What is the Biblical precedent?
Do we find any Christians outside of a community, a church? If not, one is hard pressed to call themselves "Christian" and not belong to a church - if they understand that the Bible is the background and paradigm we use to call ourselves Christian.
This is "Americanism" at work here. "I can do it alone"...
Regards
I think that we must recognize that there is a vast difference between what a church is, and what the christian community referenced in scripture was. As far a 'belonging to a church;' what church did the 1st century christians belong to? Did the Eunich of Acts 8 have to found a church in Ethiopia, then join it is order to be right?
The community aspect of sainthood is something that is unavoidable, for a christians, we are commanded to love one another, bear one another's burdens, encourance one another, be hospitable to one another, etc. All of this can be done with or without the corporate institution we know as the church that Jesus, Paul, and the 1st century saint would probably not even recognize.
MIKE -
So, if I may ask, where do you fellowship? In Hebrews it tells us quite succinctly to not stay away.
Heb 10
" 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Do you have any fellowship at all, or do you rely on private interpretation? When I'm at church, I'm aware that my presence could be used as encouragement. When we gather, a worshiping congregation of believers can encourage someone who's struggling. I've needed it before, and I feel I owe it to my fellow members to pass this encouragement on.
I'm glad you asked this question, because as stated, christians are commissioned to be involved in one another's lives. I, though I no longer "belong" to any church do frequent churches and bible studies as they provide a good place to meet with others who wish to serve the lord. I also engage in home fellowships where we study the scriptures, talk about our lives, eat, and encourage one another in an intimate setting.
What I have found is that open discussion and dialogue leads to more in depth study and understanding of the scriptures than what one typically get from a Sunday church service where an audience is "preached" to by someone giving a virtual monologue.
I am not an advocate of tithing and being compelled to give money to some church. What I have done and encourage others to practice is setting aside some of what God has blessed us with to help others. This can be done by keeping lists of believers in one's area who are sick and shut in, having financial difficulties, or having any kind of struggles and sending them direct help be it a check to cover bills, a home cooked meal, or some of your time in person where they can see your smiling face and feel the love of Christ coming from you (and me) as we give of ourselves bountifully.