The environment a leader creates can make or break an organization. Some of the most successful companies have a mission and a set of values that are evident at every level.

Similarly, church leaders need to create a culture that reflects the mission and heart of Jesus. As you evaluate the health of your team’s culture, here are three questions to consider:

1. Are you making room at the table? It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when we hear only from the same group of people. Effective leaders make room for new voices.

Don’t just invite others to join you; give them space to contribute. They may be aware of challenges or solutions no one else has considered.

Our leadership team at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, makes it a priority to hear from individuals representing every area of campus. They bring a wealth of fresh insight and ideas.

Paul reminded the church at Corinth of the significance for unity and diversity in the body of Christ. He wrote, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12).

When you invite others to contribute, you show them they are valued, their opinions matter, and they can make a difference. And your ministry will benefit from their involvement. The best teams incorporate and appreciate diversity.

2. Are you unleashing the potential of your people? The difference between a great and mediocre team is the people. Almost anything you accomplish as a leader is completed by, through and for the people you lead.

Whether you are starting as a new leader or have been in your role for several years, you must understand the strengths and weaknesses of your team. Of course, you also have to recognize that teams change. This is why it’s imperative that you stay in close communication with individual members.

The best teams incorporate and appreciate diversity.

Often I see leaders who are reluctant to open doors for others in fear that someone will outperform them. The personal insecurities of those leaders keep their churches from reaping the benefits of the full participation by the body of Christ.

I’ve learned to surround myself with people who shore up my weaknesses. Along the way, I have become a better leader because of the relationships I have developed with those individuals — and the organizations I led have flourished because of them.

Romans 12:6–8 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

When you identify the God-given gifts of team members, you will be in a better position to help them grow and thrive. People want to follow leaders who are willing to invest in them.

3. Are your actions pointing back to your mission? A few years ago, I attended a workshop in which the facilitator asked each participant to share his or her organization’s mission statement. Most people struggled to identify the mission — even though they were all top leaders in their companies.

When leaders don’t know the mission, they may undermine it. After all, a leader’s actions shape the culture. Be sure you know the purpose of your ministry, and communicate it through words and actions so everyone can move in the same direction.

Throughout Paul’s epistles, he points back to the mission as he teaches fellow believers what it means to be a Christian.

Paul writes in Romans 12:1–2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”