I made a list of everything I would do differently if I started a church again. I came up with 37 changes I’d make. A few of my clients said they’d love to see my list so I thought it might make for a good blog series and possibly generate some interesting conversations.

Each part of this series will contain five or six ways I’d do it different. A few are actually repeats of ways I did church in the past, but most of them represent a new approach. Also, my list is in no way a criticism of how you do church or how others do church.

I’m not sure I will elaborate much on my list, maybe a little, but not much. If you have questions then post a comment and I’ll reply. Also, this list is not in any order of importance, it’s just what came out of me as I began writing. Ready? Here we go.

If I planted a church again…

#12 Our Sunday meetings would be more liturgical.

#13 We would not have a typical Children’s Ministry program. Children would be present with the adults.

#14 Any community outreach we chose to be involved with would be a partnering with already established organizations such as; local elementary schools, convalescent homes, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, etc.

#15 Excommunication would be practiced for unrepentant gossip, slander, or rebellion towards spiritual authority. This action would be decided upon by a select group of lay-leaders overseen by the pastor.

#16 All differences of opinion (political, theological, philosophical) would be allowed and encouraged unless held and communicated in a mean, disrespectful, judgmental, divisive way. Such behavior would be grounds for excommunication.

There ya go. What do you think? Which one resonates with you the most? Which one the least? Leave a comment.