I've heard it so many times, "I don't need to be in church, I can worship just as well on the golf course, on the lake, hiking in the woods, etc." The reality is that we were made to be in relationship and if we rely solely on our own understanding of who God is then we are depriving ourselves of the rich and full experience of learning from others and growing spiritually.

We were created to be in relationship, first with God and then with others. Relationship with God means worship, and yes God does want us to do some of that individually, but He also wants us to do it corporately as well.

Not one of us is perfect, and we need the encouragement, accountability, support, and care that comes from other people. I look at life as a journey. Some people on that journey are a little further along than others so they have more experience and knowledge to share with those who are coming along. No one has all the answers, but we all have some knowledge that needs to be shared so we can continue to grow and be the people that God calls us to be.