The “Western European didactic style” is, unfortunately or not, the pedagogical style we have all inherited. The trick will be to offer classes etc. in that context and then use them as a springboard to get out of our heads and into God’s silence. Think of it as a sacred bait and switch…

An additional dimension I would encourage for your consideration is to engage black faith communities in this project, especially as we are in Atlanta: the roots and legacy of MLK, who soberly observed that Sunday morning is the most segregated hour. This was an aspect of the vision I had last year. I have very little clue about black churches and contemplatives in the greater Atlanta area, but I did pick up (and have not yet read) the book _Joy Unspeakable: Contemplative Practices in the Black Church_ by Barbara Holmes, which might provide a starting point, and I may have a point person in Atlanta to begin with.

In thinking about how to successfully launch and grow an enterprise as you propose, I wonder if it might be fruitful to start with a smallish pilot project, and grow it from there. Another approach maybe in parallel would be to rally support/ers from the larger faith community in Atlanta as Al suggests, which would likely provide some good brains and hands to build this thing and help garner possible financial support from a variety of sources, and/or provide a stronger foundation for a grant application.

Here is a website with some ideas for funding sources:
http://www.fundsnetservices.com/religion.htm
You might need to tweak/reframe your overall approach and goals in order to better fit it within the aims of available grant programs. I briefly looked at Pew Charitable Trusts and didn’t see anything too pertinent (unless you want to run with the trolls and cowards thread and focus on religion and politics).

Some parishes have small grant programs (Epiphany Episcopal in Atlanta does), and some denomination organizations/dioceses may have larger programs, or interest in supporting something like this. Any idea how much money you would request to start? Depends on the scope of what you want to start with, of course.

Like Al, I would be interested in working on this with you, providing whatever assistance, participation and support is helpful. I have experience with (scientific) grants as a writer, recipient, reviewer, and granting agency official, and can contribute writing, planning, and administration skills. I’m also willing to tap into and grow my network to promote the vision and seek supporters and opportunities. Have an idea for service/pastoral care as well.