Hey, it’s Brady,
Culture begins with language.
Because the language you use becomes the culture you build.
Here are 5 creative team values I recommend every church installs…
(I’ll share a downloadable cheat sheet with you at the end)
Value 1: Bring Heaven to Earth
We want to do work with purpose. The kind of purpose that affects positive life change around the world. We also believe that we have the agency to bring a little more light or a little more darkness into the world with every choice we make. So it doesn’t matter how big or small - our aspiration for every interaction and every creative expression is simple: on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Why It Matters:
Elevates routine work into mission-driven ministry.
Reinforces purpose and meaning for every role.
Value 2: Say the Quiet Part Out Loud
We value speaking plainly. This could mean talking openly in difficult situations, not shortcutting conflict resolution, or simply refusing to let bitterness simmer by letting things go unsaid. Fundamentally, we don’t believe in trying to hide the real thing we’re trying to say.
Why It Matters:
Sets communication expectations.
Builds a self-governing culture where issues surface early and relationships stay healthy.
Value 3: Yes Be Yes, No Be No
People trust us. We hold that in high esteem. Keeping that trust demands that our words are pure and our actions live up to our words. And yet, opportunity will always exist to stretch intent in service of our own interests. In light of this, our commitment is to not manipulate, sensationalize, over-promise, misdirect, or in any way purposefully mislead people with our words. We uphold and affirm this value through our actions.
Why It Matters:
Reinforces reliability - one of the most essential staff/volunteer traits.
Protects trust within the team and with the congregation.
Value 4: Disagreement Is Not Disrespect
Unity is not uniformity. Alignment doesn’t require full agreement. We challenge ideas, not people. And we anchor our disagreements to mission.
Why It Matters:
Creative work is subjective; this value protects collaboration.
Shifts critiques from taste-based to mission-based.
Enables healthy debate without relational friction.
Value 5: Solutions First
Identifying problems is easy. Proposing solutions less so. We bring solutions first to the table.
Why It Matters:
Uproots unhelpful negativity.
Fosters problem-solvers, not problem-spotters.
Encourages ownership and innovation.
You can download the cheat sheet that has all of these values in one document here.
Great vs. Average: A Church Announcement Workshop
Most church announcements are forgettable. In this episode, we take a real one and rebuild it live - showing what separates average from great, step by step.
See the difference here.
Thanks as always for your time, attention, and trust. Talk to you next Thursday. - Brady Shearer
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