Church culture: 'But we've always done it that way'

In every church, there is an often unseen influence that can bring life and progress to a congregation or leave it stagnated. This influence is church culture.

Frequently overlooked and under-appreciated, culture is always present. It shapes the way we think, behave, and interact with one another. Understanding the significance of our church culture is essential, for effective evangelism, growth and pastoral care.

Church culture is a shared set of values, beliefs, and behaviours that characterise our congregation. Unlike a shared theology, culture is an unwritten code that influences how we connect, make decisions, and perceive our roles within the church community. Culture encompasses everything – from worship styles and dress codes to leadership approaches and communication styles. It’s the ‘personality’ of our church, and like any personality, it has a profound impact on every aspect of life within our congregation. It also significantly impacts the experience of anyone visiting or joining us.

Culture constantly influences and is always experienced, so we must be aware of our culture and the impact it has. If we want a specific culture, that won’t happen by accident. It takes thought, time and effort. Culture is like soil, something will always grow out of it, but if we want flowers and not weeds, then we must cultivate our soil with intention. Churches need healthy and positive cultures to grow positive and healthy people and ministries.

Benefits of healthy culture

1. Encourages engagement and participation: A healthy culture creates a sense of belonging and purpose among our members. When people feel valued and part of a supportive community, they are not just more active, but they’re also more likely to volunteer, contribute financially, and participate in church activities.
2. Attracts and retains members: In today’s diverse and often secular society, a strong church culture is a significant differentiator. People seek environments where they can grow spiritually and feel a sense of community. A church known for its welcoming and supportive culture will attract new members and retain its existing ones, creating a vibrant congregation.
3. Improves collaboration and communication: Culture shapes the way information flows and how we collaborate. An open and inclusive culture encourages transparent communication and teamwork. When members trust each other and feel safe to express ideas and concerns without fear of judgment, our church community thrives. This collaborative spirit can lead to innovative ministry and outreach programmes.
4. Shapes outreach and ministry: The way we feel about our community translates directly into how we engage in ministry. A church with a positive, healthy culture will naturally extend those values to its external mission, leading to greater community impact and growth.

There is a danger in the church that we do what we do because we always have. Perhaps we’ve been shaped by an interpretation of Scripture, a specific leader, or outside influence, and don’t recognise that culture is important, because we believe we are following the word of God. And yet, even churches with the most studied theologians or experienced leaders can unintentionally create spaces that decrease morale, limit growth, and maybe even cause significant harm.

Creating and maintaining a positive church culture requires dedicated effort. Leaders need to recognise their vital role in shaping the culture, because they set the standards and tone for everyone else.

Setting the culture you desire starts with a review of your current culture, and defining what you want your culture to be. It can be hard to know where to start, but Thirtyone:eight has created a ‘culture cube’ that encourages people to get talking by asking key questions about how healthy your culture is. You can get one at https:/thirtyoneeight.org/shop

In conclusion, looking after your church culture is not a luxury but a necessity. For those who have yet to recognise its power, it’s time to look beyond the way things have always been done and embrace a culture that encourages healthy community and spiritual growth. Our church’s future depends on it.