Christ wants us to have a personal relationship with him, and individuals should study the Bible and belong to a church/denomination that is in line with their beliefs. The simple act of belonging to a church does not guarantee salvation. Belief in Christ, and living your beliefs does.
When groups or congregations "go along to get along" they miss the real blessing of knowing Christ on a personal basis.
I tire of Catholics jumping these Lutheran threads. They all want us to “ come home to the mother ship”. I am Old school Lutheran for a reason. Nothing comes between my G_d and me.
I've never understood that statement. With all respect, it just sounds corny.
God is the omnipotent divine being - he can have whatever he wants.