One of the greatest insights I’ve gained from working with thousands of churches around the world is that creating a healthy church culture is indispensable to multiplying deeply transformed disciples and leaders. To help you begin thinking about what this might look like in your own church, I’ve identified six characteristics or marks of what we call today, an emotionally healthy church culture:
- Slowed-Down Spirituality
- Integrity in Leadership
- Beneath-the-Surface Discipleship
- Healthy Community
- Passionate Marriage and Singleness
- Every Person in Full-Time Ministry
In this podcast, I explore the first and most important characteristic of this culture – a slowed down spirituality. This is a church culture where people refuse to allow a hurried world to set the pace for their lives. Instead they choose to live by rhythms that are slower and more deliberate. They set aside time each day to immerse themselves in Scripture, silence, and solitude, which are foundational practices for their communion with Jesus. Their doing for God flows out of being with God. They remain profoundly aware that, apart from abiding in Jesus, it is impossible to bear lasting fruit—as individuals and as a community.
Let me invite you to download our free e-book upon which this podcast is based, Church Culture Revolution: A 6-Part Vision that Deeply Changes Lives. Each characteristic is summarized on those pages. After the description of each characteristic, you will also find a quick assessment tool and then questions for personal reflection and team discussion.
Enjoy the podcast!
