Culture Change Course Map

Target

If Explore is about listening and understanding, Target is about clarity and direction.

INTRODUCTION

"Who do we want to be when we grow up?"

Your congregation undoubtedly embodies many aspects of that desired culture. The goal isn’t to change everything, but rather focus on the select few items (maybe even just one!), that will most impact your ability to fulfill the mission of the church.

Target focuses on defining a shared picture of your desired future and outlining specific shifts in thought, behavior, and congregational “norms” that will help get you there.

Before starting this phase, confirm the following:

  • Broad communication of the Explore Summary Presentation—at least 80% of your core members have engaged with it.
  • Congregational buy-in that culture change can benefit your ministry.
  • A Congregational Culture Team (CCT) has been identified.
  • (Optional for small congregations, not a bad idea for medium ones, needed for large congregations) CCT charter prepared.
  • (Optional) An initial set of From | To shifts defined in that charter.

Before moving on to the Build phase, make sure you've completed:

  • A finalized list of From | To culture shifts.
  • An initial set of Dos for Tos—concrete behaviors that reflect the “To” side of the shift.
  • An Artifact Action List (shoot for at least two artifacts for every Do item on the Dos for Tos list) to introduce new activator triggers and remove or replace anchor triggers.
  • A basic Build Plan that outlines how we’ll communicate the previous items, when the congregation will start individual Dos for Tos, how we’ll check progress and reinforce it.
  • A Target Summary Presentation Presentation (also known as the Build Kickoff) shared broadly with the congregation so 80% of core members have seen and all members have been exposed.

Key Takeaways

Target begins with naming your From | To culture shifts. These describe the transformation you hope to see in how people think, act, and relate to one another. But Target doesn’t stop there—it gets practical. What do people need to do differently to reflect the “To”? How will old habits be bypassed or artifacts changed to support the shift?

This is where your Congregational Culture Team plays a vital role. They help define the Dos for Tos, identify culture artifacts that either activate or block healthy habits, and shape the initial rollout plan. They become stewards of clarity and consistency as your church prepares to build new norms.

If Explore was about listening, Target is about seeing—who you are becoming, and how you’ll begin living that out.

More Information Coming Soon!

More resources are on the way! We’re finalizing practical tools to help you take the next step in shaping your congregation’s culture. If you joined us at a workshop, we’ll let you know as soon as they’re ready.

Time to Build? Get Started.