The Sunday Shift: Redefining Spiritual Practice Outside of Church
Written by: Colette G.
For many who step away from traditional church attendance, Sundays can feel strangely empty at first. What once was a predictable rhythm—meetings, lessons, and callings—suddenly becomes a wide-open space. For parents especially, the absence of structure can spark anxiety: Am I doing enough for my kids? Am I failing them spiritually?
But here’s the truth: spirituality isn’t confined to pews or programs. In fact, stepping outside of church walls can open the door to deeper, more intentional spiritual practice—both personally and as a family.
The “Sunday shift” isn’t about abandoning faith; it’s about redefining it on your own terms.
Why the Shift Feels So Strange
For decades, many of us equated Sunday with righteousness, attendance with devotion, and church programs with spiritual growth. Without those markers, we can feel lost. But this discomfort is often a signal of something deeper: an invitation to discover what truly matters to us, rather than simply following an inherited script.
Reimagining Sundays with Intention
If you’re rethinking your relationship with church, here are ways to create meaningful Sunday rhythms that nurture connection, reflection, and values:
1. Create Family Rituals
Light a candle at breakfast, read a poem or scripture, or share a gratitude practice. Small rituals set the tone for sacred time without needing formal services.
2. Practice Connection Through Nature
Take a family walk, hike, or picnic. Nature has long been a teacher of reverence, wonder, and renewal.
3. Invite Honest Conversation
Make space for family members to share their thoughts, doubts, or inspirations. These conversations build trust and emotional safety.
4. Serve Together
Volunteer at a food pantry, bake for neighbors, or write letters of encouragement. Service keeps values alive through lived action.
5. Embrace Rest and Creativity
Let Sunday be a true sabbath—a day for rest, play, art, or music. These activities can be every bit as sacred as sermons.
Rediscovering Sundays: From Obligation to Soulful Connection
Growing up in the LDS Church, attending Sunday services was second nature. I loved singing Primary songs and hearing stories about Jesus—those moments filled me with joy and wonder.
The Shift in Focus
As I got older, the tone of church lessons began to change. They shifted from simple stories to lists of do’s and don’ts—rules meant to shape us into better people. These lessons often emphasized what we weren’t doing right, offering guidelines for how to live, dress, and behave.
The Pressure to Perform
As a young adult, I threw myself into these expectations. I followed the lists faithfully, believing that obedience would lead to personal growth. But instead of feeling uplifted, I found myself sinking into depression. I was so focused on doing that I forgot about becoming—nurturing my soul and embracing who I truly was.
When Sundays Became Heavy
Motherhood added another layer of exhaustion. Sundays, once a source of spiritual renewal, became burdensome. After a week of parenting and responsibilities, the idea of three more hours of duty felt overwhelming. Church no longer filled my cup—it drained it.
A Pandemic Pause
Then came 2020. The world slowed down, and so did church. I saw families walking in parks, picnicking in the mountains, camping, boating, and simply being together. Their faces glowed with joy, not shame or fatigue.
Nature as Sanctuary
My husband and I began taking Sunday morning walks in a nearby nature preserve. Sometimes we talked, sometimes we listened to podcasts. Always, we felt the presence of God in the beauty around us. Birds, deer, and quiet trails became our sacred space. We returned from those walks feeling grateful, rejuvenated, and deeply loved.
A New Understanding
I’ve come to see that spiritual connection doesn’t always require a building or a checklist. Sometimes, it’s found in stillness, in nature, in moments of awe. Sundays have become a time to nourish my soul—not just fulfill obligations.
Modeling Faith as Growth, Not Perfection
Children don’t need parents who have all the answers. They need parents who show that faith is an evolving journey. When you create intentional Sunday practices, you model flexibility, authenticity, and resilience. You show your children that connection with God and one another is not dependent on checking boxes—it’s woven into daily life.
Final Thought
Redefining Sundays and spiritual practice outside of church can feel daunting, but it’s also liberating. You’re free to shape your spiritual practice in ways that foster authenticity, joy, and connection.
The Sunday shift is not about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most.
