5 Ways to Implement Culture Change in Your Church

5 Ways to Implement Culture Change in Your Church

I’ve been in many churches over the years. The first big church I attended had nearly 10,000 seats. It was breathtaking—until I met the people who actually went there.

I’m not easily offended, but the judgment I encountered was over the top. I was visiting with a large group, and apparently, we seemed suspicious or “up to something.” I was questioned, asked to sit in the back, and after the service, shown the door.

How could this happen? This was supposed to be a church—a place where everyone is welcomed.

Here’s the answer: Culture. Culture trumps everything. If you, as a pastor, don’t lead the culture, your people will decide it for you.

So, what is culture? I think of it this way: Culture is the way you make people feel when they walk into the room.

You’ve probably heard it before—culture starts in the parking lot.

Here are five practical ways you can start shaping your church culture—starting this Sunday.

1. Model the Culture

You are the example everyone will follow. As the pastor, you are the #1 culture leader. If you want a friendly church, be friendly—from the pulpit, in the atrium, and in the parking lot.  Sorry, Staying in the greenroom won’t work.

Tell true stories about encounters you’ve had at the coffee shop, dentist office, or grocery store. Share how you encouraged someone and invited them to church.

If possible, personally greet first-time guests every Sunday. Culture is caught, not just taught.

“If you don’t drive culture, it will drive you.”

2. Observe the Room

Take a few Sundays to watch what’s happening before the service begins.

Ask leaders to “spy” on the parking lot and monitor how people are being welcomed. Ask yourself:

• Do volunteers huddle with friends instead of greeting newcomers?
• Are we ignoring the single mom juggling three kids at check-in?
• Are we using insider language from the stage that outsiders won’t understand?

“Culture lives in the small moment”.

3. Train Leaders on Culture First

Your leaders are your culture carriers. Hold regular meetings focused on culture—not just logistics.

If possible, meet somewhere outside the church. Homes and restaurants create a more relaxed environment where culture can be observed, discussed, and shaped.

4. Teach Vision and Culture Often

Reinforce your mission and vision at least six times a year—preferably more.

The difference between a good church and a great church often comes down to culture. If you let culture “just happen,” you risk creating a cold, overly religious environment. Weave vision and culture into your sermons, leadership meetings, and volunteer trainings.

People need to hear it repeatedly before it sinks in.

5. Put It in Writing

Work with your staff and leaders to create a “Culture Commandments” list. Spell out the behaviors you want from volunteers and leaders.

For example:

• Smile.
• Always believe the best in people.
• Don’t point—walk people to their destination.
• Don’t complain in public.

The clearer you are, the less room there is for unhealthy culture to grow.

“Design your culture before it designs you”

Jesus and Culture

Jesus is the ultimate model of healthy culture. He created a movement built on love, grace, and forgiveness. His followers, shaped by His example, changed the world.

Closing Challenge:

Culture doesn’t shift by accident—it changes because leaders decide it will. Every Sunday is a fresh chance to model, teach, and reinforce the kind of church you dream of leading. When we commit to creating a culture that looks like Jesus, we create an environment where people feel seen, valued, and loved—and in that kind of culture, lives are changed for eternity.