The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast CNLP 777 | 2026 Disruptive Church Trends: Gen Z Leading Church Attendance Surge, Women Exiting Faith, + The Impact of Discipleship By Algorithm
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Jan 6, 2026 Discover the seven disruptive church trends shaping the future. Gen Z is leading a resurgence in church attendance, while women are increasingly leaving the faith. Bold new evangelism tactics, including social media and campus movements, are emerging. Intriguingly, algorithm-driven discipleship is creating polarization and complicating pastoral leadership. With aging pastors facing recruitment challenges, the church must also prepare for AI's looming impact on society. Buckle up for an insightful exploration of faith in a rapidly changing world!
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Audit Demographics And Ask Why
- Audit your congregation to see who you're attracting and who is leaving, especially if it's skewed by gender, race, or wealth.
- Ask why and adjust ministry platforms and leadership to better reflect the gospel's reach.
Evangelism Moves To Streets And Screens
- Evangelism is shifting from passive invite models to bold, direct outreach via campuses, streets, and social media influencers.
- Churches are often bypassed as YouTubers and creators take apologetics and conversion directly online.
Fuel Local Influencers' Work
- Identify and resource influencers in your congregation instead of sidelining them with technical tasks.
- Encourage, equip, and learn from young evangelists to amplify gospel reach online and offline.