Ministry Culture: Thought, taught, caught

Culture is a hot topic in almost every area of life. From business and family to sport and the church, there is no shortage of books, illustrations, and research devoted to it. In Youth and Children’s ministry, however, culture isn’t just interesting—it’s foundational. A healthy culture helps us achieve our gospel and discipleship goals. It must be continually nurtured and developed as we heed Paul’s call in Romans 12 to ‘not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.’

Culture is more than a set of behaviours; it reflects our shared identity and values—whether intentionally cultivated or left to grow on its own.

One familiar yet compelling illustration on cultural growth is the mould in your shower. Left to its own devices, it will grow black and toxic. However, with regular cleaning and maintenance, your shower will sparkle and stay bright white. Maybe, like me, you sometimes forget to clean your shower—until you notice the mould is getting dark. The same can often be true for the culture in our ministries.  

I would like to suggest three steps to get your group's culture back on track (or move from strength to strength!)

A healthy group culture is thoughtfully considered, taught through example, and then caught by those in your group.

Thought

Culture must be thought about. Our theology of sin reminds us that drift is always the default. When we don’t think carefully about our life and doctrine, we slowly slide back toward unhealthy patterns—much like the mould in our showers. Scripture is clear: ‘The heart is deceitful above all things’ (Jer. 17:9). This means we must be intentional and reflective about the culture we are shaping.

Leaders need to regularly ask: Is our culture healthy? Does it reflect the gospel? Where might it be drifting? These diagnostic questions matter, but their power lies in being revisited frequently. Once you’ve clarified the culture you want, consider how you’ll recognise change and when you’ll intentionally review it again. Culture requires ongoing thought and attention.

Taught

Clarity alone isn’t enough. Once we know the culture we are seeking, we must teach it. You’ll often hear that culture is “caught, not taught,” and there’s truth in that—but not because culture can’t be taught. Rather, it’s because culture is learned primarily through example.

Culture is taught through modelling. Throughout Scripture, imitation is central to discipleship. Paul captures this clearly: ‘Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ’ (1 Cor. 11:1). Living out the culture is how it is most effectively taught.

For example, if you want a culture that is other-person-centred, you must consistently act that way. If you want patience, you must model patience. This applies not just to one leader, but to the whole team. Young people are quick to spot inconsistency. That’s why thoughtful reflection must come first—so what is taught by example aligns with what we want caught by the young people in our ministries.

Caught

Picture this: a busy Sunday morning, people spilling out of the church foyer/morning tea area. Unfortunately, one of the rostered morning tea servers couldn’t make it to church. Without being asked, one of the junior high girls jumps in and starts pouring coffee. Only a small task, but on a busy morning, those extra hands were invaluable. Leaders notice and catch each other's eye. That’s it! That is the servant-hearted, other-person-centred culture they had been working to foster among the young people in the church.

This scene (true story) came about after the leaders had thought and prayed about the culture they wanted to see in their ministry. It came about after the leaders persisted in taking other person-centred action whenever they could, alongside the young people in the church. The culture has been caught. Of course, this is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit. Yet it is a privilege to see God at work through faithful, intentional leadership.

When culture is caught, don’t forget to celebrate and encourage that young person. As they catch the culture, they will likely play a significant role in exemplifying it and teaching it to others. Once the culture is caught, it must then be revisited repeatedly, so that what grows among us reflects the gospel we proclaim.

Conclusion

When culture is caught, it’s tempting to relax. But just like the shower, culture never stays clean on its own. If we stop tending it, something else will quickly take its place. That’s why moments of healthy culture should be named, celebrated, and reinforced. Encourage those young people who model it well and invite them to become culture-setters themselves. Moments like that can be formative as when an older Christian encourages a younger to keep going, they model Christ to others.

A healthy ministry culture doesn’t happen by accident. A healthy culture is thoughtfully considered, taught through example, and then caught by those in your group.

Don’t leave culture to chance. Take responsibility for it. This week, set aside real time — in your calendar and in your next team meeting — to name the culture that is actively growing in your ministry. What behaviours are being celebrated? What attitudes are being overlooked? What stories are shaping your group?

Then, prayerfully, plan the gospel-shaped culture you long to see and decide on the concrete steps that will help you teach it, model it, and celebrate it. As we intentionally shape culture, we’re not just improving group dynamics — we’re helping young people grow into the image of Jesus, our Lord. The one who has real power to change our hearts, from which attitudes, character, and culture flow.