Seven Mind Molders of Culture
Church Doctor Report
December 2024
PURPOSE: To connect with those who have an active relationship with Church Doctor Ministries as peers in ministry, clients, and partners in prayer and support.
The Church Doctor Report provides a quick read of strategic and influential information. This information is free to share as long as the source is respected: The Church Doctor Report, www.churchdoctor.org.
What is culture? How does it relate to the mission of the church? How does culture impact the effectiveness of your congregation? What is the power of culture on the Christian movement? How does culture impact faith? How can faith impact culture?
The word “culture” is related to cultivation. It is reasonable to understand spiritual growth as discipleship cultivation. When you plant a garden, the first step might be to cultivate the soil.
The word “culture” can be described as “the production, development, or improvement of a particular plant, animal, commodity—even a group of people called the church.” The word also describes “development, improvement, or refinement of the mind.” Those definitions would reflect discipleship.
“Culture” is defined as the result of “development, improvement, or refinement of the mind, emotions, interests, manners, and tastes.” It includes “refined ways of thinking, talking, and acting.”
Culture reflects a growth process. This process reflects “growing in a specially prepared medium,” such as in a healthy, Bible-based church.
The word “culture” is also closely related to the word “cult.” It is further defined as “a system of religious worship or ritual; a devoted attachment to or extravagant admiration for a person or principle…or both.” It can also describe “a group of followers, a sect.”
Mind Molders of Culture
Culture is influenced by seven “mind molders.” They reflect the power of culture as well as the dangers when the culture is ignored, disregarded, or threatened. These mind molders are the environments of influence that consciously and subconsciously form beliefs, attitudes, priorities, worldviews, and values.
As we review the mind molders, consider how you cultivate positive (or negative) influences on beliefs, attitudes, priorities, worldviews, and values. Do they impact the effectiveness of the mission of your church? Absolutely! Do they shape the direction of whole denominations and Christian movements? Do they impact the individual’s response to the mission of the Great Commission—to make disciples of all people? For sure!
Mind Molder #1: Family
For most people, their family is one of the earliest molders of their minds. Family communications, actions, choices, and behaviors have a huge impact on a person. Many of us know individuals who were raised in a challenged family. It could be the result of an absent mother or alcoholic father. At the other extreme, it could be the Christian values of parents that shape the culture of the home.
What influence does your church intentionally provide for families? How likely is it that a family with challenges would seek help from your church? What does your congregation provide to help parents become spiritual mind molders for children? What ministries are intentionally designed to support the challenges families face in this relatively secular culture? What efforts can your congregation make to grow a biblical culture in families facing challenges in an increasingly secular environment? Does your church encourage and equip parents to nurture spiritual dynamics in the home environment?
Mind Molder #2: Education
What is the role of education in your congregation? As pastors develop preaching/teaching messages, what is the priority to help church attenders to move deeper into the wisdom of Scripture? Does your church equip parents to nurture spiritual disciplines in the home? Are resources continually offered for congregational members to move deeper in their faith? Does your church monitor new Christian resources that become available? Do leaders in your congregation reflect a responsibility to continually acquaint church members with a variety of new Christian resources?
Do church leaders (staff and unpaid workers) consistently offer opportunities for members to grow spiritually through impact events such as short-term mission trips, service events in the community, and ministry involvement beyond the congregation?
Does your congregation arrange for outside “experts” to speak in special events and expose members to what God is doing beyond the efforts of your church?
Mind Molder #3: Governmental Law
The government and generated laws—both national and local—do have an impact on every Christian. Does your church help members understand the influence of the governance system—without becoming politically biased?
What does your church do to support “one nation under God”? What does your church teach about the rule of law, the respect for the judiciary system? Do you have a Christian mayor or police officer who could share how they balance beliefs and the political system?
In an election year, can you have teachings about the scriptural responsibilities to pray before you vote? Can you discuss the importance of biblically informed leaders and their service to your community?
Mind Molder #4: Media and Communication
Does your congregation encourage development of a spiritual lens that provides wisdom about what members—and their children—can learn from spiritually sensitive media?
Does your church sponsor a Christian film festival and encourage members to bring their unchurched neighbors?
In the powerful area of communication, does your congregation help people “speak the truth in love”? Does your church teach everyone to follow Matthew 18:13, which teaches that, if someone sins against you, you go to the person privately and show him/her their fault—rather than talk about it to others? Then, if that doesn’t work, you take one or two others with you. If that still doesn’t solve the issue, you “tell it to the church”—which may be interpreted as bringing it to the pastor or an elder.
Communication has a powerful impact as a mind molder—for families, churches, and denominations.
Mind Molder #5: Arts and Entertainment
This mind molder reflects discernment about unhealthy and spiritually appropriate art and entertainment. Not everything on television or in movies is healthy or proper for Christ-followers.
Have you heard a sermon or attended a Bible class on this subject? Perhaps not. Yet, this is a huge area for discussion among Christians.
There is a rich history of art in Christianity. In previous centuries, most churches had stained glass windows. Many cathedrals—in various countries—date back to a time when few people could read. Church leaders developed the brilliant concept of stained glass windows that depict events from Scripture.
Today, there are often well-developed movies that reflect strong biblical messages and themes.
The power of “story” is a strong element in the history of Christianity.
Mind Molder #6: Business and Finance
There are many Christian leaders in business. Many of them have made their Christian commitment a clear role of their business. It is common for these businesses to flourish. God honors the witness of spiritual leaders.
When a Christian businessperson makes their workplace an obvious—but not forceful—witness to faith in Jesus, many of those who work in the company become Christians. In this sense, business becomes a ministry as well.
Regarding finance, there is a saying that “money is the root of all evil.” Yet, clearly, it does not have to be that way. There are many business leaders who are Christians. They are reflections of spiritual and financial generosity. There is a saying, “You can’t outgive God.” Responsible generosity is a common theme in business and finance.
Mind Molder #7: Spirituality and Church
Without question, Christian spirituality and the church are the greatest mind molders of culture. Where the church is strong and God’s people are faithful, blessings abound.
You won’t often catch the powerful influence of faith and the church on the nightly news. When it occurs, the impact is undeniable.
When denominations abandon a strong commitment to Scripture, they inevitably decline. When congregations tweak their agenda to sync up with the culture, they eventually die.
When Christian groups get involved in politics and it becomes a substitute for Scripture, the end is in sight.
When parents wander from biblical living, their children often lose the faith dimension altogether.
When churches in a country begin to fail, the nation declines. Crime increases. The value of life diminishes.
When revival occurs, when and where Christianity reignites, life becomes so much better. Why? It is not because Christ’s followers are perfect. It is because they are forgiven and forgiving. Life is better.
The molders of your mind matter!
Dr. Kent Hunter is the founder of Church Doctor Ministries, now led by Dr. Tracee Swank. Kent is the author of several books, including A Nation Reclaims Respect: One Person at a Time, Who Broke My Church? 7 Proven Strategies for Renewal and Revival, and Church Politics: Pain-Free Decision-Making.