Soul Culture: Stewarding the Five Ingredients of Our Common Life

by Matt Snowden, Joshua Hays

Bread is both simple and complex. As a metaphor for a church’s culture, a loaf of bread is both a single object and the product of ingredients, processes, and time. The ingredients of a culture shaped by the good news of Jesus Christ reflect its community—its unique beliefs, attitudes, values, goals, and practices. Together, the cultures of Christian communities contribute to the church in its fullest expression, and by reflecting thoughtfully on these five elements, we can discern God’s personal call at work in our lives. Each chapter includes questions for discussion and reflection as well as a group discussion guide, which will encourage and equip richer ministry within your local community. Matt Snowden has pastored for twenty-six years, most recently for thirteen years at First Baptist Church of Waco, Texas. He has served two terms on the Executive Board of Texas Baptists, teaches pastoral leadership courses for Truett Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program, and preaches regularly throughout the South in addition to his congregational responsibilities. Joshua Hays has served on ministry staffs at churches in three states, most recently for six years at First Baptist Waco. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member for Truett Seminary’s spiritual formation program and is completing his doctor of ministry degree.

196 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2023

Reviews

[Hunter Wheatcraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful book in church leadership. Will revisit the last chapter in the future.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, going through with our church council. Snowden and Hays have a gift in weaving together a hugely diverse cross-section of sources to illuminate importance and nature of congregational common life.

Only criticism: the chapters on tenacity and Ezra on leadership seemed out of sync with the rest of the book. The book focuses on church common life, these chapters seemed more focused on "leadership principles."