INTRODUCTION
What are your thoughts?
Explore is the first step in your Culture Change journey. It’s not about rushing to solutions, but about asking good questions, listening well, and creating a shared understanding.
This step is about listening—deeply and broadly—to your congregation to identify culture challenges, blind spots, and shared hopes.
Before starting this phase, confirm the following:
Before moving on to the next step (Target), the following should be true:
Key Takeaways
The Explore step is all about setting the stage for successful culture change. One aspect of that is a shared belief that the benefit of culture change will be worth the effort. That means there needs to be:
- A mutual understanding of the current challenges
- Agreement that we can help our ministry by improving our culture
Both of these are supported by soliciting and using the input of the congregation at large. 1-on-1 conversations (and/or focus groups in not-so-small congregations) using the Exploring Our Culture forms accomplishes this.
There is another aspect of culture change supported by this approach. Namely, people need to see this is happening with them, not to them. Addressing this emotional aspect of change is just as important as addressing the rational aspect.
Tools Available to You
This culture journey is not a one-size-fits-all program. It’s a framework—a flexible guide designed to help congregations of all shapes, sizes, and situations explore and shape their unique culture.
One key factor that influences how this journey plays out is the size of the congregation. That’s why we’ve developed tools to support churches large and small. Whether you’re using one-on-one member visits or group-focused discussions, you can customize this step to fit your context. Use what’s helpful. Adapt what you need. The goal is the same: listen well, learn deeply, and take meaningful steps toward a healthier culture.
For All Congregations
Medium+ Congregations
Coming Soon
- Explore Deep Dive
- Facilitating Focus Groups
- Choosing CCT Members
- CCT Charter Form
- Explore Summary Presentation Template
Why This Matters
Explore is not just a box to be checked.
The Explore phase is foundational to lasting culture change. It’s not just about gathering input; it’s about building mutual understanding and emotional investment across your congregation.
When people see that this is happening with them—not to them—it changes how they engage. This step ensures there is both clarity about current challenges and a shared belief that culture change is worth the effort. It also provides space for people to be heard, to reflect, and to start seeing their role in what’s ahead.
While it may be tempting to rush into planning or action, skipping this phase risks building on shaky ground. Explore is where trust is built, blind spots are surfaced, and alignment begins to form. Take the time. Be curious. Listen deeply. That’s how meaningful, Spirit-led transformation starts.