Throughout my years of ministry, I have spoken very little about Church culture. In fact, it makes me slightly nervous to address it, since the Bible never does it directly. So I want to cautiously inform people about the type of culture the leaders create in a Church.

Culture is the environment created when people interact with one another. It is the way people speak to one another, the attitudes they display, the ideas they share, and the actions they value the most. Everywhere you go, a different type of culture is on display, even in the Church.

Personally, I strive to focus on two primary areas of culture in the ministries I lead. First, I want people to view themselves in a godly way. I want them to be honest about their flaws, overwhelmingly thankful for grace, and able to laugh at themselves. Second, I want them to treat others as better than themselves (Phil 2:3). This means they welcome strangers with kindness, speak well of others, and make choices that improve the lives of those around them.

I push back against a culture that thinks they are doing everything right. They believe they have the best Church in town, have the entire Bible figured out without flaw, and you are not a good Christian if you go anywhere else. Yes, I believe in standing for the truth of Scripture and striving to be the best we can be, but that does not mean taking ourselves too seriously and thinking we have everything perfect.

The way people feel when they attend the Church I lead is crucial to me. The way they view themselves and others should be filled with grace and love. Scripture is essential. Doctrine is vital. Discipleship is non-negotiable. And culture is how we experience those things, which makes it an important consideration for every believer in each Christian community.