I would like to see us less focused on time. We're always so concerned about keeping services to an hour or just over that, and it seems to me that we shouldn't put time constraints on God like that. I've actually heard our minister cut points out of his sermon because he was running over on time. Sad, but true.

I would change people's regard for the time. If I could, I would take out all clocks and watches so that we could sing God's praise as long as we need to. I would have a fellowship meal ready and available so that we could worship and not worry about "when is lunch ready?" so that we could forget about the time, and simply be God's family together.

i'm not really sure what i would change right now, other than i wish that there was more acceptance of the use of praise teams, and i wish we had more than one 'team.' right now we only have 1 male voice, and he sings bass, and we have about 6 or 7 ladies, and 2 of them want to sing 1st soprano and i think they need to hand the mic to someone else.

in general, i wish that if we, the churches of Christ, are supposed to autonomous, then why if we are doing something differently than the others down the the street are we singled out and it is said that people should not attend our church? i love th other coC's, but i wish they would love us, too. our shepherds are leading us, why won't other people be supportive of us? if God were against us, then i'm sure He would let it be known.

I would like to see women brought into full equal standing with men in the worship (preaching, teaching, serving, leading song, prayer, etc,). Women should be brought in to equal standing with men at all levels of church leadership, teaching, ministry, and worship.

From the TNIV:
26So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God
through faith, 27for all of you who were baptized
into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
28There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave
nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all
one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then
you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to
the promise.

http://www.clarksons.org/spiritleads/spiritleads.htm

As far as the time issue, there are several angles to consider. Larger churches (ones which may have multiple services, sometimes three on Sunday mornings and even multiple Sunday schools) have to deal with the time issue to keep the education program moving smoothly and address the parking needs while keeping all the planned items on track.

However, I sense the spirit of your concern is our demeaning and limiting the worship of God to a level below its rightful place. I agree wholeheartedly and need to remember this in my planning - as I continue to be a slave to the clock. - KL

There will always be issues that we have to address and prayerfully deal with. Last week, I enjoyed hearing Dr. Randy Lowry's messages on Conflict Resolution - a series I believe all Christian leaders should absorb.

One observation I have shared before: It seems that there is a different approach to issues on the mission field and in places where the church is sparse, compared to the "Bible belt." In some cases, we have managed to export issues to the mission field that the local Christians would have otherwise been oblivious to.

I believe in congregational autonomy and how the leadership at each congregation needs to deal with their issues in light of the Scriptures and in a spirit of love. I used to have answers for EVERY situation it seemed, but the longer I live, the more I know there are some complex situations there are more difficult to address. Some are very sensitive in nature. I'm more than happy to be a source of encouragement and counsel to any church seeking input, but do not want this blog to become a venue for argument.

It's true, if we don't grow and expand our thinking, we'll die. If we don't open our hearts, we can fall into a very narrow mindset (witness those who don't have a clue about "grace.")

I challenge all of us to remain true to the Word while being open to God's leading.

Thank all of you for your comments! - KL