The Impact of the Soundings Project

Scripture is filled with stories of God’s call. In Isaiah’s vision, the prophet trembles before God’s holiness, yet grace restores him and he answers, “Here am I. Send me.”

Through a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Soundings Project at Baylor partnered with 12 congregations across Texas as they explored what it means to hear and respond to God’s call in challenging times. The pandemic, social unrest, violence, grief, and isolation have tested churches in profound ways. Yet these congregations chose not to withdraw. Instead, they sought reconciliation, healing, and growth.

Large and small, representing diverse traditions, they discovered a shared calling rooted in love of God and neighbor. They strengthened faith within their communities, built bridges outward, and found encouragement and renewal together.

We invite you to watch their stories. These videos bear witness that even when God seems far off, God still calls and sends us today.

Soundings Project Overview The Soundings Project is a unique collaboration between Baylor University and a diverse network of congregations across Texas. Over the course of the initiative, 12 churches, urban and rural, Catholic and Protestant, large and small, joined together to explore questions of calling, vocation, and community through a shared journey of theological reflection and creative engagement. Sacred Heart Catholic Church As part of the Soundings Project, Sacred Heart focused on helping youth and young adults grow spiritually and discern their Christian vocations. Holy Spirit Episcopal As part of the Soundings Project, Holy Spirit designed and tested a multi-stage process to guide congregants in discerning their callings. From welcoming new guests to offering spiritual coaching and small groups, the church is building a path that leads individuals toward a Spirit-led life of Christian service. First Baptist Church Rosebud Through the Soundings Project, FBC Rosebud sought to deepen the spiritual lives of its members and extend a fresh invitation to neighbors beyond its walls. First Baptist Church of Waco At First Baptist Church of Waco, the answer lies in cultivating “soul culture,” a way of forming beliefs, values, and practices that shape resilient Christian living. Inspired by J. B. Gambrell’s essay Working a Batch of Dough, this vision became the foundation for the church’s Soundings Project. Through intergenerational seminars, guided readings, and small group conversations, the congregation explored what it means to follow Christ in every season of life. These rich discussions ultimately gave rise to the 2023 book Soul Culture, a resource born from and for the church. Bethlehem Baptist Church As part of the Soundings Project, Bethlehem Baptist has hosted webinars, trainings, and public events that bring together schools, law enforcement, local government, and other community partners. Through preaching, discipleship, and reflection, the church is sharing what it learns with its congregation and offering guidance to other churches pursuing similar work. First Baptist/First Presbyterian of Amarillo First Baptist Church and First Presbyterian Church of Amarillo have partnered through the Soundings Project to help their congregations explore the deep connection between Sunday worship and weekday vocation. Together, they have developed Bridges, a shared initiative that fosters intergenerational conversations about faith, purpose, and calling, encouraging members to see their daily work as an expression of their Christian mission. Alliance Bible Church Alliance Bible Church embraces its calling to evangelism and discipleship, but recognizes that many believers feel uncertain or unprepared to live out that vocation. Through the Soundings Project, the church created spaces for exploration, learning, and growth in the Christian life. Primera Iglesias Bautista As part of the Soundings Project, the church created small groups that invite members to share their stories of faith, calling, and life experience with one another. These groups are intentionally intergenerational, intercultural, and interdenominational, helping foster deep connections across lines that too often divide. Facilitators are equipped with thoughtful resources to guide conversations that explore each person’s gifts, motivations, and spiritual journey.