Wow, that’s a strong question. But sometimes, strong questions are exactly what we need to ask. As ministry leaders, we are surrounded by messages. Faith-based initiatives tell us things, and we believe them. But are those messages true?

We’d like to think so. Yet, every so often, we turn on the news and find that what we once believed to be honest wasn’t. Ministries, just like businesses, are not immune to issues of integrity.

Integrity and Messaging: There is an Important Connection

When we hear the word integrity, we often think of personal character or ethical decision-making. But how often do we think of integrity in relation to our ministry’s messaging?

Ministries, like businesses, sometimes claim integrity as a core value. It’s on the website, in the tagline, and woven into mission statements. But integrity isn’t something you declare; it’s something you demonstrate. In fact, true integrity means that your ministry’s words and actions align. That what you say publicly is reflected in how you operate privately.

The hard truth? Not every ministry claiming integrity is living it out.

Is Your Ministry’s Message Aligned with Reality?

Your ministry may describe itself as caring, loving, and deeply rooted in its values. But what if there’s high staff turnover? What if stories of hurt and disappointment surface? Or perhaps your ministry says it’s committed to the local community, yet the community barely knows you exist.

These are signs of an integrity breakdown (or if sounds better… a messaging breakdown). And while intentional deception can happen, what’s more common is unintentional misalignment. Often, ministries have blind spots. They operate with good intentions, but without realizing it, their message and their reality drift apart.

Evaluating the Integrity of Your Message

So how can you evaluate whether your ministry’s message is truthful? Here’s a simple framework to start:

1. Revisit Your Core Statements

Dust off those purpose statements, mission and vision statements, core values, and cultural commitments. Ask yourself and your leadership team: Are these words still true? Are they being lived out in practical ways?

Don’t do this alone. Engage your staff, board members, or other leaders in an honest conversation. Vulnerability is essential here. You might not like everything you discover, but the truth will help you grow.

2. Seek Outside Perspectives

The next step is asking for feedback. Find people who are not directly involved in your day-to-day operations. Ask congregants, volunteers, donors, and community members:

• How do they perceive your ministry?
• Does the culture reflect your values?
• Is your ministry living up to its commitments?

Be ready to listen. Feedback can be tough, but it’s one of the most valuable gifts you can receive.

3. Host a Candid Discussion

Bring together a group of leaders, volunteers, donors and perhaps even external individuals. Create a welcoming environment. Maybe provide a meal and gather in a comfortable space. You’ll need a whiteboard so some large sticky note pads to write on.

On one side of a whiteboard, list your ministry’s key statements: mission, vision, values, and purpose. On another side, write down the feedback you’ve received. Identify the gaps. Where is your ministry thriving? Where is there a disconnect?

Finally, discuss what needs to change. Develop actionable goals with clear timelines. For example:

• In three months, we will establish a feedback loop for ongoing input.
• In six months, we will improve staff support and culture.
• In one year, we will ensure our congregation can clearly articulate our mission and values.

Creating a Culture of Honesty and Vulnerability

As you work through these steps, remember this: defensiveness is the enemy of growth. When feedback challenges your ministry’s self-perception, resist the urge to justify or explain away concerns. Instead, commit to a posture of humility.

Create an environment where people feel safe to share without fear of backlash. Gratitude goes a long way here. Thank people for their honesty and affirm that their perspectives are valuable.

Integrity Isn’t Just a Buzzword

The ministry world has seen too many leaders who lacked integrity, who misrepresented their ministries, or who caused harm while claiming to do good. But you have the opportunity to lead differently. If you’re reading this, it’s because you care. You want to honor God, serve people well, and lead with authenticity.

So, is your ministry’s message truthful? If there are gaps, that’s not the end of the story. It’s the beginning of a renewed commitment to integrity. Take the time to evaluate, listen, and make intentional changes. Because when your message and reality align, your ministry becomes a powerful witness to God’s truth and love.

Are you ready to take the next step? Start the conversation today. Integrity isn’t just a value — it’s a way of life for ministries that want to make a lasting impact.