This piece from Doug Bursch on Parse speaks powerfully to the need for assembly even as we explore fresh expressions of church. You can read the full article by clicking here.
I have no doubt that Donald Miller has been able to find a more pleasurable way of living out his faith. It is certainly easier to give your best efforts and time to your own dreams, visions, and financial endeavors. Even so, maturity is found in the surrender of self to the larger expression of Christ. The local church is uniquely positioned to help in this process of maturation. It is certainly easier to take a hike with close friends on a Sunday than go to church, but it is not necessarily beneficial for the advancement of the gospel. Every Sunday my church is full of broken people who desperately need someone to care about their existence. Donald Miller may be able to find God outside the local church, but I wonder if these broken people will be able to find Donald Miller without buying his books or commenting on his blog or attending his conferences. There are countless church expressions that need Christians willing to show up and disciple those who are in need of consistent love. Sadly, many healthy Christians have taken their health and abandoned the church.