Finding Your Ministry’s Culture: The Challenge/Connection Tool

by Jay Gamelin, Pinnacle West Associate

I still remember the first time I saw this tool in action. It was nothing more than a simple diagram: a horizontal line labeled Challenge and a vertical line labeled Connection. Yet, its insight was profound.

This tool helps evaluate the culture of a ministry, program, or community by measuring two key elements: Connection and Challenge.

Connection reflects how valued people feel—how much they matter to the group and its leadership.

Challenge measures purpose—how inspired and motivated they feel to grow and pursue that purpose.

When plotted together, these two measures form four quadrants, each revealing a distinct type of culture:

High Connection / Low Challenge: The “Cozy” Culture

This community loves and supports one another, but its purpose may feel fuzzy. When asked why they gather, members might say, “We just love being together,” or “We’re like a family.” There’s nothing wrong with this! But without a clear mission beyond themselves, opportunities for growth and impact can be missed.

Low Connection / High Challenge: The “Stressed” Culture

This environment often arises when pressure is high—financial strain, leadership tensions, trauma, or declining attendance. As challenges increase, feelings of connection often fade. Stress can lead to a focus on scarcity: who’s missing, what’s not working, or what’s not changing. The path forward begins with intentionally strengthening relationships and caring for one another so the community can face challenges together.

Low Connection / Low Challenge: The “Bored” Culture

This is the “We’ve always met,” group. People keep showing up, often out of habit or nostalgia, but the original purpose has faded and relationships have weakened over time. Renewal starts by increasing at least one dimension, either by rekindling connections or by introducing a fresh sense of purpose.

High Connection / High Challenge: The “Mission” Culture

This is the sweet spot. Here, people feel deeply known and cared for while also sharing a strong sense of purpose. Members understand why they belong and are energized to live it out. But even vibrant Mission cultures need ongoing attention. Without intentional leadership, they can drift toward Cozy complacency or Stressed urgency. Wise leaders continually nurture both purpose and connection to keep the culture thriving.

The Challenge/Connection tool may look simple, but its clarity can transform how you see your ministry. Where do you think your group might fall on this diagram? And more importantly, what’s your next step to grow connection, increase purpose, and move toward Mission?

Jay Gamelin is a pastor, leader, and father who loves working with churches, student ministries, and organizations who wish to transform their culture.