Christianity: Group or Solo?

I can empathize with Anne Rice’s decision to quit the organized church. I really can. She makes some very valid points.

But I still wish she would find a small congregation or parish and make it her spiritual community. Nothing glitzy. Not a place where anybody claims to speak for God. Not a gathering that thinks it's God's favorite and everybody else stinks. But a small community of loving believers who will give and receive spiritual care. Grand Rapids pastor Jim Samra in The Gift of Church lists six reasons for two or more to gather as believers:

(1) Corporate worship allows believers to experience God’s presence in unique and powerful ways.
(2) The gathering provides a tangible demonstration of how God brings unity out of diversity.
(3) The gathered church provides believers with the opportunity for true community. Each person is needed, and his or her gifts benefit the whole.
(4) The corporate body is designed to help us mature. We find affirmation and accountability in relationship.
(5) The group can accomplish more for good than would be possible as individuals.
(6) The church makes visible the invisible Christ, allowing the world to see Him.

I would add that the Lord's Supper provides a five-senses reminder of Christ's sacrifice and love, and that baptisms picture the death and resurrection of the self in Christ. I would also add that in the same way a rock concert exceeds listening to a favorite band's music in the car, there's something full-body-chilling (in a good way) about everyone in one room raising voices in unison to affirm something they all believe.

The down side? Everybody who belongs is broken. It's like a hospital or a support group where people go to get well and nurse others to health. And sometimes broken people hurt others. Doing life together requires a commitment to messiness. But the struggle is worth it.