Dirt Matters: The Foundation For a Healthy, Vibrant, And Effective Congregation

Even if you have been in the ministry for a years, this book is a must read, why? Many times we look above ground so to speak to see if our church is or is not doing well. By well, I mean, is our church doing what God's will is to impact lives for Christ? The problem with the "above ground look" is often times the issue is at the root, the culture of our church.As an example, the traditions of the church are treated as if they are a "thus saith The Lord." when in fact they are personal preferences. Jim's book "Dirt Matter" points out the need to look at the culture of your church and identify those things that are the non-negotiable,"Thus saith God", verses this is how we've done it in the past, or this is the personal preferences of a few that have been here for many years. In doing so, traditions can be treated as such so the church can move on so it is relevant to today's culture. Jim's book is easy to read, flows naturally and it's points are useful and applicable. Lastly, Jim and his Elder Team practice what is explained in this book. I can say this first hand as he and three of his Elder's met with our Elder team to help us wrestle through exactly what is contained within this books pages. It was a very helpful experience and our prayerful desire is to make our chuch what God intends it to be for the needs of our community.Ron GoodExecutive MinisterCentral Church of Christ.

The author provides a great picture of how dirt impacts that harvest in the natural, gardening and farming. He provides great biblical value with great references. He then brings this into the guidance and leadership the local pastor provides his church and how the pastor can begin to add the ingredients to the soil (culture) of the local church! Great read!

Jim did a great job defining the need for healthy soil to grow a healthy church. Many helpful insights and tips to a vital strong fellowship!

Dirt Matters is a book that you will not want to put down. This book dives into difficult and challenging elements within a church and congregation that are often overlooked or swept under the rug. The core essence of this book focuses on 'culture' and how important and complex culture is within a church community. Jim Powell's candid account of how culture is often unhealthy and can hinder church leaders and their congregations' growth will make you stop and self-reflect on where as a congregation (and personally) you are in terms of serving God to the fullest potential.Not only is Jim able to use dirt as a metaphor for depicting a healthy congregation producing fruit and serving God, he provides suggestions, steps and a plan on how to nurture and grow fertile soil (congregation). This book allows leaders and followers in faith to apply practical principles and theories to take the next step in their spiritual journey.This book has truly inspired me to self-reflect...examine where my heart is, evaluate the culture (healthiness) of our church community and consider if we are ready to accept God's call for changes. I am confident this book will impact leaders, yet will also touch every follower and church member. I would highly recommend this book!

I loved this book. Jim Powell masterfully identifies many issues in the church today. God wants all of us to have a clean heart, to grow spiritually and prosper in Christ. I pray that ALL church leaders will read this book because it forces us to examine our own " soil" in the midst of dealing with church people, tradition and customs. This book is a must for anyone that wants a closer walk with Jesus but may find themselves a little put off by the way things are inside of the church.Sincerely,Sherlene Simpson -Las Vegas, NV

As a pastor I love being intentional about creating the "cool factor" in our worship experiences but in Dirt Matters Jim Powell is quick to point out that if the church soil is bad it doesn't matter how many "bells and whistles" it has above the surface. This book offers much more depth than typical "pie in the sky" church growth books . Dirt Matters delivers practical steps that will navigate you through stagnation and help you cultivate a healthy church culture that leads to steady, flourishing growth.

That Jesus gave His life for the church should give us a perspective of just how vital it is, worthy of our loyalty and support. Too many profession Christians today are not related to a local church. They not only violate the command not to forsake the gathering together of the saints, but miss an incredible experience in corporate worship, love, prayer and outreach. Jim Powell's book will inspire you to get back to church and then to bring others into the body of Christ.

I loved the book and highly recommend it to any pastor (especially those who are beginning a ministry somewhere). Like many of you, I have read many books on leadership and very few of them deal as specifically with values as Dirt Matters does. Deep underneath all of the things that happen (good or bad) within a church are values that are driving things. It is wise to evaluate what is most important and be intentional about what you want to become.I respect and appreciate the transparency and honesty Jim brings in this book as he shares his story of creating a culture of change. I have known Jim for over a decade and I can attest to him being a godly man. Thanks Jim for your mentoring and friendship over the years!

Such a profound book. I only got this book because of the notation found in "Small Church Essentials" by Karl Vaters. I could go on for hours on how this book is fantastic for small church pastors and leaders. But the part that struck me was how Dirt really matters. Jim made me look at the church I pastor right now and see past the "values" I had come up with and start to look at the soil of the church itself. The history, the members, the first timers, the long timers, the old timers, the way the worship works, the dynamics of the ministry, the town... everything. Just like farming it takes time, effort, and a lot of prayers to start to really transform the church culture. Definitely a book I recommend to any pastor. Even if you don't like some of the methods I'm sure there will be of something of value for anyone within this book.