Also I think the society we live in today has a very misguided view of the church’s purpose is. Seeing it as a place for the hurt to come to and get help. True to a degree but ultimately the church is the body of believers. Someone that isn’t a Christian that comes to church seeking should come to do just that, and the pastor should be equipped to teach those that are seeking answers however the church is (again as LaKeysha already stated) for the body of believers and actually the body is the church the physical building is where we gather.

We do the church actually need one another to function. God gives His people specific gifts to minister to one another as well as being a witness to those that don’t know Him. So I’d say that one cannot see God in full apart from the body. Doesn’t mean you don’t come to know Him solo and ought to be studying the bible solo but He’s designed it where we do need one another and branching off can become a form of idolatry where you lean on your own thinking concerning Him, translating the bible as it seems to make sense. Also those imperfect people that will cut you deep trust, God will use you to love them and even when the love isn’t returned, use those situations to shape you as well and genuingly love them in the mist of hate.

The important thing is to have accepted Jesus as your savior. The second is to follow what he taught as closely as possible and one of those things is to “fail not to assemble ourselves…singing songs and hymns to one another…having two or three gathered together in His name touching and agreeing…” all things (paraphrased) that the Bible tells us to do.
If you choose not to attend a church does that mean youre not saved? No, it just means that you’re not being obediant to the word of God in that area. Can we be just as effective…no. The bible also says that one of us can put a thousand to flight but TWO of us can send a legion (about 5000) fleeing (power in numbers). And considering how many options/churches/denominations there are to choose from I can’t see anyone not being able to find one that fits.

Above all we must remember that church folks are not perfect…so don’t look for a church with perfect people (cuz we’re not perfect either)…look for one where you feel comfortable in furthering your Christian walk.