It doesn't really matter. Our salvation isn't from other men, but from God Himself, through faith in only one man who is both God and Man.
Finding an appropriate pastor-teacher is fine, but again, that will come from the Holy Spirit and the logistical predestination that God has already set in motion.
Place it in His hands and let Him do the work.
In regards to patronizing,..don't take my word for it,..simply place faith in Him and take His Word for it. It is purely a relationship between the believer and God, always through faith in Him.
Did you baptize yourself?
-A8
Why then the Church? If it is all just 'me and God', then what is this thing, the Church?
-A8