The Pastorate Podcast cover image

The Pastorate Podcast

Mark Sayers on Leadership and Suffering: A Theology of Resilience, Cultivating Spiritual Authority Over Charisma, and The Call of the Church in a Changing World

Feb 10, 2025
01:06:43

Our world is changing at a rapid pace, and for many, it’s hard to make sense of it all—let alone carry the weight of shifting expectations and uncertainty. That’s why we’re grateful for voices like Mark’s—leaders who cut through the noise with a prophetic edge, distill complex cultural trends, and speak to the Church with a non-anxious presence.

Today, we’re joined by Mark Sayers—pastor, author, and cultural commentator—known for his sharp insights into secularism, leadership, and the Church’s evolving role in a rapidly changing world.

In this conversation, Mark shares:

  • The personal and pastoral challenges he has faced, including his wife Trudy’s battle with cancer and how it has reshaped his leadership and faith.
  • What it means to remain faithful over decades of ministry and how suffering forms resilience.
  • Why secularism is weakening and the new spiritual openness emerging globally.
  • The Church’s role in navigating political, economic, and social shifts in the years ahead.
  • Platforms to Pillars, Mark’s upcoming book that explores the dangers of platform-driven leadership versus the biblical vision of being a ‘pillar’ in the temple of God.

For those leading in uncertain times, this episode offers wisdom, perspective, and encouragement to help you stay faithful and navigate what’s ahead.

Biography

Mark is the senior leader of Red Church in Melbourne, Australia. He is passionate about spiritual renewal and the future of the church. Mark is the author of a number of books including Strange Days and Reappearing Church.  Mark lives in Melbourne with his wife, Trudi, his daughter, Grace, and twin boys, Hudson and Billy.

Show Notes

We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and⁠give⁠ towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.

Join ourEmerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins soon!

Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bible Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Guest Notes

Show Notes


  • Get the Snipd
    podcast app

    Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
    App store bannerPlay store banner

    AI-powered
    podcast player

    Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

    Discover
    highlights

    Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

    Save any
    moment

    Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

    Share
    & Export

    Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

    AI-powered
    podcast player

    Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

    Discover
    highlights

    Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode