the peoples masjid

Our masjid in Miami is going through Imam issues. A few weeks ago I came to the conclusion that having a permanent Imam often accomplishes nothing. When it comes to prayers in jamat, I favor what I shall call the "dawat system". It can be seen in action at any party(dawat) when the praying folk notice that it is time. They line up and usually the one they feel is most worthy to lead is shoved forward. I'd love to see it in slow-motion. Its almost like a dance when the first choice resists."you lead!" - "NO! YOU lead!" - "Please NO! YOU!" - "OK, I'll Do it DAMN IT, Halftime's ending!"... I like the idea of the empowering worshipper. An ABD/slave with the freedom to choose. NICE! The only difficulty is the Friday prayer. I have an idea. I like the South Asian way of splitting the sermon into two parts. One before the Azan in the language of the people. One after the Azan, after a pause for sunnah. The one after the Azan is in Arabic and is usually a ritualistic repetition of one of the Prophet's sermons. Then the 2 rakats are performed. Technically only after the Azan does the Jumah prayer begin. I'll call this the "2 Khutbah Solution": The Arabic Khutbah only really needs someone who has memorized the ritual sermon, or at least can read it... It is a good way to honor the elders of the community to ask one of them to do this and then lead the congregation in the 2 rakats. We have tons of elders, we should have no difficulty finding different ones to honor in this way. Now... For those who desire a sermon they can understand. We would still have the pre-Azan sermon. I think any community member should be allowed to address the congregation about any issue they care about. Just check with the masjid administration if the slot for this week is open. If it is then you just got yourself 15 minutes before the Azan. The sermon could be given by MAN, WOMAN, MUSLIM, NON-MUSLIM, YOUTH, anyone. Groovy!... I can bring a rotten tomato or egg to throw at the speaker in case I find the pre-Azan sermon boring or stupid. I've wanted to do it to soo many self righteous khateebs. This way no harm comes to my prayer cuz technically it wouldn't have even begun... What do you think?... I'm absolutely serious about these ideas. From what I've read, the above innovations wouldn't be violating the prayer requirements, its simply a modification of existing tradition and we'd solve serious issues of community involvement and empowerment. VIVA LA REVOLUCION!! peace and love.