“I can accept Jesus and I want to be baptized, but I don’t want to be part of a church.”
When I heard that, it brought to mind declarations made by others throughout my life that were somewhat similar. They were statements like, “I don’t need an organization, or a building, to worship and commune with God. I can do that under a tree, at the beach, or right there in my house.”
As far as I know, none of them ever did. Their words were nothing more than a stalling tactic or an outright rejection to religion. I ought to know. I was one of them.
As said, when they were in my life, none of them pursued such spiritual isolation. Of course, not being able to keep track of all of them, perhaps some did and were able to find some kind of spiritual connection.
If so, though, it was probably some form of spirituality other than Christianity. I say this because, though Christianity allows for solo experiences, I believe its power mainly is experienced in coming together. Over and over, scripture testifies to the necessity and practicality of worshiping as a group.
When we are saved, we are saved into the body of Christ—meaning the church: They that gladly received His word were baptized. And the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls (Acts 2: 41).The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2: 47).
Determining to live the Christian life, for the most part alone, is foolhardy. One can easily deceive him or herself that all is well; when in fact, growth isn’t taking place at all. We grow, along the way identifying our shortcomings, when there is friction and resistance. In this way, learning about our weaknesses, humbly we can put ourselves in the opportunity to learn how to lovingly live with other believer’s differences. In this way, spiritual muscle is effectively built.
Another benefit of being part of a congregation is the spiritual support, inspiration, and reinforcement needed against the lustful pressures of this world: Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day [of our Lord’s return] drawing near (Hebrews 10: 24, 25).
Moreover, when there is community and fellowship with others of the same beliefs, one can count on increased faith, a desire for accountability, and godly wisdom.
Finally, to anyone who believes in and loves Jesus, and wants to be baptized without joining His church; I say think hard on this reasoning I heard from a preacher. He said it would be like wanting the benefits of marriage, but not the relationship that goes with it. It would be the same as a man saying to his bride, “I love you. I want to marry you, but I don’t want to live with you.”