Bringing it All Together

Incubate the Right Culture

Creating a healthy culture within a church is paramount for fostering growth and vitality. What was the Apostle Paul’s recipe for fostering a healthy culture?

Philippians 1:3–4 CSB

3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer,

Praying for God’s people every time they entered his thoughts. Just as children thrive naturally in a nurturing environment, church leaders must cultivate a positive atmosphere that supports emerging leaders and their dreams. The church is a living organism, and the culture surrounding it can either promote or hinder its natural growth and fruitfulness. It's essential to develop a culture that encourages and sustains life, rather than stifling it. A healthy church culture is more effective than the latest programs or trendy conferences, as it attracts outsiders and promotes internal growth.

The culture in a church is profoundly influenced by how its leaders communicate values, handle errors and first and foremost, prayer for one another. Negative reactions can foster a culture of fear and performance over grace, leading to distrust and anxiety among members. Conversely, a culture built on trust, respect, and enthusiasm creates a welcoming environment where team members feel valued and supported. This positive atmosphere not only benefits the internal community but also makes the church more inviting to newcomers. Leaders must be vigilant in maintaining a culture that supports growth and addresses conflicts constructively to prevent the development of negative cultural norms.

An illustrative example is the Grand Ole Opry Hotel in Nashville, which maintains a thriving indoor environment despite the harsh outdoor conditions. This controlled atmosphere allows plants that would otherwise wither to flourish. Similarly, churches should create a protective and nurturing culture where individuals, regardless of their external struggles, can thrive within. By critically examining and nurturing the church’s atmosphere, leaders can ensure the growth and health of their community, making it a place where people are genuinely excited to see one another and work together harmoniously.

Questions to diagnose church culture:

What kind of culture do we possess?

If someone visited us for a week and simply observed, what would they conclude about our team?

What kind of atmosphere do we have? How would outsiders define our spirit or the tone of our environment?

Do our people work well with one another?

Do we listen to each other?

Does everyone demonstrate a high level of respect for one another, including top leaders for others?

Are we genuinely excited to see one another?

Cordeiro, Wayne. Doing Church as a Team (p. 213). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Raise the Value of Healthy Relationships

Healthy relationships are crucial for personal well-being and the effectiveness of ministry. Leaders often experience a low-grade discouragement due to unresolved relational issues, which can manifest as emotional and spiritual burdens. This was evident when a pastor, desperate to rejuvenate his stagnant church, sought advice. Instead of proposing new programs, the advice given was to focus on repairing and strengthening existing relationships. It was suggested that addressing unresolved conflicts and ensuring healthy connections within the community would significantly uplift the church environment, promoting a more vibrant and engaged congregation.

The pastor's story revealed deep-seated issues that had been brewing long before a dramatic and destructive event at the church. This highlighted the importance of addressing relational issues promptly. The advice was to prioritize the restoration of relationships within the church community. This involved engaging with each member personally, understanding their grievances, and resolving any underlying conflicts. By doing so, the church could rebuild trust and unity, leading to a more harmonious community. Healthy relationships were emphasized as the foundation upon which successful programs and initiatives could flourish, rather than introducing new ideas without resolving the existing discord.

Moreover, fostering healthy relationships within a church not only benefits the internal community but also creates a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. Visitors can often sense unresolved conflicts and tension, which can deter them from becoming part of the community. By nurturing a culture of healthy relationships and genuine connections, a church can become a place where people feel accepted and valued. This culture of openness and friendliness attracts individuals seeking meaningful connections and support. Thus, maintaining healthy relationships is essential not only for the current members but also for the church's growth and outreach, ensuring it remains a beacon of hope and community for all.

Live to Make Others Successful

Philippians 2:1–4 CSB

1 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.

In a team-oriented church, leaders strive to make other team members successful, fostering a selfless spirit that benefits the whole ministry. Each member's well-being directly influences the collective health, much like the organs of a body working together for mutual benefit. If one part falters, it affects the entire system. This principle ensures efficient operation and harmony within the church, aligning with Jesus' teaching about losing one's life to save it. For instance, just as the lungs support a healthy heart not only for the heart’s sake but also for their own well-being, so too do church members support one another for the greater good of the whole community. By living for one another rather than for ourselves, we release a positive and life-affirming atmosphere that pervades the entire church community.

For a pastor, the congregation's functionality is crucial; the success of each ministry area impacts the overall church experience. From setup crews to worship teams and children's ministries, every role is vital. Encouraging and supporting each other leads to shared success and a thriving, vibrant church community. Conversely, unresolved struggles can cause discouragement and stagnation, underscoring the importance of mutual support and teamwork. Consider the impact if the setup crew doesn't show up on Sabbath morning—the entire service would be in jeopardy. Similarly, if the worship team is plagued by internal conflicts, it disrupts the flow of worship and affects everything else in the service. Ministries like children's programs are equally important; if they falter, it creates a ripple effect that throws the entire church's functioning off balance. Health gives birth to health, and disease leads to more disease, making it imperative to foster a supportive and cohesive team environment. When every member of the team is cared for and feels fulfilled, the church moves forward smoothly, like a well-tuned vehicle cruising down the highway, bringing joy and fulfillment to everyone involved.

Stewarding Authority

2 Corinthians 13:10 CSB

10 This is why I am writing these things while absent, so that when I am there I may not have to deal harshly with you, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.

Paul emphasizes that the authority in the church should be used to uplift and build people rather than tear them down. He illustrates this point through a personal story from his time in Bible college. Nervous about performing at a convention, he struggled but continued despite his fear. After the performance, a respected pastor approached him, acknowledged his anxiety, and praised his perseverance, which encouraged him greatly.

The pastor's words highlighted the importance of loving Jesus more than seeking human approval. He reminded Wayne that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to press on despite it. This moment of encouragement was pivotal for Wayne, reinforcing the idea that authority should be used to support and inspire others, not to criticize or diminish them. The pastor’s gentle guidance and affirmation left a lasting impact on Wayne's ministry.

Wayne concludes that God readily bestows authority on those who use it to build others up. He urges church leaders to employ their authority to encourage and develop people’s potential. By doing so, they not only fulfill God's purpose but also enhance the strength and unity of the church community. The lesson Wayne learned from the pastor's stewardship of authority continues to influence his approach to ministry, underscoring the power of positive reinforcement and support.

Watch Your Starting Points

Wayne Cordeiro, emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are in their personal growth and understanding. He shares a personal experience from a church softball game where he learned a valuable lesson about recognizing that everyone is doing their best, regardless of their mistakes or level of maturity. This realization came when he replaced a struggling player, John, only to make similar errors himself, leading to an epiphany about empathy and patience.

Cordeiro recounts how his initial reaction was one of frustration and disappointment, but a divine prompt reminded him that everyone, including John, was trying their best. This incident highlighted the importance of starting from the perspective of others and understanding their efforts rather than judging based on performance. Cordeiro's experience serves as a metaphor for leadership and team-building within the church, where fostering growth and maturity should be prioritized over criticism.

Ultimately, Cordeiro's lesson from the softball game underlines the significance of compassion in leadership. By recognizing and appreciating the efforts of each team member, leaders can create an environment where individuals feel supported and encouraged to grow. This approach not only builds stronger teams but also aligns with the core values of empathy and understanding that are essential in nurturing a healthy church community.

Benediction

Romans 15:5–6 ISV

5 Now may God, the source of endurance and encouragement, allow you to live in harmony with each other as you follow the Messiah Jesus, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you might glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah.