Does your congregation's culture support your mission?

Healthy, thriving church cultures don’t happen by chance.  God builds them through leaders who deliberately focus on the culture needed to help the congregation fulfill its purpose. You can be one of them.

About the Workshop

What is Shadow of the Leader?

A workshop from WELS Congregational Services that equips pastors to recognize their influence and intentionally shape their congregation's culture.

Through engaging discussion, practical models, and biblical insight pastors and leaders explore the skills necessary to lead a culture change. Attendees leave equipped to lead a culture shift in their congregation using our tools.

What you'll explore:

  • The importance and impact of your leadership shadow.
  • How culture can help or hinder your congregation’s ability to fulfill the mission of the church.
  • Leadership factors that support culture change.
  • The Be • Do • Pursue framework for preparing to lead a culture shift.
  • Tools & tips for avoiding common obstacles and issues that can pop up during culture change.

Workshop Prep

Prepare for your workshop.

Watch a 6-minute video and choose a breakout session so you’re ready to go.

Post Workshop Resources

Continue your journey.

To help you apply what you've learned and continue shaping your congregation’s culture, we’ve created a library of resources you can access anytime.

Whether you need a refresher, deeper exploration, or a structured path forward, these resources will guide and equip you for lasting impact.

Culture Basics

Culture Basics

Changing congregational culture requires clarity, intentionality, and persistence—and it starts with understanding some basics.

  • Healthy vs. Unhealthy Congregational Culture Examples
  • 5 Principles of Culture Change
Culture Change Course Map

Culture Change Course Map

Shaping congregational culture isn’t a quick fix—it’s a journey that requires awareness, intention, and steady leadership. The Culture Change Course Map serves as a guide to help congregations navigate this journey, offering a structured path for leaders seeking to influence culture in alignment with their church’s mission.

Culture Basics

Changing congregational culture requires clarity, intentionality, and persistence—and it starts with understanding some basics.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Congregational Culture Examples
5 Principles of Culture Change

Culture Change Course Map

Shaping congregational culture isn’t a quick fix—it’s a journey that requires awareness, intention, and steady leadership. The Culture Change Course Map serves as a guide to help congregations navigate this journey, offering a structured path for leaders seeking to influence culture in alignment with their church’s mission.