I don't think it's necessary to emulate religion/church to achieve the desired benefits. People in modern times can self-organize around all sorts of communitie

I don't think it's necessary to emulate religion/church to achieve the desired benefits. People in modern times can self-organize around all sorts of communities. From independent music "scenes", to Hello Kitty conventions, to Halo, there are plenty of ad hoc communities out there that support their members in many of the ways that matter.