Creating a Thriving Kingdom Culture: Six Essential Principles for Church Leaders
Aug 15, 2024
Welcome to this week’s episode of Conversations. I am elated to dive into the crucial topic of culture within the church. As leaders, one of our greatest responsibilities is to cultivate a healthy environment where culture is defined, developed, and sustained. While culture is often a buzzword in discussions about leadership, practical advice on this subject can be sparse. Today, I am excited to share six core principles to help you build and nurture a thriving kingdom culture within your church.
1. Culture Multiplies Momentum The notion that culture can multiply momentum cannot be overstated. Building a vibrant culture isn’t about focusing on one individual but rather about fostering a collective vision. Every local church and community has its unique cultural flavor, be it a city or a business like Chick-fil-A. But our ultimate goal is to build one kingdom under one king, Jesus. As leaders, it’s imperative to share the vision clearly and quickly, creating a collective understanding and unity. A strong culture creates a sustainable momentum that propels growth and unity in the church.
Teach the Why Consistently A key to a lasting culture is consistently teaching the “why” behind every action and decision. It’s common to assume that everyone understands the reasons behind certain practices, but often they only grasp the surface. Repeatedly articulating the why—both the big and small reasons—ensures everyone is aligned and motivated. For new church plants, consider having a “DNA night” every week for the first year. This provides a platform to explain and discuss the vision, answer questions, and build a sense of community and purpose from the outset.
No Gap Between What We Preach and What We Practice: Authenticity is non-negotiable. The gap between what is preached and what is practiced must be minimal to foster a credible and effective culture. This extends beyond Sunday services to every interaction, communication, and leadership practice within the church. Leaders must embody the culture they wish to see. If you want a generous church, practice generosity. If passion in worship is a goal, then lead by example. Creating a transparent, consistent, and aligning culture ensures that it becomes deeply ingrained within the community.
Raise Sons and Daughters, Not Just Staff: Hiring staff is essential, but raising sons and daughters who embody the church’s culture and principles is paramount. This approach involves confronting issues in love, ensuring no division, and fostering a culture of honor and service. Honor should flow up, down, and all around. It’s not just about respecting those above but also valuing those whom you lead. By understanding and addressing the real lives and challenges of your congregation, you help them grow not to be more like the leadership but more like Jesus.
Define, Communicate, and Align: Clarity is critical. Leaders must be able to define the culture clearly and communicate it consistently. This includes setting timelines, providing feedback, and ensuring everyone understands and aligns with the cultural goals and values. Transparency and consistency in communication are vital for building trust and a shared vision. Culture statements should be simple, memorable, and frequently articulated. It’s also crucial to create space for feedback and discussion, allowing for fluidity in less critical practices while holding firm on core values. **6. Healthy Leaders Create Strong Vision** The most significant gift a leader can offer their team is a healthy version of themselves. This involves taking time for personal health and growth, seeking counseling, maintaining accountability, and prioritizing spiritual practices like prayer and Bible reading. A strong vision isn’t just a statement on the wall; it’s a collectively held dream that everyone understands and works towards. Consistently talking about vision and culture ensures no room for misalignment, enabling everyone to progress towards common goals.
Conclusion To recap, the six principles to build a thriving kingdom culture are:
Culture Multiplies Momentum: Foster a collective vision that transcends individuals.
Teach the Why Consistently: Regularly articulate the reasons behind practices to ensure alignment.
No Gap Between What We Preach and What We Practice: Lead with authenticity and consistency.
Raise Sons and Daughters, Not Just Staff: Develop individuals who embody the church’s culture and values.
Define, Communicate, and Align: Clearly and frequently communicate the culture to maintain alignment.
Healthy Leaders Create Strong Vision: Maintain personal health to lead effectively and create a robust vision.
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