How to Build a Culture Where People Love to Work
Real Culture Isn’t Built on Perks, It’s Built on Purpose
Free snacks are nice. Team lunches and offsites are fun. But those things don’t build real culture.
Culture is how your team feels when they show up. It’s whether they feel connected to the mission. Trusted by their leaders. Seen as people, not just roles.
At Text In Church, we’ve worked intentionally to build a culture where people feel known, noticed, and loved. And it’s more than a “nice to have”, it’s a strategic advantage.
Step 1: Start With a Clear Vision and Core Values
Define What You’re Building, And How You’ll Build It
You can’t build culture if no one knows where you’re going or what you believe.
At Text In Church, our vision is bold and clear:
We believe connected churches lead more people to faith. By 2030, we will empower churches to create 1 billion meaningful connections and inspire people to feel known, noticed, and loved.
But that vision is supported by values that guide everything we do:
- Dream Big – We encourage bold ideas and innovation
- Create Impact – We make decisions that drive real results
- Prioritize People – We care for our team so they can care for our members
We don’t just post our values, we live them. We hire by them. We lead through them. When a teammate told me our values became their personal values, I knew the culture was working.
Step 2: Hire the Right People, Intentionally
Culture Starts Before Day One
Hiring isn’t just about filling a role. It’s about protecting the culture.
Skills matter, but alignment matters more. A high performer who doesn’t believe in your mission can damage trust.
We look for people who:
- Believe in our vision
- Live out our values
- Want to make meaningful impact
And once they’re on board, we reinforce culture daily, not just during onboarding.
Step 3: Create Moments That Reinforce Culture
Small Touches, Big Impact
Culture isn’t built in big announcements. It’s built in consistent, meaningful moments.
At Text In Church, we:
- Send thoughtful quarterly gifts (yes, their families notice)
- Celebrate Fulfillment Fridays (rest and recharge time)
- Create space for people to feel appreciated beyond their job description
It’s not about grand gestures. It’s about rhythms that make people feel valued.
Step 4: Stay Connected, Even When You’re Remote
Fight for Culture, Especially When You’re Apart
Remote work can make connection harder. Half of our team is in Kansas City. The rest are spread out. Here’s how we stay close:
- In-office work twice a week (KC-based team)
- Two annual retreats (one in KC, one destination)
- Mixers, development days, and staff celebrations
These aren’t just events. They’re culture-building moments that reconnect and realign the team.
Step 5: Ask the Question That Builds Trust
Lead With People in Mind
Once or twice a year, I ask each direct report:
“If you woke up five years from now and life was perfect, what would it look like?”
This isn’t just about their job, it’s about their life. When you understand what matters most to your team, you lead them better.
Whether their dream future includes your company or not, they’ll trust you more if they know you’re for them.
Final Thoughts: Culture Is a Competitive Advantage
When people love where they work, they don’t just show up, they build something with you.
If you want to build a culture people love, start here:
- Define a clear mission and core values
- Hire people who align
- Reinforce culture with consistent, meaningful moments
- Stay connected, even remotely
- Ask questions that show you care
Because when your team feels known, noticed, and loved, they don’t just work better, they lead better.
Culture Doesn’t Happen by Accident, It Happens by Leadership
The best cultures aren’t accidental. They’re built through consistent, intentional leadership that prioritizes people and purpose over perks. When your team feels seen, valued, and connected to a mission, they don’t just work harder, they lead better.
If you want to lead your team with greater clarity and build a culture people actually love, The 30-Day Leadership Plan can help you get started with practical steps.
- Clarify your team’s purpose
- Lead with more intentionality
- Build rhythms that strengthen culture
👉 Get your free 30-Day Leadership Plan
Tyler on Building a Culture People Love
In this short, personal video, Tyler shares why the best workplace cultures aren’t built on perks — they’re built on purpose, people, and intentional leadership.
▶ Watch: How to Build a Culture People Love
You’ll hear practical ways to create an environment where people feel known, noticed, and loved — and why those simple, consistent leadership habits can become your greatest competitive advantage.
About Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.
He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.
👉 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.
