Creating Culture

     There are so many tips and tricks that can help make a Crossroads Kids Club (or any children's ministry program) run smoothly. I have shared some of my ideas here, and I read other blogs for these kinds of ideas. However, recently I realized that there is something far more important than good organization, solid planning, and all the tips and tricks in the world—the organizational/ministry culture you create.
     More specifically, your leadership team is creating a culture based upon how they relate to one another, to you (the team leader), and to the children. If this culture is characterized by unity and love, things tend to go well. If the culture is that everyone does their own thing and volunteers for their own reasons, your ministry will certainly not be as effective as it otherwise might be. So, how do you get everyone on the same page?
     I believe that you can shape the culture of your team by clearly identifying and communicating your values (unity and love, for example). When the team shares a set of common core values, the culture will be as healthy as the values you have chosen. Sometimes you will have leaders that do not buy in to the values you are pursuing. When this happens, it is okay to "fire" a volunteer...even if they have many wonderful qualities. You need people on your team who will create the kind of culture you are seeking to establish. You need the team to be on the same page.

What are some ways that you communicate your values to your team?