Every church has priorities they believe are more important than anything else. These values shape the culture of a church. Culture is critical, it’s huge, it’s what every single person that walks through the doors of your church will feel and experience (including you). So here are a few things I’ve learned along the way about culture: 

1. The culture you think you have may not be what people actually experience.

Are the values you and your team believe in the most actually shaping the culture of your church, or are they good ideas that haven’t been activated? In other words, are your values aspirational or actual? 

Aspirational values are the ones we put on our website, what we want to be. They’re the best case scenario. They’re the ones we talk about when we’re trying to inspire people. They’re idealistic but many times not realistic. What’s real, what your culture actually is - that’s what people experience in your parking lot, in your atrium, in your children’s ministry, in your auditorium. Yes, they pick up on culture from the platform, but they feel it based on how they’re treated by you, your team, your volunteers, and the person sitting next to them. No pressure.

2. Culture starts with the lead pastor.

3. A healthy culture takes a lot of work.

Healthy culture takes constant reinforcement. It’s the result of intentional language, behavioral patterns, and expressed values modeled by leadership and implemented at every level of the organization. Vision leaks, so look for ways to champion your values and celebrate the culture when you see it in action. Pro tip: Share stories of staff or members of your church who are living it out!