When attempting to change culture, remember the size and power of the iceberg. It’s easy to change visible artifacts, but doing so won’t automatically change values or underlying assumptions. In fact, because organizational culture is so resilient, true change can take 10 years or more depending on the size and age of the church, its leadership structure, and the nature of the organizational misalignment. Understanding and managing church organizational culture is no easy task, but if we want to be effective in ministry, the hard work with well worth the effort.

Angie Ward is a ministry leader and professor. She lives with her pastor-husband, two teenage sons, and one spoiled beagle just outside Indianapolis.

If you missed the first part of this article, read it here.