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

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!

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 Good Executive Minister Central Church of Christ.

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

Very needed, helpful and insightful book. A must-read for any church leader who wants to be a catalyst of healthy growth in the church.

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.

Dirt Matters takes the reader below the soil for a down to earth discussion on a healthy church. Though this book will appeal to church leaders, as a non-church leader, I found it exceptionally helpful in my personal growth. Jim Powell's down to earth approach makes this book a user friendly read. My only recommendation is that this book should be sold with a pen . . . because you'll find yourself wanting underline comment after comment. Read the book.

Jim Powell writes from experience about building and growing a successful and vibrant church. In Dirt Matters he gives practical and useful advice for church leaders who need to make changes to improve and grow their church. I would recommend this book because Pastor Jim uses the Bible to show the importance of change and explains using relevant examples. DIRT DOES MATTER!

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.