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Great Southland Revival: Tracing the Spirit's Flame from Acts to Australia
Discover Australia’s Great Awakenings Australia is a nation forged in the furnace of revival. Long forgotten, Australia’s Spirit-filled history comes to life in Great Southland Revival . Discover how the flame of Pentecost spread from the book of Acts all the way to the South Pacific. Journey on convict ships and city trams, to goldfields, outback communities and far-flung islands transformed by the gospel. Most of all, be inspired that God longs to revive the church, sweep multitudes into His kingdom, and renew our world once again. “Excellent, well-researched and important.”
—John Anderson AO, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia “Great Southland Revival is a wonderful read.”
—Ps Margaret Court AO MBE, Former World Tennis Number One “This book will inform, inspire and challenge.”
—Karl Faase, CEO, Olive Tree Media
—John Anderson AO, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia “Great Southland Revival is a wonderful read.”
—Ps Margaret Court AO MBE, Former World Tennis Number One “This book will inform, inspire and challenge.”
—Karl Faase, CEO, Olive Tree Media
334 pages, Paperback
Published November 21, 2022
About the author
Kurt Mahlburg
7 books14 followersKurt Mahlburg is a husband to Angie, a father, a freelance writer, and a familiar Australian voice on culture and the Christian faith. He is the Senior Editor and a regular columnist at The Daily Declaration. Kurt is also a Contributing Editor at Mercator, where he publishes weekly. More of his writings can be found at Intellectual Takeout, the Spectator Australia, The American Spectator and Caldron Pool.
A published author, Kurt’s breakout title Cross and Culture: Can Jesus Save the West? explores the social and spiritual challenges facing Western nations and the hope Jesus offers in our crisis. Along with Warwick Marsh, Kurt has co-authored several other books, including Great Southland Revival, Power of Prayer, and Jesus: The Centre of It All.
Kurt is passionate about speaking the truths of Jesus into the public square in a way that makes sense to a secular culture and that gives Christians courage to do the same. He has previously studied architecture, worked as a primary school teacher, and served as a missionary and a young adults pastor. Among Kurt’s other interests are philosophy, history, surf, the outdoors, and travel. He hosts his own blog at Cross and Culture.
A published author, Kurt’s breakout title Cross and Culture: Can Jesus Save the West? explores the social and spiritual challenges facing Western nations and the hope Jesus offers in our crisis. Along with Warwick Marsh, Kurt has co-authored several other books, including Great Southland Revival, Power of Prayer, and Jesus: The Centre of It All.
Kurt is passionate about speaking the truths of Jesus into the public square in a way that makes sense to a secular culture and that gives Christians courage to do the same. He has previously studied architecture, worked as a primary school teacher, and served as a missionary and a young adults pastor. Among Kurt’s other interests are philosophy, history, surf, the outdoors, and travel. He hosts his own blog at Cross and Culture.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 19, 2024
Great Southland Revival – Tracing the Spirit’s Flame from Acts to Australia gives a good summary of the work of God among His people in the world and particularly in the Antipodes. God empowered His gospel workers with His Spirit to turn the world upside down Down Under with the power of the Gospel of His Kingdom. Perhaps instead of “Down Under” we should use “Right Side Up”?!
As can be expected, the book uses much Pentecostal/Charismatic jargon to detail the story’s movements of the Spirit of Christ down through the years. It is good to see that the book supports a victorious Christ “down here”, i.e., an optimistic rather than a pessimistic eschatology:
“What began in the book of Acts made its way to the farthest reaches of the South Seas. The dream of the psalmist has been fulfilled: “The Lord reigns; let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.” (Psalm 97:1). And now, few regions in the world are better prepared for that great Revelation scene when the enthroned Lamb is worshipped by the vast multitude from every nation, tribe and tongue.” p. 262.
Likewise, it is good to see the book deal with more than conversions, but also considers the impact revivals have on nations and what happens if they fail to continue honouring God for His gracious, special and transforming visitation(s). For example, I was also grateful for a helpful key to understanding an area of Australian politics:
"The methodist presence in the labour movement eventually faded. Discrimination drove large numbers of Irish Catholics – the majority from working class suburbs – into the ALP [Australian Labor Party], ultimately reshaping it as a Catholic workingmen’s party. For decades, the ALP served as a conduit for Catholic social teaching. It was only from the 1960s that Labor, like other parties, became secular and more hostile to Christian values.” p. 244.
With the following wise disclaimer provided by the authors, this Australian reviewer wholeheartedly endorses this very illuminating book:
"Human and even demonic meddling may well be present in a revival. But that does not mean that God is absent. In fact, it could count as further evidence that we are witnessing the spiritual frontlines of a battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.” p. 283.
In the words of that old hymn 679 in the Revised Church Hymnary, we sing and pray to the Triune God these words of Albert Midlane ((1825-1909):
1 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Thy mighty arm make bare;
Speak with the voice which wakes the dead,
And make Thy people hear.
2 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Create soul-thirst for Thee;
And hungering for the Bread of Life
O may our spirits be.
3 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Exalt Thy precious Name;
And, by the Holy Ghost, our love
For Thee and Thine inflame.
4 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Give power unto Thy Word;
grant that Thy blessèd Gospel may
In living faith be heard.
5 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
And give refreshing showers;
The glory shall be all Thine own,
The blessing, Lord, be ours.
As can be expected, the book uses much Pentecostal/Charismatic jargon to detail the story’s movements of the Spirit of Christ down through the years. It is good to see that the book supports a victorious Christ “down here”, i.e., an optimistic rather than a pessimistic eschatology:
“What began in the book of Acts made its way to the farthest reaches of the South Seas. The dream of the psalmist has been fulfilled: “The Lord reigns; let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.” (Psalm 97:1). And now, few regions in the world are better prepared for that great Revelation scene when the enthroned Lamb is worshipped by the vast multitude from every nation, tribe and tongue.” p. 262.
Likewise, it is good to see the book deal with more than conversions, but also considers the impact revivals have on nations and what happens if they fail to continue honouring God for His gracious, special and transforming visitation(s). For example, I was also grateful for a helpful key to understanding an area of Australian politics:
"The methodist presence in the labour movement eventually faded. Discrimination drove large numbers of Irish Catholics – the majority from working class suburbs – into the ALP [Australian Labor Party], ultimately reshaping it as a Catholic workingmen’s party. For decades, the ALP served as a conduit for Catholic social teaching. It was only from the 1960s that Labor, like other parties, became secular and more hostile to Christian values.” p. 244.
With the following wise disclaimer provided by the authors, this Australian reviewer wholeheartedly endorses this very illuminating book:
"Human and even demonic meddling may well be present in a revival. But that does not mean that God is absent. In fact, it could count as further evidence that we are witnessing the spiritual frontlines of a battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.” p. 283.
In the words of that old hymn 679 in the Revised Church Hymnary, we sing and pray to the Triune God these words of Albert Midlane ((1825-1909):
1 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Thy mighty arm make bare;
Speak with the voice which wakes the dead,
And make Thy people hear.
2 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Create soul-thirst for Thee;
And hungering for the Bread of Life
O may our spirits be.
3 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Exalt Thy precious Name;
And, by the Holy Ghost, our love
For Thee and Thine inflame.
4 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Give power unto Thy Word;
grant that Thy blessèd Gospel may
In living faith be heard.
5 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
And give refreshing showers;
The glory shall be all Thine own,
The blessing, Lord, be ours.
March 23, 2026
Great Southland Revival is a bold, unapologetic call for national renewal. Kurt Mahlburg and Warwick Marsh argue that Australia’s cultural, moral, and social foundations are under strain, and that renewal will not come primarily from politics or policy, but from values, faith, families, and civic responsibility...
The book’s greatest strength is clarity of purpose. The authors are explicit about what they believe has been lost: shared moral norms, confidence in our heritage, and a sense of responsibility to one another. They make a compelling case that spiritual and cultural capital matters just as much as economic capital, especially in times of fragmentation and declining trust.
Another strong point is tone. While forthright, the book is not nihilistic or angry; it is hopeful. The authors emphasise constructive action (local leadership, personal ownership, strong families, and community engagement) rather than grievance or resentment. This makes the book accessible beyond a narrow religious audience.
That said, some readers may find the analysis selective. The complex social changes taking place are sometimes simplified. Readers who don't share the authors’ Christian framework may want more engagement with alternative moral traditions or emphasis on secular perspectives.
Even so, Great Southland Revival is important reading for Australia right now. In an era of polarisation, cultural drift, and institutional fatigue, it reminds us that nations are sustained by norms, character, and meaning; not just laws and GDP.
Whether one agrees with every premise or not, this is a serious, sincere contribution to the national conversation. Plus it's a timely invitation to think deeply about what kind of country Australia wants to be...
The book’s greatest strength is clarity of purpose. The authors are explicit about what they believe has been lost: shared moral norms, confidence in our heritage, and a sense of responsibility to one another. They make a compelling case that spiritual and cultural capital matters just as much as economic capital, especially in times of fragmentation and declining trust.
Another strong point is tone. While forthright, the book is not nihilistic or angry; it is hopeful. The authors emphasise constructive action (local leadership, personal ownership, strong families, and community engagement) rather than grievance or resentment. This makes the book accessible beyond a narrow religious audience.
That said, some readers may find the analysis selective. The complex social changes taking place are sometimes simplified. Readers who don't share the authors’ Christian framework may want more engagement with alternative moral traditions or emphasis on secular perspectives.
Even so, Great Southland Revival is important reading for Australia right now. In an era of polarisation, cultural drift, and institutional fatigue, it reminds us that nations are sustained by norms, character, and meaning; not just laws and GDP.
Whether one agrees with every premise or not, this is a serious, sincere contribution to the national conversation. Plus it's a timely invitation to think deeply about what kind of country Australia wants to be...
January 8, 2023
Great Southland Revival provides a whirlwind tour tracing the unbroken line of revival history from the first century A.D. to contemporary Australia. It is simple but not simplistic, maintaining scholarly rigour while presenting a sympathetic and accessible treatment of historical revivals. The authors skilfully balance the voice of a scholar with that of a narrator. They display a deep appreciation of Christian history and a breadth of experience and awareness within the wider contemporary Christian tradition. I hope this book will appeal to a broad cross-section of the Christian community. The book will inspire you to seek the role that you can play in God’s kingdom—whether as a Paula of Rome, a John Wycliffe, a Dwight L. Moody, a Hannah More, or a Lachlan Macquarie. I wholeheartedly endorse Great Southland Revival for anyone seeking to be both instructed and encouraged by Australia’s riveting revival story.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book for the purpose of review
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book for the purpose of review
November 26, 2023
Read with Alex. Inspired me to pray more for our nation. Amazing stories. Do it again, Lord!
April 1, 2024
A great overview of some of the big revivals that have happened throughout history and in Australia.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews