Something no pastor would want to hear. Most pastors probably feel that everyone should want to join their church. But then again, it is not really “their” church. It is God’s church. So if there were only one church left on earth, should you join it? Historically, at least since the Reformation, people have sought to distinguish the “marks” of a true church. It is generally agreed that there are two marks of a regular church: The right preaching of the gospel and the right administration of the sacraments (Baptism and the Lords Supper). Though some would include church discipline as a third mark, it could just as well fall under the right administration of the Lord’s Supper, the Supper being withheld from unrepentant members.
So if there were the right preaching of the gospel and the right administration of the sacraments, then yes you would be obligated to join that church. But what about a church in your area? Are you obligated to join a church? There are good reasons to join a church. Mostly because of what Jesus himself taught about the church. He said that he will build his church and the gates of hell will not stand against it (Matthew 16). It is said of Jesus that he loves the church and he gave himself for her to be a spotless bride (Ephesians 5:25). If you are sick, you cannot call the elders of the church (James 5:14). Who would have commissioned Paul and Barnabas on the missionary journey in Acts 15? How could you have deacons or elders? How would you observe the Lord’s Supper? How could you be baptized? How can we judge those inside the church (1 Corinthians 5:12)? Paul seems to have directed the churches in Galatia to take up an offering (1 Corinthians 16:1). How could you obey your leaders and submit to them (Hebrews 13:17)?
Much more could be said, but one thing is clear: the idea of a local assembly of believers, where the Apostle’s teaching is heard, is clearly outlined in the New Testament. Many would immediately appeal to the universal church or invisible church, but that is not something that the New Testament speaks about specifically. What the New Testament does speak about is a local congregation of believers who meet regularly for things such as hearing God’s Word, prayer, giving, Lord’s Supper, baptism, evangelism, etc.
So the question remains, are you obligated to join a local church? If you answer “no” I would want to know why not. In an age of commitment phobia and churches tripping over each other, perhaps we are setting ourselves up for failure. We enjoy Walmart because it has everything we need under one roof and the prices are cheaper. Maybe we are treating the church the same way. We want everything that suits our needs under one roof. In other words we are consumer driven in our mentality. Instead of seeking to come alongside other believers in your community and build them up, we are looking for whatever will bless us by way of music, teaching, or fellowship. There is nothing wrong with that desire. However, God has given Christians different gifts to be exercised within a local church body for the edification of believers (Ephesians 4:11). And you should come alongside a group of believers in your area and seek to build them up even if that local body has many deficiencies. If the two marks are in place, then that is a great place to start.