3 Powerful Impacts of Group Culture on Congregations

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Group culture is the “way we do things.” Churches, denominations, and even committees have a group culture. While ethnicity, region, and generation impact the way a group functions, group culture gets at something deeper. In this article, I’m going to share with you 3 powerful impacts of group culture on congregations. And how you can leverage it to maximize your influence on the communities you serve.

DiSC® Model of Human Behavior

In Creating a Culture of Renewal®, we use the DiSC® model of human behavior. This model provides an easy-to-understand framework for human behavior. It names four primary behavior styles: Dominance (D), Influence (i), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). It also acknowledges that each person is a blend of all four styles. Although, one or two styles predominate in each person.

Individuals who align with the Dominance (D) style prioritize results and take a direct approach. Those in the Influence (i) category prioritize relationships and social interaction, often displaying enthusiasm and optimism. Steadiness (S) style individuals are cooperative, reliable, and value group harmony. Lastly, Conscientiousness (C) style individuals prioritize accuracy and tend to be analytical, detail-oriented, and careful in their approach. Think about your leaders and your congregation.  Do you see a healthy mix of styles, or one style that’s predominant?

By categorizing behavioral tendencies, the DiSC® model allows a deeper understanding of how individuals interact and communicate within different contexts.

Now let’s look at the 3 powerful impacts of group culture on congregations.

  1. Group Culture is Self-Perpetuating

The first impact is a potential pitfall of group culture. The culture of a group tends to perpetuate itself. For example, a confident and energetic community naturally empowers and supports individuals who thrive in that environment. A careful and conscientious environment (C) naturally rewards others who are aligned with those values.

The opposite is also true. A confident and energetic community may frown upon harmony-seekers (S), or those who prioritize careful analysis (C). Likewise, a careful and conscientious environment (C) can shut down those who display too much enthusiasm (i), or those who are risk takers (D).

Tip: Even leaders fall prey to this. We in leadership often surround ourselves with people who are similar to us and share our values. When you leave out the voices at the margin, you’re missing out on differing perspectives that are necessary for a well-rounded approach.

  1. Leaders Matter in Shaping Group Culture

The second powerful impact of group culture on congregations is that leaders greatly influence the culture of the congregation. This is true of ordained, appointed, an elected leader—whether clergy or laity. That’s because leaders attract or repel others to their ideas and initiatives through their innate qualities. Their priorities naturally shape the agenda, while their pace sets the tone for how and when tasks are accomplished. Moreover, leaders have the power to determine which conversations receive attention and provide an interpretive lens for them. They may even select other leaders who align with their values and approach.

Tip: By leveraging your unique position of authority, you can shape the group culture and foster a more inclusive and positive environment for other DiSC® styles. This requires understanding the value of different behavioral styles, as well as navigating the challenges that might arise from working with all four styles. It’s important to remain to vigilant in recognizing attempts to exclude certain styles so that you can foster a supportive atmosphere that benefits everyone.

  1. Identify Your Group Culture

The third powerful impact on group culture is the pace and preference of your group culture. Some leaders tend to be fast-paced; they are comfortable taking action without having to know every detail. Others are more moderate-paced, preferring to think things through thoroughly before making decisions. Consider the preferences of each leader. Are they more people-oriented or project-oriented? Pace and preference shape group culture.

Tip: Take a moment to think about the leaders within your congregation. This includes both official and unofficial leaders, paid and volunteer staff, committee chairpersons, experienced members, and even those who may not always agree with the majority. Make a list of each leader and their pace and preference. See if you can match that to DiSC styles.

Maximize Congregational Influence on the Community

The more open the group culture—welcoming all four behavioral styles—the more likely the community will feel welcomed as they interact with you.  Remember that each community member also has a DiSC® style that influences how they approach life. Remain open to all the kinds of people God is sending your way.

By understanding and embracing behavioral diversity, leaders can create a balanced environment: one that is adventurous, curious, open, harmonious, and caring atmosphere where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Want to learn more? Join Creating a Culture of Renewal® to continue to learn, grow, and champion a culture grounded in love, understanding, and mutual respect.

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