- Dr Theresa Phillips
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read

There is a lot of chatter on TikTok about sourdough bread, and the vibrant community surrounding this beloved baked good has sparked a significant interest among many, including myself.
The videos showcasing the intricate process of creating the perfect loaf, from nurturing a starter to the final bake, have captured my attention and ignited a desire to delve into this culinary adventure.
It peaked my interest, especially as I reflect on my own past experiences with bread-making. I remember when I attempted to make bread as a young mother; it was such a disaster that it literally SUNK when we tried to feed the ducks at the river.
The embarrassment of watching my poorly crafted loaf flop into the water made me wonder how the fish felt about my failed attempt at baking.
Perhaps they were confused or even grateful for the unexpected meal! After that experience, I decided to quit baking bread altogether, thinking it was simply beyond my capabilities.
Fast forward to the present, and here I am, now 30 years later, feeling a renewed sense of courage and determination to give bread-making another shot!
This time, I am armed with more knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the art of baking. It's especially inspiring when you have an awarded Bakery Chef in your church who is willing to share his expertise and guidance.
His insights and encouragement have been invaluable, providing me with the confidence I need to embark on this journey.
Since April, my husband and I have embraced a lifestyle of homesteading. This shift was largely influenced by my serious illness last year, which required major surgery.
That experience was a wake-up call, prompting me to make significant changes in my life. Planning and planting the garden has become a therapeutic activity for me, allowing me to reconnect with God's Creation and find joy in nurturing living things.
The satisfaction of watching my plants grow has been incredibly rewarding, and it has fueled my desire to expand my culinary skills, particularly in baking sourdough bread.
To kick off my sourdough adventure, I initially bought a starter, but unfortunately, it didn’t work as I had hoped. Thankfully, Chef John came to the rescue with a simple yet effective starter idea:
mixing 1/3 warm water (NOT TAP) with 1/3 bread flour.
diligently blended and added equal amounts daily, nurturing my starter with care.
At first, the smell was quite off-putting, leading me to think I had made a mistake. However, I soon realized that what I was experiencing was the fermentation process, and a week later, I proudly made my first loaf of bread. Although it turned out pretty flat, it felt like a monumental achievement. Encouraged by this small victory, Chef John then provided me with a detailed recipe for sourdough, and to my delight, it worked beautifully!
Well then, as if by divine inspiration, the Lord impressed upon me the idea to start a bake stand for our charity, Be A Hero A To A Hero. This initiative has been a labor of love, and we quickly set to work raising funds to support our cause. We even acquired a shed to serve as our bake sale stand .
So far, we have had 8 bakers join our team, and the camaraderie and support we share have been incredibly rewarding.
We are truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our community in this way.
But back to making the bread—there's something profoundly spiritual about the process. Jesus said He is the bread of life, and I find comfort in that truth as I experiment with my baking.
I don’t feel guilty about indulging in this passion; instead, I see it as a way to express creativity and share joy with others. I'm learning how to make different kinds of breads, from crusty sourdough loaves to sweet, soft brioche. I even received an order recently, and I couldn't resist including samples of my hand formulated skincare products as well!
One thing I know for certain is this: making bread is an art form, and I am bound and determined to become an artist in my own right. I’m still working on perfecting my techniques with yeast, sourdough, and sweet breads, and I must say it’s an incredibly rewarding journey.
Yet, amidst all this baking, I am still creating skincare products and loving that aspect of my life too. All in my free time of being a pastor of an incredible church.
It fills my heart with joy to see the Spirit of Esther come alive in women around me. O, thank you, Lord; you are so wonderful!
As I rise at 5 AM for the bake stand, I often find myself reflecting on the words, “In the beginning, GOD created…” This phrase resonates deeply with me, reminding me of the beauty and creativity that God instills in each of us. Have a great day, folks! If you want a recipe or tips on sourdough or any other type of bread, just ask—I would be more than happy to share!
Blessings
Theresa