Culture Basics
Understanding congregational culture is foundational to leadership.
This section includes core resources that define culture, explain why it matters, and offer starting steps for intentional culture shaping.
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Culture
A healthy congregational culture supports the mission of the church and draws people closer to Jesus. This list highlights some thought habits that can either propel or hinder that mission.
From|Tos from 2025 LRSP
The Shadow of the Leader workshop and website have both been developed to support the WELS 2025 10-year Long-range Strategic Plan priority of cultivating a gospel-driven culture.
Addendum B speaks to the importance of congregational culture and offers some specific From|To statements for congregations to consider.
5 Principles of Culture Change
Culture change isn't about quick fixes; it's about transforming shared thought habits. This article will outline five key principles to guide congregations in fostering lasting, mission-aligned cultural shifts.
Culture Change Considerations
Essential tools for navigating culture change.
Explore core ideas and tools to help you lead intentional culture change within your congregation. These resources highlight key shifts in mindset, habits, and conversations that make culture change possible—and sustainable.
Changing the Status Quo
Understand why the familiar feels safe—and how to gently invite something new.
Culture Conversations
Learn how the right questions and attitudes unlock hidden assumptions and build shared insight.
Remember Your OATTs
Tools to help you navigate the obstacles you'll experience along your culture change journey.
Culture Change Course Map
Shape your congregation’s culture with clarity and mission-minded purpose.
Changing congregational culture requires intentional leadership, clear direction, and practical steps. The Culture Change Course Map provides a structured approach to guiding your congregation through meaningful cultural shifts.
Refocus
Bring your congregation into clear alignment around why you exist and how you live out that purpose together.
Explore
Before shifting your congregation’s culture, it’s essential to understand where you're starting from—and why a change might be needed.
Target
What culture shifts will help fulfill your congregation’s purpose—and what will that look like? Clarity is key for moving forward together.
Build
Culture shifts take root through repeated action. The Build phase reinforces new thinking, celebrates progress, and gently redirects from old habits.
Reading List
Foundational reading for leading change.
These recommended resources provide research-backed frameworks and real-world wisdom for leaders seeking lasting, organization-wide change.