Listener Questions: a COVID check-up and what's happening in this cultural moment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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