
Rebuilders
By Red Church


When the fringe becomes the mainstream
A massive cultural shift has happened in the background—and most of us missed it. Mark unpacks the rise of what he calls the "mystical magical middle": a world where sceptical rationalism is fading, alternative is mainstream, and the people walking through your church doors now believe stranger things than you do. What does mission look like in this new terrain?➡️ For subscriber chats and resources, head to rebuilders.co

People of hope in a time of declinism
Everything is in decline—or so the story goes. Mark unpacks why declinism has become the dominant lens of our age, where it came from, and how the gospel offers a radically different way of seeing time, the future, and the world we're called to rebuild.
➡️ For subscriber chats and resources, head to rebuilders.co

Casino world. Casino church.
What do a hairdryer at Charles de Gaulle Airport, a failed biker gang in Tonga, and your Instagram feed have in common? In this episode, Mark, Liddy, and Daniel explore a creeping cultural trend where the casino logic of prediction markets, betting apps, and algorithmic feeds is invading every corner of life — and reshaping our minds in the process. Mark argues that what's really being enclosed is human attention itself, rewired for addiction and instant gratification at the expense of the slow, reflective engagement that genuine flourishing requires. The church isn't immune — but it might just be uniquely positioned to offer an alternative. What if discipleship looked less like a worldview seminar, and more like learning to see the world as gift rather than object?
➡️ For subscriber chats and resources, head to rebuilders.co

The oil shock—and what comes next
In this episode of Rebuilders, Mark and Daniel return to the unfolding Iran conflict—but shift the focus from understanding it to preparing for what’s coming.
With fuel supply under threat and global systems already being disrupted, this conversation explores the real-world implications: rising fuel costs, supply chain breakdowns, economic pressure, and increasing political instability. This is not just a distant conflict—it’s something that will impact everyday life.
Mark outlines what kind of crisis we may be heading into, why it’s different from COVID, and how unevenly it will affect different people and places. Most importantly, they explore how churches and communities can prepare—not with fear, but with wisdom, resilience, and a renewed focus on real, practical community.
This episode is a guide to thinking ahead in uncertain times—and responding with clarity, faith, and action.
👉 For subscriber chats and resources, head to rebuilders.co

Iran: A conflict with global consequences
In this episode, Mark, Liddy, and Daniel step back to make sense of a fast-moving conflict with consequences that reach far beyond the Middle East. From oil and energy shocks to global shipping routes, rising costs of living, and the possibility of a wider regional war, this is a crisis that could affect everyone on earth.
Mark traces the deeper historical and theological background behind modern Iran, explains why this conflict matters so much, and unpacks the potential ripple effects for politics, economics, and everyday life across the globe. As always, the conversation ends by asking how followers of Jesus can respond—with peace, wisdom, prayer, and hope—in a world marked by growing instability.
If you’re trying to understand what’s happening, why it matters, and what may come next, this episode will help you get your bearings.
👉 For resources and subscriber chats, head to rebuilders.co

What if we’re told aliens are real?
With the U.S. government moving to declassify UFO (UAP) files, the conversation around extraterrestrials has shifted from fringe theory to mainstream headlines. In this episode of Rebuilders, Mark, Liddy, and Daniel explore what’s really going on.
Is this about advanced military technology, political distraction, spiritual deception—or something else entirely? And how should Christians respond in a moment where trust in institutions is already fragile?
As the Overton window shifts again, we ask: how do we stay grounded in truth when the world feels increasingly unstable?
👉 Resources and subscriber chats at rebuilders.co

Were the conspiracy theorists right? The Epstein files
As the Epstein files continue to surface, one question echoes across the globe: were the conspiracy theorists actually right?
In this gripping and sobering episode of Rebuilders, Mark, Liddy, and Daniel return to the topic of conspiracy theories—this time through the lens of the unfolding Epstein scandal. With implications spanning politics, finance, science, intelligence, and celebrity culture, this isn’t just one scandal—it’s a systemic unveiling of how power really works.
Mark offers a wide-ranging cultural and theological reflection on what the Epstein case reveals about elite networks, institutional decay, and spiritual reality. From parapolitics to parapower, blackmail to broken trust, they ask:
What do we do when once-dismissed suspicions turn out to be true?
How do we navigate the cultural disorientation and moral outrage?
And how can followers of Jesus respond—not with fear, but with clarity, wisdom, and hope?
This is not a descent into darkness—it’s a call to spiritual discernment, gospel courage, and faithful rebuilding in an age of profound exposure.
👉 For show notes and resources, sign up at rebuilders.co

Trump shakes the global order
January felt like a decade—and the world order may have just shifted.
In this episode of Rebuilders, we unpack the extraordinary global developments that marked the start of 2026. From the dramatic ICE raids in Minnesota, to Trump’s military strike in Venezuela, to rising tensions in Iran and the eerie blackout in Greenland—this month has signalled more than just upheaval. It reveals a deep, global redefinition of how power works.
Mark explores how the old world order—shaped by institutions, norms, and restraint—is giving way to a new one marked by raw assertion, norm-breaking, and unfiltered authority. What does it mean when the usual checks and balances no longer apply? And how should followers of Jesus respond in a world that feels increasingly disorienting?
If you’ve felt overwhelmed, confused, or powerless lately, this conversation will bring clarity—and hope.
👉 Get the full list of books referenced and join our mailing list at rebuilders.co

The megatrends that will shape 2026
Behind the headlines and social media outrage lies a deeper story—one of rising criminality, spiralling debt, AI disruption, authoritarian drift, and global power shifts. In this special end-of-year episode, the team unpacks five “mega trends” that will define the world in 2026 (but you’ll have to listen to find out what they are).
It’s not just global analysis—it’s a call to clarity, wisdom, and hope in an age of disillusionment. Amid the complexity, this episode finishes with a stirring encouragement: to be a presence of light and confidence in a shaking world.
👉 Subscribe for updates and resources at rebuilders.co

A letter to the discouraged
In a season full of noise, negativity, and weariness, what if what you most need isn’t more strategy—but a word of encouragement?
This episode is a departure from the usual. Mark shares how he felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to scrap the planned topic and speak directly to those feeling worn out, disheartened, and alone. Without Daniel or Liddy knowing where the episode was headed, the conversation turns into a spontaneous moment of ministry—naming six specific forms of discouragement many leaders and believers are facing right now.
👉 Sign up for resources and show notes at rebuilders.co

Revival and the Rightward Turn
In this episode of Rebuilders, we unpack the complex interplay between revival in the church and the political turbulence shaking the West. As young people return to church and spiritual openness increases, so does a populist longing for control, security, and tradition. What does this mean for the future of revival? What are the risks of conflating spiritual renewal with political movements? And how can Christians hold onto hope and discernment in a world that longs for both transcendence and control?
👉 Sign up for bonus content and updates at rebuilders.co

Moving from an age of anxiety to an age of action
From memes to missiles, the digital world is breaking into real life. Are we still in an age of anxiety—or has action already begun?
In this episode of Rebuilders, Mark Sayers, Liddy, and Daniel explore the shifting landscape of culture, politics, and power. As drone incursions threaten borders and internet personalities are assassinated live online, the team asks: Is the age of anxiety giving way to something far more volatile—the age of action?
They unpack the spiritual implications of a world where image becomes violence, where global crises go viral, and where real-world chaos follows online rhetoric. What does faithful Christian presence look like in this new reality?
👉 Sign up for bonus content and subscriber chats at rebuilders.co

Managers to Monarchs: The emergence of post-secular power
As the lines between democracy and monarchy blur, what kind of power are we living under—and what kind of authority do we trust?
In this episode of Rebuilders, Mark, Liddy, and Daniel explore the seismic shifts happening in how power is exercised and understood in our time. From Max Weber’s classic categories of authority to the rise of charismatic leaders like Donald Trump, they trace how the erosion of rational-legal power and the resurgence of personality-driven, almost “royal” rule are reshaping politics, culture, and even the church.
Is Trump’s style of leadership a symptom—or the beginning—of a deeper cultural shift? Are we witnessing a post-secular return to sacred forms of power? And what does it mean for Christians to live under the authority of a very different kind of king?
👉 Sign up for show notes and resources at rebuilders.co

The AI revolution: jobs, social cohesion and the hope of humanity
As AI transforms the world at warp speed, what does it mean for the workforce—and the church? In this episode of Rebuilders, we zoom in on one crucial aspect of the AI revolution: its disruptive impact on white-collar work. What happens when entry-level jobs vanish, AI reshapes our thinking, and a generation raised online struggles with real-world connection?
From the looming white-collar recession to AI-induced creativity loss, Mark offers a sobering yet hopeful vision of how the church can respond—not by competing with machines, but by offering what only humans can: presence, discipleship, and resilience. This is a call to prepare, not panic.
👉 For show notes and resources, head to rebuilders.co

Are we moving from post-christianity to post-secularism?
Rebuilders is back after a 12-week break—custard, croissants, and all—and we’re diving into a profound cultural shift. Are we moving from a post-Christian to a post-secular society? What’s fueling the quiet revival across Europe? Why are Gen Z doubling down on both science and astrology? In this episode, Mark Sayers unpacks the surprising spiritual openness emerging in secular cultures, drawing from his recent travels and conversations with leaders across Europe. Join Mark, Liddy, and Daniel as they explore what this shift means for the church and how we can respond with wisdom and faith.
To support, subscribe or find out more about Rebuilders, head to rebuilders.co

The Era of Volatility
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

What is the big spiritual trend in all the chaos?
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?

Tariffs, trade wars and the bigger picture
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

Platforms to Pillars – How God uses pillars for renewal
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.

How Silicon Valley took over Washington – Part 2
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

How Silicon Valley took over Washington – Part 1
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.

Move fast and break things. The new global revolution.
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

How the Trump presidency will reshape the world
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.

An end of year encouragement

Is this the year that woke broke?

The U.S. Election: a macro view

Practices: reflections after a decade

Live: Renewal, outpouring & creativity with Al Gordon

Are we sleepwalking into war?

Three underreported megatrends shaping culture

Leadership in a time of declining power

Revival vs Revivalism

Reports from the front line of renewal

Election 2024 – five trends to watch out for

Stewarding an outpouring with David Thomas

Elite power, corruption and conspiracy theories in contemporary society

The five signs we're moving into a new order

Are we on the brink of a spiritual revival?

Behind the rise of extremism

Ok Boomer. From intergenerational warfare to intergenerational renewal

A new ministry paradigm – From program to presence

When politics invades the church

The vibe shift towards zeal

The six megatrends that will shape 2024

Hope in the night – Trudi’s testimony

Leading towards renewal – Reflections on 2023 Pt 2

Leading towards renewal – Reflections on 2023 Pt 1

The emerging evangelistic opportunity in a time of upheaval

Israel, Palestine and the changing world order
