Platforms to Pillars: Trading the Burden of Performance for the Freedom of God's Presence

by Mark Sayers

A biblical response to living in a platform society.

A mentality, a way of approaching life, which promises to reinforce our uniqueness, deliver on our desires, and offer validation and visibility.

A platform society emphasizes individualism and performance. It’s rooted in the belief that self and personal desires are preeminent. In Platforms to Pillars, cultural expert Mark Sayers explores how platform mentality is misshaping our contemporary world and contrasts this to the biblical call of Christians to live as pillars.

By looking at the ancient world—a world remarkably similar to our own—Sayers explores the flaws of a platform society. Sayers takes a deep dive into the influence and allure of digital platforms on individuals and society, and he invites readers to envision a legacy that lives beyond themselves. Like columns in buildings, human pillars provide support and strength. They work together to create space for others, partnering with God as He advances His kingdom in the world. Human pillars fortify and protect community through virtue and character and pass these values to others.

Sayers shows us how to delight in God’s presence, enjoying the freedom that flows from belonging to Him. A much-needed corrective, Platforms to Pillars models a biblical and better way for Christians to live.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Leadership, Christianity, Cultural, Theology

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Mark Sayers is the senior leader of Red Church and the cofounder of Über Ministries. He is particularly interested in the intersection between Christianity and the culture of the West. Mark lives in Melbourne, Australia, with his wife, Trudi, and their daughter (Grace) and twin boys (Hudson and Billy).

Reviews

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Thank you to @moodypublishers for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.]

“Like columns in buildings, human pillars provide support and strength. They work together to create space for others, partnering with God as He advances His kingdom. Human pillars fortify the community through virtue and character and pass these values to others.”

“Our worth is in Jesus. We don't need to platform ourselves to prove ourselves.”

“Those who follow God, even attempting to do His business, can do so in ways that appear outwardly pious while inwardly pursuing a platform. We can build spectacular churches, ministries, movements, and even causes that impress the world, but they can become clouded when they become platforms for our own glory.”

In an age of celebrity pastors and social media influencers, platform mentality is all around us. Thanks to social media, we are all impacted and/or influenced by this mentality in some way, many of us participating in it, whether we realize it or not. This book is fascinating and covers a lot of material. There’s history, there’s culture, there’s theology. This book will truly give you so much to think about!

This title encourages readers to refuse platform mentality and instead invites readers to instead live lives not for themselves but for Christ and for His kingdom, putting others before themselves. This book encourages the reader to live a life of quiet yet bold faithfulness, pointing those around them to God and not to themselves.

I really appreciated this book as a caution and gentle corrective.

Definitely would recommend this title.

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always stretched and stirred when I read Mark Sayers.

[Cory Jew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Didn’t realize that I would even love Sayer’s books more than I would love his podcasts! Already top of my list of podcasts and now I’d say that this may make the top of the book lists is surprising and legit! I appreciate the detailed breakdown of our cultural moment in regard to a platform mentality and our spheres of life being run like a business. It’s ever more crucial that we live like Pillars as was being said in the book, and that we find ways to simply say YES to Jesus’ call to follow Him where are feet are! Huge recommend and wish that I could rate it higher!

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic and incisive look at our society through the lens of history and sociology, this book provides a thought-provoking analysis of why we behave the way we do in a world that elevates platforms, whether physical or digital. Based on presentations that the author has delivered on this topic, this is a message that is meant to be chewed on, not rushed through. In examining what it means to live life through the lens of self and a culture that props up performance, Mark Sayers demonstrates that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Ancient society and social media surprisingly have much in common in that, "We are made to feel like we can live like a pharaoh atop the social pyramid, our desires fulfilled, and our fantasies satiated; however, in reality, we live exploited at the bottom" (pg. 115). Today, our information and our data transform us into becoming the commodity, benefitting others at our expense as our time, finances, and pursuits enslave us to the things of the world.

Nothing is out of bounds in this book as political and economic systems are scrutinized, providing context for how we have landed in a place where platforms can easily crumble. The alternative presented is that of pillars, which hold enduring strength as a result of being based in God. In documenting the necessary process of experiencing exile and deliverance to enter into what can ultimately last, the image of standing firm on the mountain of God is an encouraging hope and promise for Christians. Readers who want to understand biblical parallels between what the Israelites faced and what Christians can glean from the lessons they learnt will appreciate the journey of moving from a platform mentality to one that is disenchanted with existing systems while longing for pillars that withstand societal whims and sins.

Review Link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

Many thanks to Moody Publishers for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Nick Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe more like 4.5 stars. This is a very good book with excellent insight. Sayers draws out the origins of our platform society by going back (mostly) to the Exodus story. Both his critique and his call to biblical faithfulness going forward is spot on.

My biggest struggle is that this book is hard to categorize. There is tons of analysis of our modern platforming society - especially in social media, but it's not a tech/social media book (like The Shallows or The Opt-Out Family). There is a good amount of philosophy, but it's not a philosophy book. It's very quotable, but not an easy read. There are instructions for churches and believers on leaving the platform mentality and embracing pillar mentality, but it's not a Christian living or how-to book. It's hard to nail down.

With that said, great book. Great insight. Highly recommend.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where platforms are ubiquitous, Sayers invites us to live as Pillars - those who support others and carry weight for the glory of God. Sayers metaphors and stories are compelling and authoritative, especially in the midst of his wife’s cancer diagnosis and faithfulness as a leader. I loved Sayers’ frequent flashbacks toward the Great Awakenings to help orient us for what’s possible when we move from self-centeredness toward God-centeredness.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sayers helps explain how we got to where we are as a platform culture. Super insightful. Incredible read. Highly recommend.

[Keith Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe could have used a little more on how we can live as pillars, but also that may look different in many contexts, so the high level overview is still solid.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the concept he is driving at a lot. I was drawn to the book hearing him discuss it on his podcast. But I struggled with the presentation. It seemed like he was trying to weave too many different threads together. I wish the whole book had been written in the same style that he wrote the conclusion.

That being said, I wholeheartedly endorse the central premise that as Christians (and particularly as Christian leaders) we need to pursue being pillars not establishing platforms.

[Katelyn Harden · Rating 3 out of 5]

For reasons I am still trying to put my finger on, I found this book challenging to work through.

A couple upfront notes:

1) The book wasn't bad. It was insightful and richly researched! I simply struggled to feel that "pull" to pick up the book and read it similar to other titles I've read.

2) This is the first book I have ever read as a more formal "review". I was contacted by the publishing company to read the title (of my choice, which happened to be this one!) in exchange for an honest review. Perhaps KNOWING I was giving a formal review zapped some of my enjoyment of reading. Instead of leisurely reading at my own pace--paying attention but not THAT closely--I tried to lean into every word... urgently trying to formulate legitimate, fair, and objective thoughts on the book. Which was hard for me! As my husband urged: "Judge the book by how well it met it's intent. Be an objective reader." <-- Truly ideal advice, but I still found myself ill-equipped to do so. I couldn't FULLY separate how I "felt" while reading it. Not feeling a more natural enjoyment during the process inevitably affected my overall rating.

3) You may love this book much more than I did! Especially if you're a history buff (see more below). When explaining my conflict on the book to my brother, he responded in shock--the book sounded very intriguing to him!

BUT...

All this being said, I will still attempt to share my genuine perceived strengths and weaknesses:

**STRENGTHS**

1. Well-researched.

Mark Sayers LOVES history. This is not only implied by how drenched in history this book is, but if you navigate to biographies and other articles where Sayers is asked about his reading passions, they seem to revolve all around history... which is useful as many authors these days do not traverse the line of time to analyze the present through the lens of the past. Such is often a pitfall of many books as history is immensely useful to helping us understand where we are and where we're going. Sayers reveals how the "platform society" and "platform self" we have today is nothing more than a continuation of what has always been... from pharaohs and elites platforming themselves in the past, so we do the same today. It's the same monster but in different clothing. All this to say, he reaches his conclusions largely based on an examination of history--tracing how *this and that* event have led to where we are today. Some of his discoveries will no doubt surprise you... his discoveries led to some fun and interesting conversations between myself and my husband!

2. Thoughtful comparisons.

The author elects to connect much of what we see largely to events in the Old Testament (most notably the Exodus and other major events surrounding the life of Moses). While it is hard to explain exactly how he maintains this comparison throughout the book, it is easier to see when glancing at the book's table of contents. For example, how do we make it back home out of this place we've wandered into (obsession with self and elevation of self -- "platforming")? The Exodus... the *process* that serves as a shadow ultimately of salvation. Committing and entrusting oneself fully to the Lord and living for Christ as a PILLAR rather than for self. Additionally, the conclusions he draws and the comparisons he makes of what we see today and what historical event mirrors it are nothing short of insightful. I was impressed, and he did achieve his goal of showing us that our present/future is truly in the past.

*Ugh.* I with I could explain it all better and comprehensively for he says far more than this. I could go through summaries of each chapter, but such isn't my style. Alas!

**WEAKNESSES**

1. Limited on scripture.

I'll say upfront that a book is not inherently bad if it does not have scripture. Additionally, a book is not bad if it contains SOME scripture (simply not as much as preferred). To an extent, this is a matter of preference. But something about this continued to be a bit of a let-down for me. Seeing it is marketed as a Christian book (and I do conclude such is right!), I thought there would be a more constant and steady inclusion of scripture (both OT and NT) included as a thread of continuity throughout the book. Such was not the case! In fact, I would say there was a rather limited amount of scripture until the later 25% of the book. Instead, the focus remained almost exclusively on the examination of history. Which again, isn't necessarily bad, but it was something I found to be a shortcoming of the book... as the examination of scripture can only bolster one's message! I also would have appreciated MORE emphasis on OUR TRUE PILLAR: Jesus Christ. The great Cornerstone. To not dwell richly on this felt like a missed opportunity to me.

2. Hard to find the main points.

This may come across as ironic and somewhat unfair seeing the author does include "Key Takeaways" in each chapter: bullet points that summarize his main points. (Which were helpful!) But for whatever reason, I felt like the points he was trying to make were somewhat lost in the jungle of historical narrative. Perhaps I am not the biggest history buff and the limited interest made it harder to properly focus and analyze, but whatever the case, I found this to be true.

I also found that the sub-title of the book was a tad misleading as it indicates more direct applicability to one's life that I found to be the case after reading: "Trading the Burden of Performance for the Freedom of God's Presence". This sub-title seemed to indicate an instructive element to me that would be more readily available to the reader. He DOES provide instructive elements particularly in the exhortation to live as pillars (often "unsung heroes" who are NECESSARY for healthy societies and work unto the Lord--sacrificially for others and not for self) but the title somewhat falsely implies the book is about how YOU can trade the burden of performance for the freedom... but it was much more an examination of history with a smaller dappling of application at the end. Not necessarily bad but felt a bit misleading!

**FINAL THOUGHTS**

Ugh... again, I wanted to give this book a better rating, but I felt like 4/5 would not have accurately reflected my thoughts. But don't let my rating sway you! If you love history, pick this up. And even if you don't, consider reading it anyway! His observations and conclusions are very unique, and for that, I applaud him.

Final notes:

- Please pray for his family. He wrote this book at a time his wife was/is struggling with cancer. May we rally behind him and pray for healing and sustainment!

- The OVERALL message of the book was still clear and helpful. This society is drenched in the platform-self... we largely, as a society, are obsessed with ourselves. We are glued to our phones, catapulted to fame on social sites without the character to support us. We lack patience due to an instant society--sunk deep in debt as we have lost the art of delayed gratification. We lack value of the elderly; instead of passing on information, we reject traditional values and warnings for how we ought to live. We are TOO independent: needing and craving community but paradoxically wanting to maintain full freedom usually at the expense of the former. -->

The message to live as PILLARS is important. Pillars uphold societies. They cling to Christ and place Him and others before self. They build deeper roots in communities and pass on essential knowledge to keep healthy societies functioning. They are okay with anonymity and living in the shadows--for visibility does not equate to value. More of us truly need to live as PILLARS (which is possible even if you have a platform... for a platform is more a mentality than anything).

It is about Him. Not us. The sooner we begin to embrace this truth in our hearts, the freer we will be.

This extremely counter-cultural quote is needed for us... and the degree to which it stings to meditate on speaks volumes:

A famous quote attributed to Nikolaus von Zinzendorf: "Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten."

Additionally: “Live to be forgotten that Christ may be remembered.”

Grateful for the opportunity to review this book. Consider giving it a read!

*Check out this book and other titles here: https://moody.pub/KatelynK *

[Danny Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5.

The general call to the church in Platforms to Pillars is timely and insightful: don't chase a platform society that lifts up celebrity, individualism, performance, and vainglory. Instead be a pillar in the church that lives an ordinary hidden life, characterized by faithfulness and obedience.

The idea of being a pillar that faithfully and quietly lifts up the glory of God reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by George Elliot: "for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.”

Some great quotes from the book:

"Even before the pyrotechnics of God moving in mighty ways and overt experiences of the Spirit, habits of faithfulness are the pillars God builds upon. How you act when God seems absent sets you up for how you act when God's presence is powerful."

"Pillars, however, are load-bearing structures, and one weight they must bear is a social pressure that comes against the plans of God. In a time of platform, influence does not come from standing atop the highest platform. Influence comes from standing faithfully with God. Antonin Sertillanges wisely observed that the people who seems to us the bravest are just the most obedient."

"Those who follow God, even attempting to do His business, can do so in ways that appear outwardly pious while inwardly pursuing platform. We can build spectacular churches, ministries, movements, and even causes that impress the world, but they can become clouded when they become platforms for our own glory. When we do this, we take a step backward. We reverse the Exodus pattern, moving into spiritual exile."

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sayers explores a change in culture that I had not really thought much about. We are in an era where one can have influence by having a digital platform. I do that myself as I have a blog where I review books and then post links to those reviews on various social media sites. Having previously owned a Christian bookstore, I used to recommend books in person, over the sales counter. Now I desire the same influence through a digital platform.

Media platforms have become the way individuals can be important, such as being an “influencer.” It is now possible for almost anyone to be important when it used to be only those who were pillars in society. Sayers reminds us, “Our worth is in Jesus. We don't need to platform ourselves to prove ourselves.” (166)

This is a thought provoking book. We do live in a digital age. How do we be pillars within that context without falling into the platform trap? Sayers' writing is a bit academic and may be best appreciated by ministry professionals or those in Christian education arenas dealing with cultural changes.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[hannah cottrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

|| 4.5 ⭐️ ||

“Digital platforms, designed to serve the individual, are ironically erasing the individual, transforming the modern self into a herd-like entity shaped by algorithms, big data, and ensnared by powerful addictions.”

Fascinating examination of the way that the internet and social media platforms are erasing individualism, and manipulating identities and social dynamics. The author points out various pitfalls and temptations towards self-exultation that come along with living in today’s platform society, and reminds us to lift up Christ instead. Our efforts are so often tainted with sin and pride, as we are inclined to elevate ourselves even as we seek to elevate Him; noticing this pattern in my own life, I’m thankful for His constant grace and forgiveness as He perfects each of my tainted acts of worship.

The parallels between today’s platform culture and ancient Egypt/Pharaonic elites were particularly interesting to read about.

[Caitlin Bartusick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book finally answered a question that has been stirring in my heart for YEARS: What does it mean to live as a pillar of God in a culture increasingly shaped and often distorted by technological platforms? In a world where digital spaces promise connection but often deliver isolation, how do we remain united as the body of Christ, grounded in true identity and purpose?

Mark addresses these challenges with clarity, wisdom, and hope. His insights not only spoke to my deepest concerns but also gave me truths I will continue to reflect on and live by. I am deeply grateful for this work. Thank you, Mark, for your faithfulness in writing. May God bless you and your family richly. I will be lifting you all up in prayer.

[Nathan Dolliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

We live in a world full of self-focused individuals who are being harvested by the enemy for attention through addiction in some ways unknowingly and other with full awareness but lack the willpower to change. Mark Sayers expertly reads our current cultural moment and points us back to a timeless truth that Christians are meant to be the pillars of society who uphold the truth and point the world back toward it. If you need a wake up call and some encouragement to lean into the person who were created and called to be, read this twice.

[Milan Homola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important ideas put forward by Sayers. The book felt hastily put together but the central themes are spot on and needed today. Some of the subheadings came across unclear and there were lots of sources quoted in the text rather than endnotes. But this topic (humble pillar type leaders in The Church) is too important to let small things keep you from this book.

“Podiums and platforms promise us the crowd’s attention; pillars partner with God in the quiet places as new creation is birthed.”

I found ch.13 the most helpful/inspiring.

[Jake Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sayers combines pinpoint cultural analysis with insightful biblical exegesis to produce a helpful work on how followers of Jesus can resist the allure of platforms and instead by formed into pillars by the Holy Spirit in community. It is only by leaning into our calling as temples, meeting places of heaven and earth, that the church can fulfill its purpose and experience a new awakening that reverberates for generations.

[David Pyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sense-making Book of relevant insight for today

Sayers paints a compelling historical narrative and matches this journey to those of the Israelites as they depart Egypt…all to give insight into why the secular narratives of today are collapsing and why the technology platforms are failing to deliver what God only can do through humble leaders ready to pass down their spiritual heritage to the next generation. Highly recommend this read…

[Kyle Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this 5 stars but just couldn’t do it. The first half of the book is really good. A cultural analysis similar to what trueman does in the rise and triumph of the modern self. That part is awesome. I couldn’t give it 5 stars because the man is grasping at straws that just aren’t there with some of his analogies and metaphors. Not sure what was going on but he was stretching things and making connections that just weren’t there. Super sad to see.

[Ryanne Molinari · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5-3 ⭐️

The first half (on platforms throughout history and in the contemporary era) was fascinating and very strong. I was lost by the “Exodus pattern” part. I understand the concept, but it felt like it was part of a different, though related, book. It began to wander from that point and I didn’t quite feel like it ever arrived. Still, there are brilliant insights throughout and I found this a very useful resource.

Thank you to Moody for sending me a copy to read and review.

[Matthew Busse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book we all need.
Mark Sayers navigates our times with wisdom and humility. With experienced insight, he challenges our acceptance of a platform society, inspiring his readers toward something greater. Platforms to Pillars could help also all grow and pass something better on to the next generation.

[Adam Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sayers is fantastic yet again in putting his finger on the pulse of culture and Christianity while correctly diagnosing one of our major issues (the platform mentality.) AS always I appreciate the wide range of sources he's pulling from and the pastoral intent behind his writing. Very well written!

[MK Wildeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a tougher Sayers book to read at the start with a lot of history. But, 60% through you get to the discipleship and practical section of the book and he, once again, diagnoses our age very well. These thoughts are shared on his podcast, Rebuilders. I find this material easier to digest in that format.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like Sayers writing and other books. I'm just not convinced by his idea of pillars, if I'm totally honest. There were some useful ideas in this book, although it approaches social media as almost entirely a negative thing.

[Griffin Gooch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly pertinent for today. Gift this book to anyone who’s starting out in their vocational careers.

[Blake Randolph]

Excellent. Highly recommended

[Lisa Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pertinent. Going to have to read it again

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book for our current cultural moment.

[Matthew Nussbaum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good content, but not written/organized very well.