Every church has its own unique culture that is shaped by a variety of factors. The culture of a church refers to the beliefs, attitudes, customs, social practices, and overall feel of a congregation. There are many elements that contribute to forming the culture within a church community.
Leadership
One of the biggest determinants of church culture is the leadership. The pastor, elders, deacons, and other leaders set the tone and vision for the church. Their teaching, priorities, personalities, and leadership style filter down into the congregation and inform the culture. For example, a pastor who emphasizes sound doctrine and expository preaching will cultivate a church focused on theological depth and biblical study. Or a leadership team passionate about evangelism and outreach will foster an outward-focused culture within the church body. The qualities and focus of the leaders have a profound impact on the culture that emerges.
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7)
History
The history and heritage of a local church also contribute to its culture. Long-standing traditions, stories of the past, and influential former leaders help shape the identity of a congregation over decades. The practices, ministries, and legacy that have been passed down through the years leave an imprint on the culture. Recent changes in leadership or direction can also have a cultural impact for good or ill. Paying attention to the history of a church provides insight into how the current culture came to be.
“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4)
Demographics
The makeup of a congregation in terms of age, family status, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status tends to shape its culture. For example, a predominantly elderly church will likely have different cultural characteristics than a young hipster church plant. A small country church draws from a different demographic pool than an urban megachurch. The shared background and life experiences of the people who make up the majority at a church influence its culture and atmosphere. Understanding who is present usually explains why the culture feels the way it does.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
Location & Facilities
Another contributor to church culture is geography and the facilities involved. A massive arena-style auditorium enables different ministry expressions than a small crowded storefront. Rural small-town churches absorb some of the culture around them, just as inner-city churches do. Styles of architecture, worship spaces, classrooms, and gathering areas all impact the possibilities for ministry and the shared experiences of the congregation. The physical nature of the church facilities and location have subtle but real influence on culture.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Worship Style
The style and form of the worship service communicates a great deal about a church’s theological convictions and ministry priorities. Choices about music, technology, the arts, preaching, and the use of liturgy or open spirit-led expressions all reflect underlying values that shape culture. What is considered excellent and important during corporate worship tends to filter down into the shared ethos of the community. Whether traditional, contemporary, or blended, the worship culture sends messages about deeper realities.
“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalm 100:1-2)
Programs & Ministries
The programs, ministries, and activities of a church reveal its culture priorities in action. What is actually done week in and week out goes beyond mission statements and marketing to expose true values. For instance, an active prison ministry exhibits concern for those who are incarcerated. Hosting ESL classes demonstrates commitment to serving immigrants. The budget allocation also highlights significant ministries in real dollar terms. Where time, money, and effort are being spent discloses what matters most.
“And he gave…the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Preaching & Teaching
Preaching and teaching form the theological backbone of a church and have deep impact on its culture. What biblical truths get emphasized week after week in the pulpit or classroom shape the thinking and convictions of the congregation. Certain doctrines like the sovereignty of God or the authority of Scripture when stressed consistently produce a noticeable effect on the spiritual environment. Solid expository preaching fosters a learning culture, while topical sermons hit on practical life topics. The preaching diet feeds the shared theological values.
“He said in his teaching, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces.'” (Luke 20:46)
Relating & Fellowship
The ways relationships are built and people connect with one another also contribute to the social climate of a church. Whether there is a focus on small groups, serving teams, classes, or informal social gatherings makes a difference. A strong emphasis on hospitality within congregational life breeds a warm, welcoming culture. Initiatives to develop meaningful relationships between church members in various venues represent an investment in community. The nature of Christian fellowship both reflects and reinforces culture.
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42)
Discipleship & Maturity
Churches committed to discipleship and spiritual maturation tend to cultivate a learning culture aimed at growth and transformation. Opportunities for mentorship, life-on-life Ministry, and biblical counsel shape the ethos. The presence of an intentional pathway for making disciples who make disciples influences the expectations placed upon members. Leadership development pipelines and demands for ministerial excellence further a culture devoted to deep work and lasting fruit. Discipling relationships change lives and thereby congregation culture.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20a)
Outreach & Evangelism
Some churches orient their culture outwardly toward those who don’t know Jesus yet. Community service initiatives, prayer walking, and sharing the gospel shape the lifestyle of the members. Training for personal evangelism and sending short-term mission teams cast vision for kingdom impact beyond the walls. The church becomes a base camp for reaching their neighborhood and nations abroad. Concern for redemption stories starts to permeate the shared ethos in view of eternity. Engagement with outsiders even transforms inside perspectives.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'” (Isaiah 6:8)
Multiethnic Diversity
Churches serious about expressing the multiethnic nature of God’s kingdom in their congregations take practical steps that influence culture. Intentionality about inclusion and representation in leadership communicates value for diversity. Culturally intelligent preaching and teaching provide perspective. Honoring different ethnic heritage months and holidays demonstrates awareness and sensitivity. Pursuing meaningful integration reshapes the collective experience and breaks down walls of division.
“Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” (Colossians 3:11)
Theology & Doctrine
Sound theology and doctrine establish foundations that permeate church culture. The content of what is taught, whether from the pulpit, in membership classes, or small groups, builds shared conviction. Getting the gospel, the character of God, the nature of humanity wrong eventually distorts cultural perspectives. Accurate handling of Scripture and key doctrines protects the community from drifting. Right thinking about God leads to right living for God together. Orthodoxy undergirds orthopraxy.
“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16)
Member Involvement
The congregation shapes culture as well through member influence and engagement. Passive spectators create a different environment than active participants. Diversity of gifts exercised in the body builds up community. Ownership that comes with contributing time, resources, and talents generates a spirit of volunteerism and humility. People stepping up when needs arise models sacrificial service. The call is for everyone to belong and believe, but also behave like the church locally and globally.
“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)
In summary, church culture arises from a variety of sources. Leadership, heritage, demographics, facilities, worship, programs, teaching, discipleship, outreach, diversity, theology, and membership involvement all contribute to the overall feel and shared experiences of a congregation. Examining these factors can help paint a picture of a church’s culture.