Note:
Bishop NT Wright (an Anglican) brings in John Calvin to support the thought that community is necessary for Christian life. Well, yes, but…. Wright here equates “a Christian” with “a newborn baby”. St. Paul, however, did speak of passing beyond childish things, and switching from spiritual milk to spiritual meat. Certainly in the beginning a convert needs the Church community as a baby needs direct, personal nurture. But later on, I believe that “community” can be understood in a more cosmic sense. It’s still there, the Church is, but may not have to be there in the form of the local congregation. Maybe the Church shows up for some people as “the whole Christian Church on earth.” Maybe the Church can show up as the “great cloud of witnesses” and the “whole host of Heaven.” At least for some Christians.

Quote:
“‘If God is our father, the church is our mother.’ The words are those of the Swiss Reformer John Calvin. Several biblical passages speak in this way (notably, Galatians 4.26-27, echoing Isaiah 54.1). They underline the fact that it is as impossible, unnecessary and undesirable to be a Christian all by yourself as it is to be a newborn baby all by yourself.” (p. 180)

Source: Wright, Tom. Simply Christian. London: SPCK, 2006.