DALLAS, TX – In the heart of North Texas, where the aroma of slow-smoked hickory wood has defined community gatherings for over half a century, a new kind of lesson is being served. Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, a staple of the regional culinary landscape since 1974, has announced a landmark partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources, one of the world’s largest providers of Christian curriculum and educational materials. This collaboration has culminated in the filming of a special episode of the nationally recognized children’s ministry video series, Explore the Bible on Location, produced right in the heart of a working Texas smokehouse.

The partnership represents a unique intersection of Texas culture, corporate social responsibility, and faith-based education. By utilizing the fast-paced, disciplined environment of a professional barbecue restaurant, the series aims to teach children across the United States the fundamental values of leadership, teamwork, and service.

Main Facts: A Smokehouse Becomes a Classroom

The centerpiece of this partnership is a newly released educational video filmed at the Soulman’s Bar-B-Que location in Red Oak, Texas. The Explore the Bible on Location series is a staple for thousands of churches and Sunday School programs nationwide. Its mission is to take children "on location" to real-world environments where biblical principles can be demonstrated through practical, everyday activities.

In the Red Oak episode, Soulman’s CEO Brett Randle stepped away from the executive suite and into the kitchen, joining series host Joel Mylin. Together, they navigated the complexities of a high-volume barbecue operation to illustrate spiritual and life lessons. The episode focuses on several core pillars:

• Leadership and Mentorship: Demonstrating how experienced pitmasters pass down generational knowledge to newer staff.
• Following Instructions: The precision required in "low and slow" smoking—where a few degrees or a specific wood type makes all the difference—serves as an analogy for following guidance in life.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Showing how the "front of house" and "back of house" must operate in harmony to serve a community.
• The Spirit of Service: Highlighting the restaurant industry’s core tenet of putting others’ needs first.

The video is now being integrated into Lifeway’s national curriculum, ensuring that the sights and sounds of North Texas barbecue will reach classrooms from coast to coast.

Chronology: Fifty Years of Faith, Food, and Family

To understand the significance of this partnership, one must look at the five-decade trajectory of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. The company’s journey from a single neighborhood porch to a multi-city institution provides the context for its current focus on community investment.

The Foundation (1974–1990s)

The story began in 1974 in Pleasant Grove, Texas. Founded on the simple principles of "Texas-style BBQ and friendly, sincere service," the original Soulman’s was a family-operated endeavor. From the outset, the founders established a "Faith, Food, and Family" mantra that remains the company’s guiding star today. During these early decades, the brand focused on perfecting the art of hickory smoking, utilizing eight different types of meat and developing signature sides like their famous Texas-style cream corn and Ranch House beans.

Regional Expansion and Recognition (2000–2020)

As the brand moved into the 21st century, it expanded its footprint across North and East Texas. Despite its growth, the company maintained its "low and slow" smoking philosophy, refusing to cut corners with electric smokers or liquid smoke. This dedication to authenticity earned the brand a string of accolades. By 2018, it was being recognized by major outlets like Yahoo Finance as one of the "Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America." In 2020, Thrillist named it the "Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout & Delivery," a crucial distinction during the global pandemic.

The Modern Era and Community Integration (2021–Present)

In recent years, Soulman’s has doubled down on its role as a community pillar. This period saw the brand receive further honors, including being named one of the "Best Roadside Restaurants in America" (2024) and one of the "Best Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once" (2025). The partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources marks the latest chapter in this evolution, moving beyond local sponsorships into national educational content.

Supporting Data: The Scale of Influence

The partnership between Soulman’s and Lifeway is significant not just for its content, but for its reach. The following data points highlight the scale of the organizations involved:

Soulman’s Operational Reach

• Locations: 21 units across North and East Texas, including major hubs like Fort Worth, Allen, Rockwall, and Mesquite.
• Menu Depth: The restaurant smokes eight distinct meats daily, including brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and ribs, all over 100% hickory wood.
• Longevity: 51 years of continuous operation under family-owned leadership.

Lifeway’s Educational Impact

• National Scope: Lifeway is a primary provider of curriculum for tens of thousands of Southern Baptist and independent Christian churches.
• Explore the Bible Series: This specific curriculum is designed for all age groups, but the "On Location" video component is specifically tailored to engage the "Alpha Generation" (children born after 2010) through high-quality, fast-paced visual storytelling.

Industry Recognition

Soulman’s has consistently ranked in the top tier of American barbecue chains. Recent awards include:

• 2025: Best Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once.
• 2024: Best Roadside Restaurants in America (AOL).
• 2024: Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (The Daily Meal).

Official Responses: A Shared Vision for the Future

Leadership from both Soulman’s and the production side of the project emphasized that this was more than a promotional opportunity; it was a mission-aligned collaboration.

Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, reflected on the experience of filming in the Red Oak kitchen:
"Our restaurants have always been about more than food—they’re places where people learn, grow, and build relationships," Randle stated. "We were honored to partner with Lifeway to help create something that teaches children positive values while showing how teamwork, leadership, and service play out in everyday life. If a child learns an important lesson about responsibility or serving others while watching this video, we’re proud to have been part of that experience."

Randle further noted that the "Faith, Food, and Family" motto isn’t just a marketing slogan, but a template for how the company interacts with its neighbors. "We’re grateful for opportunities like this that allow us to give back in meaningful ways," he added.

Lifeway Production Representatives noted that the choice of Soulman’s was intentional. The production team sought an environment that felt "authentic" and "relatable." By filming in a bustling restaurant rather than a studio, they were able to capture the genuine heat, effort, and coordination required to run a successful business, making the biblical parallels more "memorable and practical" for young viewers.

Implications: The Intersection of Business and Values

The collaboration between Soulman’s and Lifeway carries several broader implications for the restaurant industry and the field of religious education.

1. The Rise of "Values-Based" Branding

In a modern market where consumers increasingly seek brands that align with their personal values, Soulman’s is positioning itself as a leader in the "Faith and Family" sector. By opening its doors to a Christian ministry series, the brand reinforces its identity to its core demographic in North Texas while introducing its values to a national audience.

2. Edutainment in Ministry

The success of the Explore the Bible on Location series highlights a shift in how religious and moral education is delivered to children. Moving away from traditional lecture-style teaching, Lifeway is utilizing "edutainment"—combining education with the high production value of travel and food shows. Using a famous BBQ joint as a backdrop makes the lessons more digestible (pun intended) for a generation raised on YouTube and social media.

3. Strengthening Local Ties

While the video has national reach, the local impact in North Texas is profound. Soulman’s 21 locations—from the suburban sprawl of Allen to the rural charm of Van—serve as community hubs. This partnership reinforces the idea that local businesses can play a role in the moral and social development of the youth in their communities.

4. The Barbecue Industry as a Model for Mentorship

The episode highlights an often-overlooked aspect of the culinary world: the apprenticeship model. In an era where "soft skills" like patience and teamwork are in high demand, the "low and slow" philosophy of Texas barbecue provides a perfect metaphor for long-term character development.

Conclusion

As Soulman’s Bar-B-Que enters its sixth decade, its partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources serves as a testament to the brand’s enduring relevance. By blending the smoke-filled traditions of Texas barbecue with the timeless lessons of leadership and service, Soulman’s is ensuring that its legacy isn’t just found on a plate, but in the character of the next generation.

For those interested in experiencing the "Faith, Food, and Family" philosophy firsthand, Soulman’s continues to operate its 21 locations across North and East Texas.

Contact Information:
Dana Cobb
[email protected]
972-955-9747
Soulmans.com

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

Founded in 1974 in Pleasant Grove, Texas, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has spent over 50 years perfecting the art of Texas-style BBQ. Family-owned and operated, the company prides itself on its "low and slow" hickory-smoked meats and traditional family recipes. With 21 locations across North and East Texas, Soulman’s is a perennial favorite on "Best of" lists nationwide.

About Lifeway Christian Resources

Lifeway is one of the world’s leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, church literature, and educational curricula. Their Explore the Bible series is a premier study resource used by thousands of churches to help individuals of all ages engage with the scriptures in a practical and transformational way.