The culture of a church is so pervasive that the leader that undertakes any new direction that doesn't fully take into consideration the culture is likely to get caught in the culture trap. Changing the culture of the local church requires two important elements.
The first element is the necessity of the leadership of the church to define and introduce new appropriate language. Since words tend to lose their original meaning over time new words are needed to convey new ways of doing ministry.
Secondly, the leaders need to paint the vision of what it would like to have a local church where needs are being met, lives are changed, hearts are expanded and the great commission is being fulfilled. They need to use the new language along with the behaviors, activities and events that support the new vision. Examples of success in any area are celebrated, re-emphasizing and clarifying the vision utilizing the new language.
Leaders that learn to lead the church and lead the cultural change will likely avoid the culture trap.
