This past summer, I had the opportunity to attend various gatherings, conferences, and meetings organized by different groups.
Despite their diverse opinions, all these organizations shared a common goal: to improve the Church and enhance the experiences of its members.
A recurring theme across these events was the need to address and change the negative “church culture” often encountered in our religious experiences.
However, as I participated in these different gatherings, I noticed an ironic pattern: the same negative cultural characteristics that these organizations sought to eliminate in the Church were present within their own structures, albeit in different forms.
For instance, during a presentation about how church culture tends to create an “us-vs-them” dynamic, the speaker inadvertently fostered a similar divisive atmosphere just minutes later.
In another case, while criticizing the orthodox nature of church culture, a presenter would later advocate for their own form of orthodoxy.
The reception of these gatherings varied widely among attendees.
While some felt welcomed and included, others experienced alienation and exclusion.
This disparity in experiences highlighted the pervasive nature of negative cultural dynamics, which can manifest in any organization, regardless of its intentions.
Reflecting on these observations reminded me of the five reasons for negative culture that I’ve previously discussed in the newsletter:
- Lack of Ability: Never learning the skills necessary for effective leadership
- Lack of an Open/Growth Mindset: Framing concepts cynically and lacking optimism
- Lack of Doctrinal Understanding
- Lack of Exposure to Others’ Life Experiences
- Lack of Self-Awareness: Failing to understand how others perceive us and our actions
This is where true leadership becomes crucial.
Regardless of the organization we’re part of, if we don’t actively address these five stimulants of negative culture, we risk perpetuating the very environment we seek to change.
Culture is potent.
Let’s do it right.
Add to the conversation and read what others think HERE.
Sincerely,
Kurt Francom
Executive Director
Leading Saints
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