Rebuilders: Recent Episodes
Red Church
Rebuilders is an initiative started by Red Church to help churches, leaders, and believers grapple with the issues presented by an increasingly secular society. We firmly believe God is preparing to move and is rebuilding His Church with particular building blocks to enable her to flourish in a post-Christian, secular world.
We examine the volatile state of global politics following recent elections in Australia, Canada, Singapore, and the UK. They discuss how Trump's policies are creating ripple effects worldwide, rising tensions between nuclear powers India and Pakistan, and how both the US and China are working to disrupt the established global order. We make the case that we've entered an era of unpredictability where stability and consistency become countercultural, offering insights on how Christians can create "small worlds of stability" amid increasing global volatility.To support, subscribe or find out more about Rebuilders, head to https://rebuilders.co
In this episode, we explore an emerging shift in global spiritual renewal. We examine surprising data from around the world showing increased interest in Christianity, particularly among Gen Z in Europe and older adults in Australia. Against the backdrop of ongoing global crises, we discuss how this 'green light moment' represents an opportunity for churches to respond with authenticity rather than entertainment. What if we're witnessing the fruits of years of contending prayer and faithful presence, encouraging listeners to recognise and respond to this spiritual openness with compelling communities where people encounter both God and genuine human connection?
Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcement has triggered global market turmoil and marked a fundamental shift in the world economy. We explore how these extensive tariffs on over 100 nations represent not just negotiation tactics but an attempt to completely reorganise global trade. There are a number of possible scenarios ranging from global recession to America's economic isolation while noting that the rest of the world is already forming new alliances in response. We hope to give perspective on a pivotal moment that could permanently alter international relations, diminish American economic dominance, and reshape the political landscape in countries worldwide.To support, subscribe or find out more about Rebuilders, head to https://rebuilders.co
This episode explores Mark’s book 'Platforms to Pillars', examining the shift toward platform-driven leadership, where influence is based on followers rather than character. In contrast, biblical “pillars” create space for God’s presence and others to flourish. We discuss how pillars drive spiritual renewal by turning inspiration into lasting change, emphasising that true renewal requires not just charismatic personalities or institutions but risk-taking leaders who persevere with character over decades.
In this eye-opening second instalment of our series on Silicon Valley's influence in Washington, we dive beyond politics into the technological ideologies and religious underpinnings shaping American culture. Is there a deeper worldview driving the current administration's decisions? Are we witnessing the birth of a new religion in our midst? Join us for what might be our wildest episode yet as we explore questions that blur the line between reality and science fiction.To support, subscribe or find out more about Rebuilders, head to https://rebuilders.co
Uncover how tech titans are transforming Washington's power landscape. From Elon Musk's chainsaw moments to unexpected political chess moves, this episode traces the rise of Silicon Valley's new ideology and its global impact.
A deep dive into technology, politics, and culture that will change how you see modern leadership.
Mark examines the seismic shifts in Washington following Trump's inauguration. From USAID to Europe's changing role, we explore the reshaping of the global order while asking: How can we maintain our spiritual bearings in these turbulent times?To support, subscribe or find out more about Rebuilders, head to https://rebuilders.co
Trump's in. Everything's changing. What happens when Wall Street suits, Silicon Valley techs, and Pentagon brass join forces with dreams of Mars colonies? And what do God's people have to do with it? This week on Rebuilders, we're tackling the mother of all power shifts and what it means for... well, everything. Buckle up - this one's big.
For further discussion on conspiracy theories with Mark, check out the Christianity Today Quick to Listen Podcast Episode: Why Someone You Love Might Join QAnon
Mark chats with Simon Ponsonby, author of ‘More’ & ‘God Inside Out’ and Pastor of Theology at St Aldates in Oxford, about hoping for revival and the call for the upcoming generation of leaders to be founded in word and empowered by Spirit.
The third in the mini-series on formation, Mark explores seven ways in which we can move from ‘helicopter pastoring’ to supporting a Priesthood of all believers.
Continuing the mini-series on formation, Mark discusses how up until this point discipleship has attempted to address the issues caused by a cultural lack of resilience yet our culture is rapidly changing.
This episode is the first of a few conversations about how formation is being impacted during this time. Focussing on how the performative nature of contemporary individualism can undermine formation, our move to online platforms poses concerns about who and what we are being formed by as leaders and how to reframe this time as a renewal opportunity.
Mark speaks with Alain Emerson and Andrew Masters from Northern Ireland to seek their unique perspective on leading through crisis.
Mark chats with Terry Walling about how leaders have an opportunity in the midst of transition to go deeper in dependence on God in order for spiritual authority to expand.
In this episode we look at the transition from leading in a pre-pandemic culture of ‘wants’ and unlimited freedom to a COVID-19 reality of ‘needs’ and restrictions.
Mark explores how in times of crisis, narrative and metaphor become essential tools for leaders.
Adapt | Protect | Respond | Lead
In this episode we discuss our initial response as a church to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
References:
J. Daniel Hays – The Temple and the Tabernacle (2016)
Frank Lauback – Letters by a modern mystic (1937)
Thomas Kelly – A Testament of Devotion (1941)
Brother Lawrence - The Practice of the Presence of God (1692)
References:
Thomas Kelly – A Testament of Devotion (1941)
Tom Wright – Surprised by Hope (2007)
References:
Basilea Schlink – Repentance: The Joy-filled Life (2016)
Francis Thompson – The Hound of Heaven (1893)
References:
Peter Senge – The Fifth Discipline (1990)
Michael Wilcock – The Message of Psalms 1-72 (2001)
References:
Terrence Malik (dir.) – The Tree of Life (2011)
Elizabeth Barrett Browning – Aurora Leigh (1857)
Claude King and Richard Blackaby – Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God (1976)
References:
Max Picard – The Flight from God (1951)
John Steinbeck – East of Eden (1952)
John Milton – Paradise Lost (1667)
References:
Dallas Willard – Knowing Christ Today (2009)
John Kotter – Leading Change (1988
References:
Lesslie Newbigin – The Open Secret (1995)
Tim Keller – The Reason for God (2008)
Ronald Rolheiser – The Shattered Lantern (1995)
N.T. Wright – Paul: A Biography (2018)
John Mark Comer closes the Rebuilders seminars with a session on engaging in the Spiritual Disciplines (practices) - modeled after Jesus' own approach to these practices - as the 'how' of discipleship.
John Mark Comer continues his session on spiritual formation and discipleship, looking at a contrasting path of intentional spiritual formation and how this is pursued through practice and training.
John Mark Comer speaks in-depth about spiritual formation, and in particular, how the disciple needs to guard against 'unintentional' spiritual formation, instead, taking a long-term approach to transformation that is a joint effort between God and us.
Mark Sayers opens day 2 of Rebuilders 2017 with an invitation to not just be haunted by a 'memory of Christianity' and the idea of a 'search', but to actually go on the search and live deeply in the desire for a heart of flesh and undivided spirit - signs of a life transformed by Christ.
Mark closes the first day of Rebuilders with a message from Jeremiah 29 about the reality and opportunity of being a remnant in exile.
Sarah Deutscher speaks from Exodus on wilderness, idols and Sabbath in the life of the leader-disciple.
John Mark Comer (Bridgetown Church, Portland US) shares an introductory message for church and ministry leaders on spiritual formation and discipleship.
Mark introduces Rebuilders 2017 with an overview of the cultural climate in which Australian churches find themselves, and an invitation to take up the mantle of preparing the ground for a generation to rebuild.