What is really happening with faith in Australia?

In this insightful conversation, Karl Faase sits down with leading researcher Ruth Powell to explore the shifting spiritual landscape which is moving from church decline and cultural distrust to surprising signs of curiosity and hope among younger generations. Drawing on decades of research through the National Church Life Survey, Ruth offers a nuanced perspective.

While the church has lost confidence and cultural influence, there are fresh opportunities emerging - particularly among Gen Z and young men. This episode is both honest and hopeful, calling the church to rediscover its message, reimagine its methods, and step boldly into a new season.

Takeaways

• The cultural moment is not just hostile — it’s open.
• Hope is a powerful entry point for faith conversations.
• The next generation needs new language, not just old answers.
• Churches must move from preservation to mission again.
• Innovation (“new wineskins”) is no longer optional.

Chapters and Key Moments

00:00 — Introduction

02:00 — A Childhood in Papua New Guinea

06:00 — Mission, Transformation & Cultural Change

10:30 — The Role of Women & the Message of Worth

18:00 — Wrestling with Colonialism

27:00 — From Psychology to Church Research

31:00 — 30 Years of Church Trends in Australia

36:00 — Is There a Quiet Revival?

40:30 — The Rise of Spiritual Curiosity in Gen Z

42:30 — Young Men & Faith

48:00 — We’re Wired for Hope

50:00 — Advice for Church Leaders

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org

Special Thanks To Excelsia University College

Christian Finance

Vision Christian Media

In this episode, Greg Attwells discusses the 36-month campaign, a movement aimed at delaying children's access to social media until age 16. A campaigned that massed over 150,000 signatures of concerned parents; a campaign that changed the law; a campaign that was profiled at the UN. Greg shares insights on parenting challenges in the digital age, the impact of technology on youth, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for teens. Greg also reflects on his personal journey, including his upbringing, faith, and experiences in church leadership.

Takeaways

• Let's give our kids another 36 months to get to know themselves before the world does.
• Healthy teens don't raise themselves; they're raised by adults brave enough to build better systems.
• The 36-month campaign successfully pushed for change in social media laws, helping protect kids by delaying their access to social platforms until the age of 16.
• Social media trades in comparison, not belonging, and it's not community, not the way that community should be for a young person.
• The campaign was built on hope, not fear, focusing on what we are for, not against.
• Parents needed the ability to say, 'Not yet, it's against the law,' to their kids regarding social media.
• The campaign amassed about 150,000 signatures from parents across the country, showing overwhelming public support.
• Greg shares his personal journey, including being raised by a single mum and his experiences in church leadership.
• He emphasizes the importance of being a non-judgmental presence for his children, fostering intimacy in their relationship.
• Greg reflects on the challenges of learning to be a husband and father without having role models growing up.

Chapters and Key Moments:

00.00 Introduction to Greg Attwells and the 36-Month Campaign

03.00 Parenting Challenges in the Digital Age

09:00 The Impact of Technology on Youth

15:00 Greg Attwells' Personal Journey and Faith

21.00 Building Supportive Environments for Teens

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org

Special Thanks To Excelsia University College

Christian Finance

Vision Christian Media

Colin Buchanan shares his remarkable journey from his childhood in Dublin to becoming a celebrated country music artist and children's songwriter in Australia. He reflects on the crossroads he faced between pursuing a stable teaching career and following his passion for music, ultimately choosing the latter. Colin discusses the importance of faith in his life and music, the legacy of his children's songs, and how he navigates being a public Christian in the music industry. He emphasises the significance of writing songs that resonate with people and the joy of connecting with audiences through his music.

Takeaways

• Colin's journey began in Dublin before moving to Australia.
• He faced a crossroads between teaching and music.
• His faith played a crucial role in his life decisions.
• Colin's children's songs are designed to be propositional and meaningful.
• He values the connection his music creates with audiences.
• The importance of family and integrity in his career choices.
• Colin's music reflects his personal experiences and observations.
• He believes in the significance of children's music in shaping values.
• Colin navigates his public faith with respect and authenticity.
• Success for Colin is defined by meaningful connections through music.

Chapters and Key Moments

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Dublin to Australia 02:45 Finding Faith and Community in Burke 06:00 The Crossroads: Music or Teaching? 08:55 The Birth of a Songwriter: Early Inspirations 11:40 The Rise of Country Music Career 14:44 Transition to Children's Music 18:01 Legacy of Children's Songs 20:50 Navigating Public Faith and Music 23:59 Defining Success in Music and Life

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org

Special Thanks To Excelsia University College

Christian Finance

Vision Christian Media

Al Stewart and Karl Faase explore the evolving concept of masculinity, the challenges faced by men in contemporary society, and the importance of healthy masculinity. They discuss personal experiences, family dynamics, and the transition from corporate life to ministry, emphasising the need for men to take responsibility in their roles within families and communities. The dialogue highlights the significance of mentorship, the impact of cultural changes on masculinity, and the importance of nurturing relationships with children and spouses.

Al Stewart's book The Manual can be purchased from Matthias Media

Takeaways

• Life has become softer and safer since WWII.
• Healthy masculinity is crucial for families and communities.
• Boys are struggling in education and mental health.
• Cultural narratives often devalue masculinity.
• Men need to take responsibility in their roles.
• Father hunger is a real issue in society.
• The transition from boyhood to manhood is complex.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in personal development.
• Family dynamics can be challenging in ministry.
• You can make a difference in your immediate world.

Chapters and Key Moments:

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org

Special Thanks To Excelsia University College

Christian Finance

Vision Christian Media

Cass Langton shares her journey from growing up in a small church to becoming a key figure at Hillsong Church. She reflects on the importance of community, creativity in worship, and the challenges faced in large church settings. Cass emphasises the need for personal connection and the role of the church in bringing hope to the city, while also discussing her transition to starting a local church after her time at Hillsong.

Takeaways:

• Our lives are to lead people to Jesus.
• Gathering is more than just a checklist.
• The church is full of stories of God at work.
• Creativity has a significant place in worship.
• We need to recover the beauty in the church.
• The church should be the hope of the city.
• Personal stories are vital to faith.
• Navigating church leadership can be complex.
• Community is essential for spiritual growth.
• Transitioning from a large church to a local one can be transformative.

Chapters and Key Moments:

00:00 The Purpose of Church and Personal Reflection 02:55 Cass Langton's Early Church Experience 05:51 The Role of Family in Faith Development 08:59 Navigating Career and Ministry Aspirations 11:54 The Call to Hillsong and Early Days 14:54 The Journey of Faith and Community Building 17:51 The Intersection of Creativity and Worship 21:04 The Growth and Challenges of Hillsong 24:03 The Impact of Music and Arts in Church 27:01 Reflections on the Hillsong Experience 29:58 Transitioning from Hillsong to Local Church 32:45 The Importance of Community and Personal Stories 35:56 Navigating Difficult Times and Personal Decisions 38:52 The Future of the Church and Personal Hope

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org

Special Thanks To Excelsia University College

Christian Finance

Vision Christian Media

John Anderson shares with Karl Faase his journey from a farming background to becoming the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia. He reflects on personal tragedies, including the loss of his sister, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of faith, resilience, and the complexities of life. The discussion also delves into his political career, the challenges of leadership, and the current state of media and public discourse. Anderson emphasises the importance of fostering meaningful conversations and encouraging the next generation of leaders.

Chapters and Key Moments

00:00 The Journey of John Anderson 03:03 Early Life and Farming Background 06:02 Lessons from Loss and Resilience 11:53 The Impact of Tragedy on Life Perspectives 17:53 Faith and Understanding Suffering 23:32 Transitioning into Politics 29:33 Navigating Personal and Political Challenges 35:25 Reflections on Media and Public Discourse 41:18 The Role of Leadership in Society 47:17 Current Endeavors and Future Aspirations

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org

Special Thanks To Excelsia University College

Christian Finance

Vision Christian Media

Insight with Karl Faase launches on 12 March 2026.

Join us each Thursday for in-depth, long-form conversations exploring life, faith and culture. In every episode, Karl sits down with leaders, thinkers and everyday people who have wrestled deeply with belief - and come out changed.

These are honest conversations about success and failure, certainty and doubt, loss and renewal. Stories that go beneath the headlines and beyond the surface.

You’ll hear untold insights from names you may recognise - like John Anderson, Colin Buchanan, Cass Langton and Michael Bird - as well as powerful stories from lesser-known voices whose experiences and reflections will challenge and inspire you.

Hosted by Karl Faase - pastor, leader, media communicator and social commentator - Insight brings thoughtful, gracious and sometimes surprising conversations that examine the big questions of our time through the lens of personal story.

Subscribe now and join us from 12th March.