What Is a Culture of Growth?
In No Perfect People Allowed, John Burke describes a culture of growth as a church environment where everyone is welcomed as they are, but no one is expected to stay that way. It’s a space marked by both unconditional grace and transformative truth, where people are not pressured to be perfect, but are encouraged to take their next step toward spiritual maturity. It’s a place that values authenticity, transformation, and spiritual maturity—built on the balance between grace and truth.
“God loves you just as you are, not as you should be. But He loves you too much to leave you that way.”
— John Burke
A culture of growth:
- Welcomes brokenness and imperfection without judgment.
- Offers a clear pathway to spiritual transformation.
- Encourages authenticity and vulnerability.
- Values process over perfection.
- Understands that growth is messy, non-linear, and deeply personal.
“Church should be the safest place for people to be real, yet too often it’s where people feel the most pressure to fake it.”
— John Burke
A culture of growth reflects the heart of Jesus, who called people in their sin, loved them as they were, and empowered them to live a new life.
Why Is a Culture of Growth Important?
a. People Are Hungry for Real Change
In a culture saturated with performance, perfectionism, and shame, people are desperate for real transformation—not just behavior management, but heart change. A culture of growth acknowledges that no one arrives fully formed and that everyone is in process.
“People don’t grow from religion; they grow from relationship—with God and with others.”
— John Burke
b. Grace Without Truth Leads to Stagnation
An environment of pure grace with no challenge can lead to spiritual laziness or complacency. People feel accepted, but never invited to grow. That’s not love—it’s avoidance.
“Grace without truth leaves people in denial about their destructive behavior and spiritual condition.”
— John Burke
c. Truth Without Grace Leads to Shame and Legalism
Conversely, a truth-heavy environment without grace results in people feeling judged, inadequate, and afraid to be real. This leads to hidden struggles, religious masks, and burnout.
“Truth without grace causes people to run from God rather than run to Him.”
— John Burke
d. Growth Reflects the Mission of Jesus
Jesus didn’t merely comfort the broken; He called them to be whole. He didn’t condemn the sinner, but neither did He excuse the sin. A culture of growth reflects the full Gospel—inviting people into both freedom and discipleship.
“Come as you are, but don’t stay that way.”
— John Burke
How to Create a Culture of Growth
1) Lead with Grace, Follow with Truth
Start by loving people where they are, and then lovingly challenge them with biblical truth. Grace opens the heart; truth transforms it.
“Our culture diets on the candy of tolerance, but what it really craves is the meat of grace.”
— John Burke
- Accept everyone unconditionally.
- Invite people to transformation through the Word and the Spirit.
- Avoid soft-pedaling truth, but deliver it in the context of grace.
2) Model Vulnerability from the Top Down
Leadership sets the tone. When leaders are open about their own need for grace and their ongoing journey, others feel safe to do the same.
“When leaders pretend to have no struggles, people assume they must fake it too.”
— John Burke
- Share stories of real growth, not just polished outcomes.
- Confess failures and show what repentance looks like.
- Encourage a culture of honest conversation and personal ownership.
3) Build Authentic Community
Growth thrives in relational environments. People need others to walk with them, support them, and hold them accountable in love.
“Spiritual growth happens best in community where grace and truth flow freely.”
— John Burke
- Create small groups that foster vulnerability.
- Train leaders to be shepherds, not just facilitators.
- Normalize confession, prayer, and life-on-life discipleship.
4) Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
In a culture of growth, we cheer for the next step, not the final destination. Every sign of transformation—however small—is worth honoring.
“True change happens when people experience grace while they are still struggling.”
— John Burke
- Share testimonies in process, not just “after” stories.
- Acknowledge growth in character, faith, and obedience.
- Encourage perseverance and grace for setbacks.
5) Create Safe Spaces for Honest Questions
People grow when they are free to wrestle with faith, doubt, and difficult truths. A culture of growth doesn’t shut down questions—it leans into them with humility and hope.
“Creating a culture where questions and doubts can find voice is not only healthy—it’s thoroughly biblical.”
— John Burke
- Welcome spiritual seekers and skeptics with respect.
- Provide forums for open dialogue and exploration.
- Train leaders to listen well and guide gently.
Conclusion: Growth Is the Goal
Creating a culture of growth is about creating a space where the Gospel of grace and truth transforms real people in real time. It’s not about building a church full of polished perfection—but a community of authentic, growing followers of Jesus.
“No perfect people allowed—because that’s the only kind of people there are.”
— John Burke
Let the church be a place where people encounter radical acceptance, experience spiritual formation, and live out transformational grace—together.
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