I think these are better than musings. I think you have ideas that are perfect for the time, and if possible, you should execute them. I left the church decades ago, not so much because of any conflict over morality or belief, but rather that the church did not feel like a place that nurtured my connection with greater things, nor did it feel like a place that encouraged the self-reflection that I believe is necessary to deepening one's own soul. Frankly, it didn't even seem like a place even to connect with other people. With the bright lights and uncomfortable pews all lined up in rows so you could sit or stand there like neat little army men, it felt like a place where the purpose was to be seen by the community, and not just that... but to be seen listening and taking your instructions. The best part of each service was when Pastor Bill (who was awesome and centered his sermons around fly fishing) would have all the little kids come sit on the floor up front and he'd sit down on the floor with them and deliver the 'children's sermon'. It was so funny to me that this simple little thing for kids, was at least in my eyes, so much closer to church was supposed to be, than what the rest of us were doing. No neat little rows. No hard wooden pews. No orator behind a podium projecting at an audience like a radio on blast. A man sitting on the floor discussing life with kids. I also had the privilege of living in Germany during my time in the Army. I got to go inside all of those beautiful old churches and cathedrals. So immense and awe inspiring. You can feel greatness. But at the same time, the darkness, and the tone of the music... intensely personal places where you can disappear into your own self reflection. I have to be honest, I long for a place like that right now. I suspect a lot of people like me do, and if you could bring any of those elements back, I think you should go for it.
I think these are better than musings. I think you have ideas that are perfect for the time, and if possible, you should execute them. I left the church decades ago, not so much because of any conflict over morality or belief, but rather that the church did not feel like a place that nurtured my connection with greater things, nor did it feel like a place that encouraged the self-reflection that I believe is necessary to deepening one's own soul. Frankly, it didn't even seem like a place even to connect with other people. With the bright lights and uncomfortable pews all lined up in rows so you could sit or stand there like neat little army men, it felt like a place where the purpose was to be seen by the community, and not just that... but to be seen listening and taking your instructions. The best part of each service was when Pastor Bill (who was awesome and centered his sermons around fly fishing) would have all the little kids come sit on the floor up front and he'd sit down on the floor with them and deliver the 'children's sermon'. It was so funny to me that this simple little thing for kids, was at least in my eyes, so much closer to church was supposed to be, than what the rest of us were doing. No neat little rows. No hard wooden pews. No orator behind a podium projecting at an audience like a radio on blast. A man sitting on the floor discussing life with kids. I also had the privilege of living in Germany during my time in the Army. I got to go inside all of those beautiful old churches and cathedrals. So immense and awe inspiring. You can feel greatness. But at the same time, the darkness, and the tone of the music... intensely personal places where you can disappear into your own self reflection. I have to be honest, I long for a place like that right now. I suspect a lot of people like me do, and if you could bring any of those elements back, I think you should go for it.