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.