Culture Change Course Map

Build

You’ve listened. You’ve clarified. Now it’s time to live it.

Build Quick Overview

INTRODUCTION

This is who we are...now.

The Build phase is where culture change takes root—not in plans or presentations, but in people’s habits, behaviors, and shared expectations. It’s where your congregation starts doing the “To”—and over time, it simply becomes “who we are.”

Before starting this phase, confirm the following:

  • 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.

How do you know you're "done"?

There’s no final checklist for Build—because the end goal is transformation that lasts. But you’ll know the shift has taken hold when:

  • Your congregational culture, aligned with your From | To shifts, looks and feels noticeably different.
  • People are aware of the role culture plays and talk about it openly and intentionally.
  • Members and leaders alike have demonstrated culture change skills they can now apply to future challenges or opportunities.

There’s usually no formal “wrap-up” for this phase—because once culture shifts, it simply becomes the new normal. That said, don’t forget to celebrate. Show appreciation for your Congregational Culture Team (CCT) and all those who led the way.

Key Takeaways

This isn’t a step-by-step ladder—it’s more like stretching a rubber band. People will move at different paces. Some will struggle. Some will race ahead. What matters most is how you, as leaders, respond when things don’t go smoothly. Your tone, resilience, and consistency set the pace for your congregation.

Real change takes time. The good news? By now, your people have already started living the future. Keep nudging. Keep modeling. Keep going.

Stay focused on where you're headed. Celebrate and reinforce behaviors that reflect the “To” culture, rather than dwelling on those who aren’t there yet.

Because this isn’t just a new initiative—it’s your new identity.

For All Congregations

Build Quick Overview
Scriptural Principles of Man and Woman Roles

Coming Soon

  • Build Deep Dive
  • From | To Bible Studies
    • Institutional Preservation to Zealous Gospel Proclamation
    • Called Workers to Members
    • Comfortable to Cross-bearing Christians
    • Status Quo Mindset to Thoughtful Exploration
    • From Decline to Renewal