "No, we proof text one verse and say, "No, not here." And then number five, this not here." And then number five, this not here." And then number five, this one's really big, discrimination.

one's really big, discrimination. one's really big, discrimination. Too often the guests that I interviewed, Too often the guests that I interviewed, Too often the guests that I interviewed, and again, it's not just these four and again, it's not just these four and again, it's not just these four episodes. This goes back, we're 800 some episodes. This goes back, we're 800 some episodes. This goes back, we're 800 some odd episodes into this podcast, they odd episodes into this podcast, they odd episodes into this podcast, they express concern that women were not express concern that women were not express concern that women were not valued, seen, or heard. And this can valued, seen, or heard. And this can valued, seen, or heard. And this can happen in complimentarian, but also happen in complimentarian, but also happen in complimentarian, but also egalitarian churches. And as a result, a egalitarian churches. And as a result, a egalitarian churches. And as a result, a lot of people leave. Here's what I lot of people leave. Here's what I lot of people leave. Here's what I believe about human nature. People believe about human nature. People believe about human nature. People gravitate to where they are valued most. gravitate to where they are valued most. gravitate to where they are valued most. And if they're not valued in the church, And if they're not valued in the church, And if they're not valued in the church, they tend to leave. Christine added, "If they tend to leave. Christine added, "If they tend to leave. Christine added, "If you want to talk about sexism, I could you want to talk about sexism, I could you want to talk about sexism, I could not repeat on your podcast the things I not repeat on your podcast the things I not repeat on your podcast the things I have heard." have heard." have heard." So, you wanted some reasons. There are So, you wanted some reasons. There are So, you wanted some reasons. There are some reasons. Bara, I think, is going to some reasons. Bara, I think, is going to some reasons. Bara, I think, is going to run a study on this about why women are run a study on this about why women are run a study on this about why women are leaving the church and men are coming leaving the church and men are coming leaving the church and men are coming in. So, I'm looking forward to that in. So, I'm looking forward to that in. So, I'm looking forward to that data. But, we wanted to contribute the data. But, we wanted to contribute the data. But, we wanted to contribute the best we could because so many of you best we could because so many of you best we could because so many of you were interested in learning more. So, were interested in learning more. So, were interested in learning more. So, again, the links to all four of those again, the links to all four of those again, the links to all four of those conversations are going to be in the conversations are going to be in the conversations are going to be in the show notes. But what does this really show notes. But what does this really show notes. But what does this really mean as we update this church trend? mean as we update this church trend? mean as we update this church trend? Well, women have been voting with their Well, women have been voting with their Well, women have been voting with their feet for a decade plus. They're leaving feet for a decade plus. They're leaving feet for a decade plus. They're leaving churches that keep telling them they churches that keep telling them they churches that keep telling them they don't matter.

don't matter. don't matter. And a great place to start, and some of And a great place to start, and some of And a great place to start, and some of you cuz we read our mail, have started you cuz we read our mail, have started you cuz we read our mail, have started doing this, is by examining your own doing this, is by examining your own doing this, is by examining your own ministry and just asking humbly and ministry and just asking humbly and ministry and just asking humbly and before God and maybe of women in your before God and maybe of women in your before God and maybe of women in your church. Is this true of us? If so, now church. Is this true of us? If so, now church. Is this true of us? If so, now might be a good time to start changing. might be a good time to start changing. might be a good time to start changing. All right, one more thing before we wrap All right, one more thing before we wrap All right, one more thing before we wrap up. The new trend, the anti-ceelebrity up. The new trend, the anti-ceelebrity up. The new trend, the anti-ceelebrity megaurch pastor. So, I touched on this megaurch pastor. So, I touched on this megaurch pastor. So, I touched on this in my 2024 church trends report. We'll in my 2024 church trends report. We'll in my 2024 church trends report. We'll link to that in the show notes. I link to that in the show notes. I link to that in the show notes. I described a new kind of megaurch pastor described a new kind of megaurch pastor described a new kind of megaurch pastor that was going to emerge, and I didn't that was going to emerge, and I didn't that was going to emerge, and I didn't really have specific language for it in really have specific language for it in really have specific language for it in 2024, but a lot more people have taken 2024, but a lot more people have taken 2024, but a lot more people have taken over 30 to 45 year olds from their over 30 to 45 year olds from their over 30 to 45 year olds from their boomer pastors. And what I've noticed boomer pastors. And what I've noticed boomer pastors. And what I've noticed back in 2024, and I got more language back in 2024, and I got more language back in 2024, and I got more language around it now, is that this next around it now, is that this next around it now, is that this next generation of 30 to 45 year old leaders generation of 30 to 45 year old leaders generation of 30 to 45 year old leaders leading very large or mega churches, leading very large or mega churches, leading very large or mega churches, multi-sight churches, are less top- down multi-sight churches, are less top- down multi-sight churches, are less top- down and more consensus based. They're less and more consensus based. They're less and more consensus based. They're less interested in popularity and platform interested in popularity and platform interested in popularity and platform and more interested in local ministry.

and more interested in local ministry. and more interested in local ministry. They're less concerned about getting They're less concerned about getting They're less concerned about getting their name out there and more concerned their name out there and more concerned their name out there and more concerned about leading well in their context. about leading well in their context. about leading well in their context. They're less focused on bringing back They're less focused on bringing back They're less focused on bringing back the past and more focused on building a the past and more focused on building a the past and more focused on building a new future. They're actually, even new future. They're actually, even new future. They're actually, even though they lead very large, rapidly though they lead very large, rapidly though they lead very large, rapidly growing churches, less fixated on size growing churches, less fixated on size growing churches, less fixated on size and more fixated on health. And and more fixated on health. And and more fixated on health. And ironically, ironically, ironically, a lot of those nextgen leaders at 33, a lot of those nextgen leaders at 33, a lot of those nextgen leaders at 33, 35, 38, 42 are leading much larger and 35, 38, 42 are leading much larger and 35, 38, 42 are leading much larger and healthier churches than their healthier churches than their healthier churches than their predecessors. So, I've got a name for it predecessors. So, I've got a name for it predecessors. So, I've got a name for it because I've spent more time with them. because I've spent more time with them. because I've spent more time with them. I'm seeing more and more leaders step I'm seeing more and more leaders step I'm seeing more and more leaders step into this role. And so what I'm calling into this role. And so what I'm calling into this role. And so what I'm calling it now is the anti-seleelebrity megaurch it now is the anti-seleelebrity megaurch it now is the anti-seleelebrity megaurch pastor. And in my view, I think it's a pastor. And in my view, I think it's a pastor. And in my view, I think it's a reaction to all the falls we've seen in reaction to all the falls we've seen in reaction to all the falls we've seen in senior leadership in the church. The senior leadership in the church. The senior leadership in the church. The sexual scandals, the financial sexual scandals, the financial sexual scandals, the financial impropriy, and the toxic culture that impropriy, and the toxic culture that impropriy, and the toxic culture that emerged in a lot of churches. So this emerged in a lot of churches. So this emerged in a lot of churches. So this generation of leaders are a little bit generation of leaders are a little bit generation of leaders are a little bit quieter. They're probably more humble. quieter. They're probably more humble. quieter. They're probably more humble. They're not as interested in platform They're not as interested in platform They're not as interested in platform building. And and I want to just stop building. And and I want to just stop building. And and I want to just stop before I finish the list. I want to stop before I finish the list. I want to stop before I finish the list. I want to stop and say there's so many great church and say there's so many great church and say there's so many great church leaders I know who are leading leaders I know who are leading leaders I know who are leading megaurches faithfully, humbly, quietly.

megaurches faithfully, humbly, quietly. megaurches faithfully, humbly, quietly. They might have a big name and a million They might have a big name and a million They might have a big name and a million followers, but I know a lot of them very followers, but I know a lot of them very followers, but I know a lot of them very well. They never set out to do that. well. They never set out to do that. well. They never set out to do that. It's not like, well, I hope I get It's not like, well, I hope I get It's not like, well, I hope I get recognized on a million followers. No, recognized on a million followers. No, recognized on a million followers. No, they were just trying to build a church. they were just trying to build a church. they were just trying to build a church. It grew. So, shout out to them. I'm not It grew. So, shout out to them. I'm not It grew. So, shout out to them. I'm not do not want to paint with a wide brush do not want to paint with a wide brush do not want to paint with a wide brush here, but we have seen a lot of people here, but we have seen a lot of people here, but we have seen a lot of people who perhaps pursued celebrity, pursued who perhaps pursued celebrity, pursued who perhaps pursued celebrity, pursued status, and this is a reaction against status, and this is a reaction against status, and this is a reaction against that. Not against every megaurch pastor. that. Not against every megaurch pastor. that. Not against every megaurch pastor. These guys are leading very large These guys are leading very large These guys are leading very large churches, but they're quieter. They're churches, but they're quieter. They're churches, but they're quieter. They're humbler. They're not interested in humbler. They're not interested in humbler. They're not interested in platform building. They're very platform building. They're very platform building. They're very interested in team leadership, revival, interested in team leadership, revival, interested in team leadership, revival, evangelism, and disciplehip. And they're evangelism, and disciplehip. And they're evangelism, and disciplehip. And they're a little bit more open to charismatic a little bit more open to charismatic a little bit more open to charismatic expressions of worship. I'm going to expressions of worship. I'm going to expressions of worship. I'm going to build this one out in 2027 for my 2027 build this one out in 2027 for my 2027 build this one out in 2027 for my 2027 church trends. I've got this on my church trends. I've got this on my church trends. I've got this on my radar. I'm going to be on the road again radar. I'm going to be on the road again radar. I'm going to be on the road again in the fall. I'm going to be meeting in the fall. I'm going to be meeting in the fall. I'm going to be meeting with a lot of these nextgen megaurch with a lot of these nextgen megaurch with a lot of these nextgen megaurch pastors. Let me just say right now, I do pastors. Let me just say right now, I do pastors. Let me just say right now, I do not see a downside to this style. Not not see a downside to this style. Not not see a downside to this style. Not yet. Anyway, what defined the church yet. Anyway, what defined the church yet. Anyway, what defined the church from the '9s until 2020 is fading away.

from the '9s until 2020 is fading away. from the '9s until 2020 is fading away. A new kind of megaurch is emerging. I A new kind of megaurch is emerging. I A new kind of megaurch is emerging. I like it. It's quieter, humbler. You like it. It's quieter, humbler. You like it. It's quieter, humbler. You probably know the name of the church, probably know the name of the church, probably know the name of the church, but you don't know a lot of the names of but you don't know a lot of the names of but you don't know a lot of the names of this next generation of leaders. They this next generation of leaders. They this next generation of leaders. They are less lone ranger, perhaps a little are less lone ranger, perhaps a little are less lone ranger, perhaps a little bit healthier. They do not want to fall bit healthier. They do not want to fall bit healthier. They do not want to fall themselves. They don't want to bring the themselves. They don't want to bring the themselves. They don't want to bring the church down. And I'm not saying every church down. And I'm not saying every church down. And I'm not saying every boomer or Gen X leader does. Of course boomer or Gen X leader does. Of course boomer or Gen X leader does. Of course not. They're very many faithful faithful not. They're very many faithful faithful not. They're very many faithful faithful leaders. But I see them fusing models, leaders. But I see them fusing models, leaders. But I see them fusing models, too. And they're not exactly doing what too. And they're not exactly doing what too. And they're not exactly doing what their predecessors did. I think this is their predecessors did. I think this is their predecessors did. I think this is a very encouraging trend heading into a very encouraging trend heading into a very encouraging trend heading into the future. we might emerge with a the future. we might emerge with a the future. we might emerge with a stronger, healthier model of leadership stronger, healthier model of leadership stronger, healthier model of leadership as a result. So, that's what I'm seeing as a result. So, that's what I'm seeing as a result. So, that's what I'm seeing right now. Now, let's back up and cover right now. Now, let's back up and cover right now. Now, let's back up and cover or rehearse what we've covered. or rehearse what we've covered. or rehearse what we've covered. Disciplehip is now controlled by Disciplehip is now controlled by Disciplehip is now controlled by algorithm and uh you got to teach about algorithm and uh you got to teach about algorithm and uh you got to teach about that. You've got to lift this up. AI is that. You've got to lift this up. AI is that. You've got to lift this up. AI is the story and let's start talking about the story and let's start talking about the story and let's start talking about the impact of AI, not just cool bro, the impact of AI, not just cool bro, the impact of AI, not just cool bro, what prompts are you using? All right, what prompts are you using? All right, what prompts are you using? All right, preach about the implications. It is not preach about the implications. It is not preach about the implications. It is not too soon to start. You're going to hear too soon to start. You're going to hear too soon to start. You're going to hear a lot more on this channel about that as a lot more on this channel about that as a lot more on this channel about that as a year goes on. We also have better a year goes on. We also have better a year goes on. We also have better reasons, a clearer understanding of, I reasons, a clearer understanding of, I reasons, a clearer understanding of, I think, why women are leaving the church.

think, why women are leaving the church. think, why women are leaving the church. Reasons we need to pay attention to and Reasons we need to pay attention to and Reasons we need to pay attention to and humbly address. And finally, we've got humbly address. And finally, we've got humbly address. And finally, we've got the emergence of the anti-seleelebrity the emergence of the anti-seleelebrity the emergence of the anti-seleelebrity megaurch pastor. Again, you can learn megaurch pastor. Again, you can learn megaurch pastor. Again, you can learn more at 2026 church trends. That's uh more at 2026 church trends. That's uh more at 2026 church trends. That's uh the hub for all of the original church the hub for all of the original church the hub for all of the original church trends, the leader guide to go with it. trends, the leader guide to go with it. trends, the leader guide to go with it. This update will live there as well. So, This update will live there as well. So, This update will live there as well. So, I really hope this was helpful for you. I really hope this was helpful for you. I really hope this was helpful for you. I would love to hear from you in the I would love to hear from you in the I would love to hear from you in the comments. Maybe you can let me know what comments. Maybe you can let me know what comments. Maybe you can let me know what you're seeing as well. So, whether you're seeing as well. So, whether you're seeing as well. So, whether you're watching or listening on Spotify, you're watching or listening on Spotify, you're watching or listening on Spotify, on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or just shoot on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or just shoot on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or just shoot me a note, [email protected]. me a note, [email protected]. me a note, [email protected]. Would love to hear from you. We are Would love to hear from you. We are Would love to hear from you. We are going to have some more episodes. Our going to have some more episodes. Our going to have some more episodes. Our regularly scheduled programming is back. regularly scheduled programming is back. regularly scheduled programming is back. We have Matt Chandler coming up, Michael We have Matt Chandler coming up, Michael We have Matt Chandler coming up, Michael Bungay, Stanard, John Orberg. Man, what Bungay, Stanard, John Orberg. Man, what Bungay, Stanard, John Orberg. Man, what a beautiful interview. John Mark Comr a beautiful interview. John Mark Comr a beautiful interview. John Mark Comr and I sat down with Father Ronald and I sat down with Father Ronald and I sat down with Father Ronald Rollhiser. Rollhiser. Rollhiser. That was Sacred Ground. Aaron Graham, That was Sacred Ground. Aaron Graham, That was Sacred Ground. Aaron Graham, Tyler Stton, Will Gera, Rich Burch, and Tyler Stton, Will Gera, Rich Burch, and Tyler Stton, Will Gera, Rich Burch, and a whole lot more coming up on the a whole lot more coming up on the a whole lot more coming up on the podcast. Thank you for listening. Want podcast. Thank you for listening. Want podcast. Thank you for listening. Want to welcome all of our new listeners as to welcome all of our new listeners as to welcome all of our new listeners as well. If this is your first time well. If this is your first time well. If this is your first time accessing this content, hit follow, hit accessing this content, hit follow, hit accessing this content, hit follow, hit subscribe, uh maybe share it with a subscribe, uh maybe share it with a subscribe, uh maybe share it with a friend, and if this conversation was friend, and if this conversation was friend, and if this conversation was helpful, leave a review or comment helpful, leave a review or comment helpful, leave a review or comment wherever you're listening. And uh I hope wherever you're listening. And uh I hope wherever you're listening. And uh I hope our time together today helped you our time together today helped you our time together today helped you thrive in life and leadership and maybe thrive in life and leadership and maybe thrive in life and leadership and maybe maybe break a growth barrier that you're maybe break a growth barrier that you're maybe break a growth barrier that you're facing personally or organizationally.

facing personally or organizationally. facing personally or organizationally. We'll catch you next time on the We'll catch you next time on the We'll catch you next time on the podcast.