Platforms to Pillars

Trading the Burden of Performance for the Freedom of God's Presence

By: Mark Sayers

Narrated by: Matthew Baker

A biblical response to living in a platform society.

Platform: 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.

©2025 Mark Sayers (P)2025 Mark Sayers

Worth thinking through

In this day and age, it doesn't take much to realize how significant our platform society has become, which is what makes this book so helpful. Mark Sayers does a great job of going back through history and looking at how "leadership" and "platforms" have developed over the years. He also shows through this book how we can develop a different type of "platform" by making them be pillar-focused. My only complaint would be that it's not the most extensive book with specific solutions for how to develop those pillars. All that to say, this is a very informative book that puts some very helpful words to one of the biggest issues facing our churches today. The narrator is also very solid.