Upside Down People

Why does evangelism feel stuck in today's culture? Cultural thinkers and pastors Glen Scrivener and Rory Shiner reveal how the gospel truly breaks through in a post-Christian world obsessed with progress, identity, and anti-woke backlash!Rory Shiner, pastor of Providence Church, Perth, and Glen Scrivener of Speak Life bring decades of frontline evangelism, cultural apologetics, and gospel proclamation. They unpack how to herald "Jesus is Lord" amid secular assumptions, mental health crises, and shifting political vibes.We explore:◼️ Why "Jesus is Lord" is the bullseye of every gospel conversation (not just a personal lifestyle tip)◼️ The "yes but no but yes" approach to engage both progressive human rights ideals and conservative responsibility calls◼️ How the anti-Hitler moral story quietly replaced the pro-Jesus vision—and what that means now◼️ Why the church itself needs constant evangelising with the rich, compelling reality of union with Christ◼️ The surprising cultural moment where people are drawn back to Christianity's infrastructure—and how to point them to Jesus HimselfChapters:02:29 Understanding the Role of Evangelism05:23 The Importance of the Gospel in the Church08:27 Defining Evangelism in Today's Culture14:17 Cultural Narratives and Their Impact on Evangelism20:39 The Progress Narrative and Its Challenges31:21 Engaging with Cultural Narratives in Evangelism39:39 The Intersection of Masculinity and Faith41:44 Shifting Narratives in University Evangelism43:43 Understanding Misconceptions of Christianity45:18 Public vs. Private: The Western Perspective on Faith49:00 The Role of Secularism in Modern Christianity50:10 Public Displays of Religiosity in Contemporary Culture52:49 Christian Nationalism: A Comparative Analysis56:43 The Evolution of Gospel Presentation59:45 Contextualizing the Gospel for Today's World01:04:04 The Shift in Evangelism: Understanding Modern Faith Conversations01:07:24 Jesus as the Center: The True Meaning of Abundance01:09:27 The Role of Debate in Evangelism: A Double-Edged Sword01:17:46 Navigating Social Media: The Missionary Approach01:28:56 Excitement in Ministry: Future Projects and Personal ReflectionsFind out more about Glen and his work with Speak Life: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakLifeMediaFind out more about Rory and his work with Providence City Church: https://providencechurch.org.au/city/

Dr. Sam Chan is a medical doctor turned cultural analyst, author, and one of the sharpest evangelical minds in Australia today. In a world drowning in loneliness, performance anxiety, and the endless chase for validation, why do we still feel unseen, restless, and missing something—even at Christmas? How does the ancient story of a baby in Bethlehem speak directly into our deepest craving: the need to be truly seen, known, and delighted in?Join us for a warm and profoundly hopeful conversation with Sam Chan as we explore how the gospel reorients our frantic search for identity, frees us from the tyranny of self-improvement, and offers the peace the world keeps promising but never delivers.Discover why loneliness is the hidden epidemic killing us faster than smoking, why every human heart is scanning the crowd for a face that delights in us, how Christmas is God saying “I see you,” the freedom that comes when your identity no longer depends on titles or trophies, the power of inefficient friendship as evangelism, and much more…Grab a copy of Sam's latest book "The Missing Peace" from the here https://www.thegoodbook.com.au/the-missing-peace

In a world of over-medication, social media highlights, and avoided pain, how does embracing biblical lament reframe mental health and affliction from isolation to communal healing? Why do we dismiss suffering when Scripture's Psalms invite us to shout, grieve, and find hope through honest disconnection with God Himself?John Swinton is a Scottish theologian, Professor at the University of Aberdeen, founder of the Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability, exploring the intersections of theology, mental health, and inclusive faith communities.Search "John Swinton Upside Down People" to find the full episode on Spotify. Apple PodcastYoutube

In an age of doubt, deconstruction, and shallow gospel presentations, how does a biblical understanding of hell, salvation, and eternity reframe our faith from mere escapism to an intimate relationship with a holy God? Why do we reduce heaven to perks and hell to punishment, missing the heartbeat of Scripture of knowing God Himself?Matthew Tingblad is a speaker with Sightline Ministry (formerly Josh McDowell Ministry) , apologist, and author of Why Did God Do That?, tackling the toughest questions about God's goodness in a broken world. Search "Matthew Tingblad Upside Down People" to find the full episode on Spotify. Apple PodcastYoutube

In this compelling conversation, Steve Midgley urges us to confront trauma with the compassionate wisdom of Scripture, guiding the church to listen deeply and avoid simplistic solutions. He calls for a sensitive engagement with suffering, rooted in biblical narratives like Joseph’s betrayal and the cross of Christ, to foster healing through presence and understanding. What does it mean to truly walk with the broken and reflect Jesus’ heart in a trauma-shaped world?Steve Midgley is a pastor, former psychiatrist, and author committed to bridging biblical truths with mental health realities through his compassionate ministry and writing.

In the wake of a shocking public tragedy like the assassination of Charlie Kirk, how does evil expose the fault lines in our society, and what role can Christianity play in navigating the chaos? Why are we witnessing a surge in young people turning to faith amid cultural polarisation, and how does the gospel offer hope in an age of anxiety, rage, and crisis? Join us as we dive into these urgent questions with Stephen McAlpine and examine how we can respond with courage, forgiveness, and non-anxious presence in turbulent times.Listen in to discover the cultural ripple effects of high-profile violence, the pitfalls of polarised politics and social media silos, why forgiveness stands as a countercultural force, the unseen spiritual battles behind societal evil, the transformative power of a biblical worldview in fostering dialogue, and much more...Stephen McAlpine is an author, pastor and cultural commentator known for his insights on faith, media, and the intersection of politics and Christianity in a divided world. Follow us on Instagram/Facebook @upsidedownpeoplepod

In this conversation we’re reminded that Christlike growth is slow, honest, and rooted in the heart. It is focused on integrity over image.In this vulnerable conversation, Gary Millar explores the call for leaders to live examined lives—marked by self-reflection, repentance, and a willingness to be shaped by God through both scripture and community. Real change doesn’t happen in isolation, and true maturity means letting others speak into our blind spots.What does it take to lead with humility, courage, and a heart that stays soft before God?Gary Millar is the Principal of Queensland Theological College, a respected theologian, and author known for his deep commitment to biblical preaching, pastoral leadership, and helping Christians grow in Christlikeness