creating culture

Creating or shaping culture is the job of every leader. If you are a leader, you ignore this task to your peril. For years I have watched people shape culture and marveled at how hard it is to explain how people do this. In other words, most people that know how to shape culture, just do it, but they can't really codify what they are doing. It just comes out of their DNA.

Ryan Stigile, in an article found on the web here:
https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/how-leaders-create-culture-every-day/

suggests that there are five ways that leaders shape culture.
1. What you say.
Be positive, kind and gracious.

2. What you celebrate.
The things that you lift up will gain some traction. Choose wisely.

3. What you spend.
Pastors have a fiduciary responsibility to be careful with church funds. After all, it is Jesus' money. The folks put it in the plate trusting that you will make very careful decisions. Bad decisions reduce giving and raise suspicion while good financial decisions engender trust and participation.

4. What you codify.
What systems are you putting in place to make things happen and keep them happening? The things that you codify, will be seen as important.

5. What you address.
Every organization has problems. Which ones will you speak into? Which ones will you ignore? You have to know when to hold em, and when to fold em. When to go all in and when to let something ride.

Finally I would add this: if you are not shaping the culture at your church, someone else is, and you may not like the result. Take the initiative and set a good tone.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
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I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs

Holy Land Trip leaving January 20, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl20012020g17768#eotours

Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ir20071320a17768#eotours