But, the real reason some newer churches resist calling themselves churches is because they want to use any Christian language. So, they shuttle off the word "church" to where they won't have to see or hear it anymore.
For some churches, that may be true, and that would be tragic. In my experience, though, when a group of believers is able to shift their thinking away from what it means to
attend church once a week, to what it means to
be the church 24/7, good things are about to happen for the Kingdom not of this world.
Getting away from Christian language and symbols, including the cross, is the step that comes after ceasing to dress for church.
The only steps we really need to be concerned with are the ones that lead a person closer to a life characterised by obedience to God. I hope we are all increasingly able to "not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." The things you've addressed here are the outward appearance of a person, but if we are able to see past appearance, can we see the Spirit at work in their life? After all, "By their fruit you will recognize them," not by the cross or the tie around their neck.
Appearances can sometimes disguise fruit, and sometimes they can disguise a lack of fruit. So, should we not strive to look past mere appearances, such as the manner in which a person is clothed, and "judge with righteous judgement:"
is there fruit? Surely it would be poor judgement to condemn what the Spirit has seen fit to accept. I hope you agree.