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Christian churches should not be based on vain philosophies or ideologies, but they certainly should be progressive and forward-thinking. The church has always embraced the culture which shapes it like the environment, art, language, food, dress and life-style. Many churches have been forced to abandon outdated ways of thinking, here are my top picks for progress:

l. Music - church members love music, but Gregorian Chants though beautiful may not get people moving toward God. Gospel, R&B and even, dare I say it, Christian Rock could draw an audience into the fold who might otherwise not be inclined.

2. Dress Code - today we see everything from jeans to wide-brimmed purple hats and second-time around prom dresses. So long as those in attendance show respect for God's house and cleanliness, it is quite possible God is more pleased by the attendee than the attire.

3. Extra-curricular activities - after school sports and daycare like Vacation Bible School would qualify for much needed help for parents. Movie nights, bingo games and rummage sales appear to be self-serving money-making operations which could best be held elsewhere. Holding car washes and other activities at an outside community club room would appear to be acceptable. The main sanctuary where worship takes place should remain free from becoming a food and clothing bank, needle exchange, or Alcoholic's Anonymous gathering place. All worshippers should be able to feel safe and free from guilt in giving.

4. Outreach - buses and ride-shares are a great idea and advertising tool but remember what may be playing on the radio. It does your mission and purpose no help at all if you have controversial and conservative talk-show hosts blasting in the background or rap music with questionable lyrics ringing in the ears of your riders.

5. Books and other reading materials - we have more versions of the Bible than ever before and most are probably legitimate. This is more than I can say for cartoon-image religious tracts or pamphlets dooming folks to hell. God is and always will be truth and love. Remember mercy and forgiveness are at the heart of the Christian Gospels which should not be comic nor cruel.

6. Women ministers and laypeople - if God has called them to preach, teach and minister no one should stand in their way.

7. Decorum and dignity - there appears to be a trend towards tirades, trespassing and thoughtlessness. This would include pastors who pounce politically from the pulpit, picketers at right-to-life rallies and goons at gay funerals. If 10 percent of the population are claiming to be part of this sexual-identity demographic clamoring for human rights, perhaps we owe them the attention and respect they deserve by allowing the Holy Spirit to enter into the conversation while we remain patient and loving listeners instead. This also holds true for persons of color, the disabled, the elderly and infirm and those from other faith-based beliefs.

Learn more about this author, Cinda Smaagaard.
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