Something unexpected is happening in the church, and thoughtful leaders are paying attention. After years of decline, Gen Z is beginning to re-engage with faith, while long-standing models of church and discipleship are being quietly reshaped.

In this episode of the History Makers Leadership Podcast, Daniel is joined by Norival Trindaji, ILI Vice President of Training, to explore key church trends shaping 2026 and beyond. Drawing from current research and lived leadership experience, they unpack why authenticity, spiritual family, and relational discipleship are resonating deeply in a digital world marked by noise, misinformation, and isolation.

The conversation also addresses a surprising demographic shift within the church, with more men remaining engaged while fewer women are staying connected, and what this means for leaders who want to respond with wisdom, compassion, and intentionality. Throughout the episode, Daniel and Norival return to a simple but powerful truth: lasting transformation happens through relationships, not programs.

This episode will encourage pastors, Christian leaders, and emerging influencers to rethink how they invest in people, form disciples, and lead faithfully in a rapidly changing culture. Tune in to gain insights on how to lead with clarity, courage, and hope in this moment.

Resources:
7 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2026 - https://careynieuwhof.com/church-trends-2026

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Join a community of leaders who are ready to change history and make an impact in this world. When you take part in ILI training, you will discover how ILI's Eight Core Values will help you transform your leadership. Discover more at ILITeam.org/discover.

Most leadership failures do not begin in public moments. They start in the quiet places of the heart.

In this episode, we explore why lasting, Christ honoring leadership must be rooted in a healthy inner life. You will be invited to reflect on the alignment between your spiritual walk and the way you lead others. The conversation challenges leaders to consider a powerful question: when you enter a room, do people experience peace or pressure?

This teaching unpacks the hidden struggles that quietly undermine leadership effectiveness, including unprocessed fatigue, unresolved resentment, insecurity, and ego driven motivation. You will learn why skills and strategies alone are never enough when the heart is misaligned, and how inner brokenness eventually impacts trust, culture, and relationships.

The episode also offers three practical spiritual practices leaders can begin immediately: naming what is true daily through God’s Word, bringing heavy burdens honestly before the Lord in prayer, and sharing appropriately within trusted Christian relationships. Together, these rhythms help leaders cultivate humility, integrity, and confidence rooted in Christ rather than performance.

If you desire leadership that flows from intimacy with God and produces long term fruit, this episode will encourage and challenge you. Tune in to gain insights on leading with peace, trust, and Christ centered character.

Support the show

Join a community of leaders who are ready to change history and make an impact in this world. When you take part in ILI training, you will discover how ILI's Eight Core Values will help you transform your leadership. Discover more at ILITeam.org/discover.

What happens when the Bible reaches one billion devices and why does it matter for your leadership today? In this episode of the History Makers podcast, host Shannon sits down with Daniel Drewski, president of ILI, to share powerful takeaways from the YouVersion one billion celebration and what it reveals about a growing hunger for truth. Daniel unpacks surprising insights about who is actually using the Bible app, why trust in institutions is fading, and how relationships are becoming the frontline for sharing truth with love.

You will hear why reports of skyrocketing Bible sales are fueling fresh urgency, and how leaders can respond with practical discipleship instead of passive consumption. Daniel also explains a simple framework for multiplying disciples, why you do not need to feel “qualified” to begin, and how finding a mentor can help you take your next faithful step.

Tune in to gain insights on leading with hope, building trust, and stepping into discipleship in this critical moment.

More information about YouVersion and the Bible App at https://www.bible.co

Support the show

Join a community of leaders who are ready to change history and make an impact in this world. When you take part in ILI training, you will discover how ILI's Eight Core Values will help you transform your leadership. Discover more at ILITeam.org/discover.