The church is not the building, it's simply the body of Christ or the brethren(the called out, the saved) having a local church is not debatable for any serious minded Christian. It is easier for a fish to survive outside water than a Christian outside the church- for Christ is the head of the church, without Him we can do nothing. that said, your local church is your identity, it represents your belief system and your symbol of commitment. shockingly you find people who spend a whole year without a local church. obviously this year is gone but this is the thought provoking question- will you also spend 2013 in a similar manner without a direction? Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is ; but exhorting one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. men ought not to live for themselves! remain blessed