INTRODUCTION
Culture can feel abstract—hard to define and even harder to measure.
But it shows up in what your congregation values, prioritizes, and practices day in and day out. Below are real-world examples that help clarify the difference between healthy and unhealthy congregational culture.
Use this list not as a report card, but as a mirror. Where do you see your congregation reflected? Where could you to grow?
Healthy Culture
People trust God to accomplish what he wants through his Word.
People prioritize the needs and wants of others above their own personal preferences.
People are willing to give of their resources to a degree that it affects their lifestyle.
There is a willingness to appraise ministry efforts to determine if they are meeting goals.
People are willing to engage in activities that might be scary/uncomfortable for them, because they know it is vital to the mission.
Members genuinely care for one another.
People approach service with passion.
New ideas are welcomed; people look for the kernel of good in new ideas.
Members realize they have a role to play.
Members know the church’s mission and do not let minor things sidetrack that mission.
There is an awareness that man’s time of grace is limited; death or judgment day can be any moment.
Both at church and in members’ personal lives, there is a desire to welcome guests and build relationships.
People demonstrate the bliss of knowing their eternity is secure; others are uplifted by that attitude.
Members are viewed as doers of ministry, not just consumers of ministry.
Unhealthy Culture
People want the church to cater to their personal preferences.
There is care for members, but little concern about the lost.
There is no significant assessment that drives improvement; people just accept things as they are, rather than trying to make ministry efforts better.
No one cares about ministry or whether the congregation is in decline; “whatever happens, happens.”
Pastor’s plate is the default landing zone for various tasks and programs, pulling hm from his role per Ephesians 4:11-16.
Decisions are made to appease a specific member(s) for some reason; that member enjoys that special influence.
The preservation of an institution (e.g., church, school, ministry tactic) is viewed as the end, rather than the means to the end (which is Christ’s mission and glory).
People talk about how their church is better than other churches.
Not wanting “those type of people” in the church.
Members do not distinguish between what must not change, what can change, and what must change.
Customs are retained simply because they are customs; there is no consideration of whether or not that custom still serves the gospel well.
There is an implication that “true Christians” must take certain stances on civil policies.
One can be a member in good standing despite being persistently absent.