Three Essentials for an Amazing Parish Culture

At Amazing Parish, we talk a lot about culture—and for good reason. Culture isn’t just another buzzword. It’s the silent force that shapes how your parish prays, works, and lives out the Gospel.

One of our favorite definitions sums it up perfectly:

“Culture is the way things are done around here.”
—Deal & Kennedy

It’s the unspoken code that determines what gets prioritized, how people interact, and whether your parish is mission-driven or stuck in maintenance mode.

Every parish has a culture—intentional or not. The question is: Is yours helping or hurting your mission?

Here’s what thriving parishes have in common:

Unceasing Prayer: Leaders are steeped in prayerful reliance on God – personally and collectively. 

Healthy Teamwork: Division, infighting, and politics among parish leaders destroy mission—but every team can choose simple behaviors that build unity and drive healthy, effective ministry.

Active Discipleship: Regardless of role, every parish leader is called to lead as a missionary—sharing Christ and advancing the Gospel.

When these three pillars are truly lived out, the impact on parish life is unmistakable. Leaders begin to operate with clarity, humility, and a shared sense of purpose. Ministry stops being about survival and starts becoming joyful, fruitful, and Spirit-led. Parishioners experience a deeper encounter with Jesus, and evangelization flows more naturally—often through simple, personal witness. Instead of burnout and frustration, leaders find renewed energy and hope. A culture rooted in prayer, teamwork, and discipleship doesn’t just support the mission—it accelerates it.

We’re here to help.

We dream of a day when every parish in the country shares and practices these three foundational values. The impact on the Church and the world would be jaw-dropping. Over the next 3 months, we’ll take a deep dive into each of these three cultural essentials and discover what you can do personally to advance them. You’ll get practical guidance, real-life stories, and tools to help your team shape a culture where Christ is known, loved, and shared.

Thank you for your leadership!