Soil & Roots Survey Reveals Deep Hunger for Experiential Faith and Authentic Community

In an era where digital connections often overshadow in-person interactions, and busy schedules can leave little room for introspection, an organization named Soil & Roots has uncovered a compelling trend: a profound longing for deeper spiritual experience and authentic community among its audience. The organization recently shared insights from a survey it conducted, revealing that many individuals, even those who feel spiritually healthy, are actively seeking 'more' in their faith journey.

This pursuit of depth resonates with a broader human desire for meaning and connection, which isn't limited to spiritual paths. Just as learners often seek to understand the 'why' behind academic subjects, or athletes strive for mastery beyond basic skills, many are looking for an enriched, more integrated experience of faith. For students navigating complex subjects or preparing for exams, resources like COSMIQ's free voice AI tutoring can provide that deeper understanding, offering personalized support to explore concepts thoroughly and build confidence.

Uncovering a Shared Longing for Deeper Discipleship

According to Soil & Roots, the survey aimed to better understand the spiritual experiences, longings, and community needs of its audience, which includes email subscribers, Substack readers, and podcast listeners. The organization frames spiritual growth through six stages, building on the work of authors Hagberg and Guelich: Becoming Aware of God, Learning About Him, Leading a Productive Life, the Journey Inward, the Journey Outward, and the Life of Love. Soil & Roots suggests that while many modern religious institutions excel at supporting individuals through the first three stages, guidance for the later stages – particularly the 'Journey Inward' – is often less available. This is where Soil & Roots focuses its efforts, referring to these later stages as 'deep discipleship.'

The survey, while not a scientific study of Christianity as a whole, yielded fascinating patterns. One significant finding was that spiritual health doesn't necessarily eliminate spiritual hunger. According to Soil & Roots, 53% of respondents described themselves as “spiritually healthy and deeply connected.” Yet, within this same audience, 26% also described themselves as spiritually hungry but unsure where to go deeper, and nearly a third (32%) were looking for deeper Christian community. These categories were not mutually exclusive, indicating that many who feel healthy still sense a profound desire for something more.

Navigating Modern Faith and Community

Another key insight from the survey, according to Soil & Roots, was the significant number of respondents wrestling with modern church culture. Approximately 27% reported deconstructing or reevaluating aspects of their faith, while 24% described themselves as exhausted by modern church culture. An additional 12% felt disconnected or spiritually stuck. The organization notes that free-form responses clarified that this often wasn't a desire to abandon faith, but rather a longing for a more experiential relationship and authentic connections with others.

One respondent, quoted by Soil & Roots, eloquently captured this tension: “On the outside, I’m a pretty good Christian. But on the inside, I don’t feel tethered to God.” Another shared, “I am strong on Bible knowledge, but weak on a personal relationship with God.” These candid reflections highlight a yearning for genuine transparency and deeper relational engagement within faith communities.

For parents and teachers, these insights can be particularly valuable. Understanding that students, like adults, often seek deeper meaning and authentic connection can inform how we approach education and community building. Creating environments where honest questions are welcomed and personal growth is encouraged, whether in a classroom or at home, can foster a sense of belonging and purpose.

A Clear Call for Experiential and Relational Engagement

When asked what aspects of deep discipleship resonated most, respondents consistently prioritized themes such as authentic community, hearing God more clearly, experiencing the love of Jesus more fully, becoming more loving and Christlike, emotional healing, slowing down, spiritual practices, and developing a secure inner attachment to God. The open-ended answers reinforced this, with repeated requests for “real community,” “deeper relationships,” “authentic friendship,” a “deeper connection with God,” and “real conversation about things that matter,” according to Soil & Roots.

Perhaps most encouraging for Soil & Roots was the substantial interest in deeper community: 60% of respondents answered “Yes, definitely” or “Probably” when asked if they would participate in deeper forms of community if an opportunity emerged. Furthermore, 65% expressed interest in facilitating such communities if training and support were provided. This feedback directly aligns with the organization's Greenhouse model, which involves small groups of 4-12 people meeting for two years to engage in deep discipleship.

Responding to the Hunger: The Refined Greenhouse Model

The survey results have spurred Soil & Roots to refine its Greenhouse model, which the organization states now includes a two-year journey with 30 weekly gatherings per year. Soil & Roots provides the materials and a guided pathway into deep discipleship, with each Greenhouse led by a trained facilitator. The organization offers both in-person and virtual models, providing flexibility to meet diverse needs.

According to Soil & Roots, these changes appear to be well-received, with new Greenhouses launching currently and preparations already underway for 2027. The organization expresses encouragement from the results, feeling that the refinements to their model address needs across different cultures and spiritual stages.

The work of Soil & Roots underscores a fundamental human need for connection, meaning, and growth. Whether it's through spiritual exploration or academic pursuits, the desire to go deeper and find authentic engagement is a powerful motivator. For students aiming to achieve their academic goals, exploring resources like the COSMIQ practice hub can provide structured opportunities for deeper learning and mastery.

The insights shared by Soil & Roots offer a valuable reminder that even in a world rich with information and surface-level connections, the hunger for genuine experience and profound relationship remains strong. It’s a call to foster environments that truly support individuals in their journey for 'more.'