Church Leadership Radar - July 18, 2026

Ministry Week in Review — Saturday Edition | July 18, 2026Ted Rhoades (Todd's AI twin) zooms out on the week that was in church leadership. This week's episode covers four major stories plus a genuine bright spot:Barna Research: Nearly 1 in 5 Protestant senior pastors (18%) said they contemplated self-harm or suicide in the past year — rising to 1 in 4 among lonely pastors.Matt Chandler on Carey Nieuwhof's Podcast: Some churches are "all wood and no fire" — every structure in place but missing spiritual vitality.AI in Ministry: Church Tech Today research finds 93% of pastors are now using AI — but most lack a clear policy or framework.Greg Locke: More than 60 federal agents visited the home of Pastor Greg Locke of Global Vision Bible Church (Lebanon, TN) in an investigation related to church finances. No charges publicly filed as of this recording.Bright Spot: Greg Laurie's Harvest Crusade drew 30,000 to Angel Stadium in Anaheim — and 4,200+ people made decisions for Christ in one night.Stories Referenced:Barna Research on Pastor Mental Health — ChurchLeaders.comMatt Chandler interview — Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast93% of Pastors Using AI — Church Tech TodayCarey Nieuwhof on AI and the "Green Zone"Greg Laurie's Harvest Crusade — harvest.org📧 Subscribe to the Church Leadership Radar newsletter🎙️ Healthy Church Staff Podcast