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Futureproof: How to Live for Jesus in a Culture That Keeps on Changing
How the gospel equips Christians to live confidently for Christ in an increasingly secular society, facing the challenges of the future with confidence.
We are living in a time of rapid cultural change, when Christian views are often seen as outdated and even dangerous. This can leave us feeling anxious about how to live out what we believe and uncertain about the future of the church.
Steve McAlpine’s first book, Being the Bad Guys, sought to explain how our culture ended up so far away from biblical Christianity and how to reach out with the gospel wisely. In this book, he explores where things are heading and what we can do about that now, both as individuals and as a church.
Steve examines secular narratives about purpose and authenticity, connectedness and progress, and compares them to the promises made by the Bible. He shows that the Bible offers a more satisfying, more realistic, and more hopeful vision of the future.
He also examines the things that cause many Christians and non-Christians to be anxious about the technological change, political polarization, clashes over climate, and culture wars around gender and identity. He reminds listeners that God is in control and helps them to think through how they can live wholeheartedly for Christ, facing the challenges of the future with confidence and leading the way in terms of citizenship, stewardship, and community.
Stephen McAlpine is the Director for Cultural Engagement at City to City Australia. A former pastor, he now writes and speaks on theology, church, and culture.
We are living in a time of rapid cultural change, when Christian views are often seen as outdated and even dangerous. This can leave us feeling anxious about how to live out what we believe and uncertain about the future of the church.
Steve McAlpine’s first book, Being the Bad Guys, sought to explain how our culture ended up so far away from biblical Christianity and how to reach out with the gospel wisely. In this book, he explores where things are heading and what we can do about that now, both as individuals and as a church.
Steve examines secular narratives about purpose and authenticity, connectedness and progress, and compares them to the promises made by the Bible. He shows that the Bible offers a more satisfying, more realistic, and more hopeful vision of the future.
He also examines the things that cause many Christians and non-Christians to be anxious about the technological change, political polarization, clashes over climate, and culture wars around gender and identity. He reminds listeners that God is in control and helps them to think through how they can live wholeheartedly for Christ, facing the challenges of the future with confidence and leading the way in terms of citizenship, stewardship, and community.
Stephen McAlpine is the Director for Cultural Engagement at City to City Australia. A former pastor, he now writes and speaks on theology, church, and culture.
Audible Audio
Published March 13, 2024
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About the author
Stephen McAlpine
4 books14 followersStephen McAlpine is the Director for Cultural Engagement at City to City Australia. A former pastor, he now writes and speaks on theology, church, and culture.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 7, 2024
Stephen McAlpine does well to touch on so many big topics in todays culture in such a short and easy to read book
July 22, 2025
There’s a lot of ground covered in this book: politics, technology, social media, cancel culture, the environment etc. McAlpine helpfully uses the bible to think through how we should live as Christians in our constantly changing culture. It’s a good starting point but if you’re wanting to go deeper on one of these topics I’d say you’d be better off finding a book that just hits the one topic.
June 23, 2024
gr8 if u want a short read but a lot of ground covered that doesnt really get past surface level which i guess to be expected for 160 pages B)
June 8, 2024
The book “Futureproof” is all about the coming changes of our world’s culture and how this may affect Christians and the Church.
Written by author and pastor Stephen McAlpine, “Futureproof” helps us apply God’s Word as it surveys the potential “twists and turns” culture might take and how to approach life and outreach in a world that is increasingly hostile to the message of Christ’s gospel.
McAlpine’s writing is accessible and this book is a practical resource for believers. I highlighted a lot; it was difficult to pick only a few to share:
“…the future of the church is assured. Jesus himself made that claim when he stated that the gates of hell would not stand up to the advance of his church (Matthew 16:17-19).”
“Our aim is not to win every argument to soothe our anxieties. Nor is it to retreat from the public square, blocking our ears to the cries of our neighbours. Our aim is to become a non-alarmed community that trusts in God because he is in control.”
“Too often, God's people snap, taking matters into their own hands if the cultural trend is not in their favour.”
“We cannot become too proud if we get to pull the levers of political power, and we cannot become too despairing if those same levers are taken from our hands.”
“A deep interest in and commitment to our eschatological hope is not defined by the end-times charts we embrace or the ‘prepper’ bunkers we own, but by godly lives of hope centred around the total victory that Jesus will bring to his people.”
“Cutting ourselves off from each other is not the pathway to authentic, flourishing humanity.”
Thank you to The Good Book Company for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Written by author and pastor Stephen McAlpine, “Futureproof” helps us apply God’s Word as it surveys the potential “twists and turns” culture might take and how to approach life and outreach in a world that is increasingly hostile to the message of Christ’s gospel.
McAlpine’s writing is accessible and this book is a practical resource for believers. I highlighted a lot; it was difficult to pick only a few to share:
“…the future of the church is assured. Jesus himself made that claim when he stated that the gates of hell would not stand up to the advance of his church (Matthew 16:17-19).”
“Our aim is not to win every argument to soothe our anxieties. Nor is it to retreat from the public square, blocking our ears to the cries of our neighbours. Our aim is to become a non-alarmed community that trusts in God because he is in control.”
“Too often, God's people snap, taking matters into their own hands if the cultural trend is not in their favour.”
“We cannot become too proud if we get to pull the levers of political power, and we cannot become too despairing if those same levers are taken from our hands.”
“A deep interest in and commitment to our eschatological hope is not defined by the end-times charts we embrace or the ‘prepper’ bunkers we own, but by godly lives of hope centred around the total victory that Jesus will bring to his people.”
“Cutting ourselves off from each other is not the pathway to authentic, flourishing humanity.”
Thank you to The Good Book Company for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
March 2, 2024
Meh.
McAlpine’e earlier book “Being the bad guys” was good. This one wasn’t. It’s not awful, but really it barely said anything.
Book can be summarised as: as culture stresses you out, remember Christ is coming back and don’t worry too much. Continue doing the same stuff evangelical churches have been doing, it may get hard but Christ will return so we’ll win in The end.
McAlpine’e earlier book “Being the bad guys” was good. This one wasn’t. It’s not awful, but really it barely said anything.
Book can be summarised as: as culture stresses you out, remember Christ is coming back and don’t worry too much. Continue doing the same stuff evangelical churches have been doing, it may get hard but Christ will return so we’ll win in The end.
November 15, 2024
Good overview of where the church might be in 30 years time and how to prepare for it.
Because it's so short, it is really only a brief skimming of a much deeper topic but I am increasingly becoming a fan of short books that give a good overview of a topic.
Because it's so short, it is really only a brief skimming of a much deeper topic but I am increasingly becoming a fan of short books that give a good overview of a topic.
December 27, 2024
Good enough read. Well thought out. Touches on vital topics. Not as impactful as his first book, but then again that is a very high bar!
I would say 3.5 stars from me.
I would say 3.5 stars from me.
March 28, 2024
Stephen McAlpine writes clearly and directly to us about the hope that Christianity offers in a highly anxious and fractious world. He reminds us that it is through the Church that we can show people a hope-filled way of life. A great call both personal and corporate which all Christians and Churches need to take up for the sake of society.
December 4, 2024
Futureproof: How to live for Jesus in a Culture that keeps on changing is very readable. McAlpine is an excellent writer, always keeping the reader engaged. I appreciate the shortish chapters with their various subheadings; like water stations along the route for runners, these are refreshing, encouraging the reader to keep on going. No, the book isn’t a hard slog. It is an easy read. However, call me old fashioned, but I’d like to hear a wee bit more about the “Church Militant” and the “Church Triumphant” than mostly “hospitality evangelism”. Yes, we live for Jesus in a culture that keeps on changing, but how is the “Church Militant” supposed to recapture lost ground apart from, as nice as it is, being nice to single mums, etc.?
McAlpine mentions that the Lord’s return is immanent, while at the same time helping to equip Christians now and for the decades ahead in, what apparently has become, an alien culture. He gives the impression that any success of the Great Commission up till now has peaked and has since been tossed into the dustbin of history. Like Dispensationalism’s errant (and the cruel hamstringing of Christian’s) “Rapture” teaching, apparently Christians are now dependent on the Lord’s return for His Gospel to succeed on earth. So meanwhile, like the WWII troops at Dunkirk awaiting the great rescue flotilla, we are just to be nice to the enemy in friendly engagement during the “culture wars” which we always seem to be losing if we have not already lost.
Doesn’t this earth belong to God? And aren’t those who belong to a culture that keeps on changing not inhabiting and defiling our inheritance as Christians, i.e., the earth? Is the Church Militant not supposed to be “pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God”? Yes, of course, Christians are to do Gospel outreach even over cups of coffee. Or course, Christians are to engage people as they find them wherever they are dwelling in their alien culture. But surely, Christ’s idea is that we, Onward! Christian soldiers… are to transform and reform their deformed culture?
Futureproof is a good book for what it intends, i.e., to give a summary with some brief pointers on how to live for Jesus in a culture that keeps on changing.
McAlpine mentions that the Lord’s return is immanent, while at the same time helping to equip Christians now and for the decades ahead in, what apparently has become, an alien culture. He gives the impression that any success of the Great Commission up till now has peaked and has since been tossed into the dustbin of history. Like Dispensationalism’s errant (and the cruel hamstringing of Christian’s) “Rapture” teaching, apparently Christians are now dependent on the Lord’s return for His Gospel to succeed on earth. So meanwhile, like the WWII troops at Dunkirk awaiting the great rescue flotilla, we are just to be nice to the enemy in friendly engagement during the “culture wars” which we always seem to be losing if we have not already lost.
Doesn’t this earth belong to God? And aren’t those who belong to a culture that keeps on changing not inhabiting and defiling our inheritance as Christians, i.e., the earth? Is the Church Militant not supposed to be “pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God”? Yes, of course, Christians are to do Gospel outreach even over cups of coffee. Or course, Christians are to engage people as they find them wherever they are dwelling in their alien culture. But surely, Christ’s idea is that we, Onward! Christian soldiers… are to transform and reform their deformed culture?
Futureproof is a good book for what it intends, i.e., to give a summary with some brief pointers on how to live for Jesus in a culture that keeps on changing.
April 9, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up.
This book addresses a variety of timely topics related to how Christians can think about the church's role in a swiftly changing, secularizing society. Stephen McAlpine encourages his readers to consider ways that the church is uniquely poised to address issues like the loneliness epidemic, and he writes about ways that the church can be an embodied, communal witness to a different way of life. Over different chapters, he reflects on multiple social issues, political topics, and broader cultural problems, including ecological issues and the fast pace of new, developing technologies like AI.
McAlpine encourages Christians to take hope in the promises of God, even when they feel discouraged about the state of the world, and he also challenges Christians to maintain a distinctive worldview, instead of believing in self-focused ideologies that prioritize autonomy above all else. The book deals with some high-level concepts in very accessible ways, and in addition to explaining and defending his points with Scripture, McAlpine also shares story-driven examples. He uses research findings and anecdotes to illustrate and explain his points, and this will be highly readable for people in different walks of life.
This is a helpful book for people who want to think more deeply about the church's witness in our current society. McAlpine addresses a variety of issues without a harsh culture warrior tone, and since he is Australian, it was nice to read a book that addresses the West more generally, instead of primarily focusing on American culture. Overall, I enjoyed this, but because McAlpine addresses so many different topics in a relatively short book, he can't go especially deep with each one. This is a great primer for teens and adults, but if someone has already read and thought deeply about these issues, not much in this book will be new to them.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book addresses a variety of timely topics related to how Christians can think about the church's role in a swiftly changing, secularizing society. Stephen McAlpine encourages his readers to consider ways that the church is uniquely poised to address issues like the loneliness epidemic, and he writes about ways that the church can be an embodied, communal witness to a different way of life. Over different chapters, he reflects on multiple social issues, political topics, and broader cultural problems, including ecological issues and the fast pace of new, developing technologies like AI.
McAlpine encourages Christians to take hope in the promises of God, even when they feel discouraged about the state of the world, and he also challenges Christians to maintain a distinctive worldview, instead of believing in self-focused ideologies that prioritize autonomy above all else. The book deals with some high-level concepts in very accessible ways, and in addition to explaining and defending his points with Scripture, McAlpine also shares story-driven examples. He uses research findings and anecdotes to illustrate and explain his points, and this will be highly readable for people in different walks of life.
This is a helpful book for people who want to think more deeply about the church's witness in our current society. McAlpine addresses a variety of issues without a harsh culture warrior tone, and since he is Australian, it was nice to read a book that addresses the West more generally, instead of primarily focusing on American culture. Overall, I enjoyed this, but because McAlpine addresses so many different topics in a relatively short book, he can't go especially deep with each one. This is a great primer for teens and adults, but if someone has already read and thought deeply about these issues, not much in this book will be new to them.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2024
How can the church survive in an ever-increasingly secular society? In Futureproof, Stephen McAlpine shows how to live for Jesus in a culture that keeps on changing.
At just over 150 pages, this book is a quick read that explains our current Western culture and how the Church can face it with confidence. Part 1 presents many of our problems: the false promise that we belong to ourselves, the loneliness epidemic, and how secular politics have become their own god. McAlpine calls us to remember where our home is, be patient for Christ’s return, and continue to pursue holiness. McAlpine is accurate and insightful.
Honest and Hopeful
Part 2 presents the biblical solutions. First, McAlpine encourages us to embrace community. As the church community shines, we show the world the gospel. I was most interested to see McAlpine tackle digital technology. Surprisingly, parents are still at the forefront of protecting against the influencing culture. He writes about digital discipleship, and how church communities must be championed. But he doesn’t shy away from challenging churches (and influencers) to get creative and compelling for Christ. McAlpine stays honest and hopeful.
The book ends with the call to live courageously as dual citizens in our earthly lives and our heavenly home. We can use wisdom in politics, but we cannot forget that Jesus is King. We can stay content in Christ. And we will be prepared for and protected from whatever the future brings.
I received a media copy of Futureproof and this is my honest review.
At just over 150 pages, this book is a quick read that explains our current Western culture and how the Church can face it with confidence. Part 1 presents many of our problems: the false promise that we belong to ourselves, the loneliness epidemic, and how secular politics have become their own god. McAlpine calls us to remember where our home is, be patient for Christ’s return, and continue to pursue holiness. McAlpine is accurate and insightful.
Honest and Hopeful
Part 2 presents the biblical solutions. First, McAlpine encourages us to embrace community. As the church community shines, we show the world the gospel. I was most interested to see McAlpine tackle digital technology. Surprisingly, parents are still at the forefront of protecting against the influencing culture. He writes about digital discipleship, and how church communities must be championed. But he doesn’t shy away from challenging churches (and influencers) to get creative and compelling for Christ. McAlpine stays honest and hopeful.
The book ends with the call to live courageously as dual citizens in our earthly lives and our heavenly home. We can use wisdom in politics, but we cannot forget that Jesus is King. We can stay content in Christ. And we will be prepared for and protected from whatever the future brings.
I received a media copy of Futureproof and this is my honest review.
March 16, 2025
McAlpine states in his introduction: “But I do know for a cast-iron fact that the church is futureproof. And I want to help us think through why, and how we can lean into that in a way that prepares us for whatever twists and turns our culture takes in the next 30, 50 or 100 years.” And thus he proceeds with chapters “Out-Purpose the Culture,” “Out-Relate the Culture” and “Outlast the Culture.” Then he presents chapters on how to flourish in the future, flourish in a community of polarization, flourish as a participant in technology, flourish as a citizen in the culture wars and flourish as a steward in ecology.
A quote from the back cover: “Jesus has made the church future proof. He has given us everything we need—not just to survive, but to build flourishing, wise, compelling communities that face the future with confidence. We just have to think through how.” Tim Challies
Biblical wisdom: “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” (Daniel 12:13)
“Daniel is future proofed. Not by his insights. Not by his status or position. Not even by his Jewish pedigree. Daniel is futureproofed by the God who knows the future and who holds it in his hands.” ~ Stephen McAlpine. So are we.
This Scripture still stands: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him Who called us by His own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3
A quote from the back cover: “Jesus has made the church future proof. He has given us everything we need—not just to survive, but to build flourishing, wise, compelling communities that face the future with confidence. We just have to think through how.” Tim Challies
Biblical wisdom: “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” (Daniel 12:13)
“Daniel is future proofed. Not by his insights. Not by his status or position. Not even by his Jewish pedigree. Daniel is futureproofed by the God who knows the future and who holds it in his hands.” ~ Stephen McAlpine. So are we.
This Scripture still stands: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him Who called us by His own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3
January 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Stephen offers some great insights into how we can better navigate the issues of our days as Christians and as the church as a whole.
He addresses the rise of anxiety and loneliness and a lot of the things we are anxious regarding different things in the future. He challenges the church with many of his points. He explores how we can live for Jesus in such ever changing and tumultuous times and not just for our sakes only, but all for others who are looking for hope. He talks to many of the different issues of our days and gave some really great ways we can respond as Christians. Definitely a thought provoking read.
He addresses the rise of anxiety and loneliness and a lot of the things we are anxious regarding different things in the future. He challenges the church with many of his points. He explores how we can live for Jesus in such ever changing and tumultuous times and not just for our sakes only, but all for others who are looking for hope. He talks to many of the different issues of our days and gave some really great ways we can respond as Christians. Definitely a thought provoking read.
April 24, 2025
McAlpine lays out a Christian look and response to the prevailing issues of both the present and future culture around us. It is a short, readable book that provides proper responses and action steps to truly live as a citizen of heaven in a world in which Christianity has become the minority and labeled the problem.
March 10, 2024
I’m a big fan of Stephen McAlpine’s writing, and this book was no disappointment. Encouraging, insightful, biblically rooted and gospel centred, and yet also very easy and enjoyable to read. Highly recommended.
July 4, 2024
Really interesting topics to discuss as Christians! It’s a short book so he didn’t get into tons of details but he scratched the surface in a lot of really good topics that the Church should be talking about.
July 25, 2024
This book is much more focused on, forcing the cross onto others, as opposed to taking the cross unto ourselves as Jesus commanded.
I’m disappointed, and frightened for Christians who will feel supported by this text.
I’m disappointed, and frightened for Christians who will feel supported by this text.
August 5, 2024
This is a very short book trying to help with very complex issues. I believe this misses the entire point of the book. The public feels religion and the church just breeze through the big questions (and problems) without any real answers or solutions.
September 23, 2024
Stephen McAlpine is probably one of the world’s foremost thinkers who are able to articulate a clear gospel response to the world’s biggest problems of culture, ecology and technology. He does so winsomely and with love. Well worth a read!
June 8, 2025
Wish I loved this
WISH I loved this like I did Being the Bad Guys but it feels like a bit of a boomer rant… I wanted practical advice on sharing the gospel with my young friends but it seems this was written from and to McAlpine’s echochamber.
WISH I loved this like I did Being the Bad Guys but it feels like a bit of a boomer rant… I wanted practical advice on sharing the gospel with my young friends but it seems this was written from and to McAlpine’s echochamber.
September 26, 2025
Only listened to the audiobook on a couple of long drives. Many good points were made, but I'm going to need some time to digest those things properly, and more importantly, figure out how to put them into practice.
May 21, 2024
A book that helps Christians face our changing culture without anxiety and with hope to live distinctly. Readable and helpful.
May 28, 2024
Sharp insight into culture through a biblical lense.
July 29, 2024
Audiobook. Loved it! We, as Christians, need to get ourselves together! Return to the preachings in the Bible, forego modern society teachings
August 5, 2024
I listened to the bonus book when it was available as a bonus borrow on Hoopla. I thought it was pretty good and there were many things I agreed with. 3.5 stars.
December 9, 2024
Disturbing and yet hopeful. Practical also.
I listened to it twice today, as I was traveling.
I listened to it twice today, as I was traveling.
December 19, 2024
A very accessible, hopeful, practical and positive look at a challenging topic for Christians. This would be great for discussion in a small group.
April 6, 2025
A thought provoking book. He makes several great points and had some convicting statements throughout.
July 5, 2025
Excellent book - well worth a read…
March 27, 2024
“It’s not simply the case that Christianity can outdo the secular culture, beating it at its own game; it’s also that we have better things to offer the world, grounded in a certain hope about what the future will look like.”
I really enjoy reading books about Christianity and the culture, so when I saw that this book was being published, I knew I wanted to read it.
In this book, Stephen McAlpine helps Christian readers understand why the gates of hell won’t prevail against the Church (Matt. 16:18).
In the first half of the book, he compares the Church to the culture, showing us how in Christ we have greater purpose, unity, and lasting power. The second half is dedicated to giving us a vision of what it looks like to flourish at as individuals and the body in several different areas that the culture has negatively dominated.
I enjoyed the author’s insights—especially on topics that I haven’t typically read about in books like these. He has a section on ecology and stewardship that I really enjoyed because I haven’t read about it much in Christian books.
This was a quick, insightful read and one I’d recommend if you want to feel more at ease about the place of the Church in a culture that seems to have so much animosity toward it. Solid 4-star read for me!
I received a copy of this book for free from The Good Book Company in exchange for this honest review.
I really enjoy reading books about Christianity and the culture, so when I saw that this book was being published, I knew I wanted to read it.
In this book, Stephen McAlpine helps Christian readers understand why the gates of hell won’t prevail against the Church (Matt. 16:18).
In the first half of the book, he compares the Church to the culture, showing us how in Christ we have greater purpose, unity, and lasting power. The second half is dedicated to giving us a vision of what it looks like to flourish at as individuals and the body in several different areas that the culture has negatively dominated.
I enjoyed the author’s insights—especially on topics that I haven’t typically read about in books like these. He has a section on ecology and stewardship that I really enjoyed because I haven’t read about it much in Christian books.
This was a quick, insightful read and one I’d recommend if you want to feel more at ease about the place of the Church in a culture that seems to have so much animosity toward it. Solid 4-star read for me!
I received a copy of this book for free from The Good Book Company in exchange for this honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews