From President Dallin H. Oaks, Prophet and Leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The idea that a person can be spiritual or worship God without organized religion is popular in our day. Some may wonder, “Why do we need a church?”
While developing a relationship with God is personal and can certainly progress independently of church participation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints exists to teach the fulness of his doctrine and officiate with priesthood authority to perform the ordinances to enter the kingdom of God with our loved ones forever.
In other words, church attendance and participation help us focus on our eternal priorities. In addition, those who forgo church attendance and rely only on individual, spirituality forfeit many opportunities to make sacred covenants with God, including in holy temples, or qualify to perpetuate their family eternally.
The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the “head of the church” (Ephesians 5:23) and that He organized it for the “perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; (Ephesians 4:12). We affirm the spiritual origin and need for a church directed by and with the authority of our Lord, Jesus Christ. ~~~ President Dallin H. Oaks (Direct Messages—Words from God’s Prophets p. 196-97
