Very interesting thread and comments.
Keep in mind that the "church" is the Body of Christ. That is the only church there is.
Keep in mind, it is composed only of those truly converted. Which is why there need be no confusion when a statement of faith is examined.
Wherever one chooses to worship, congregate, and in what manner should be up to an individual.
Who is this "one" to which you refer? Any old person that walks down the street, or is there some other thing that is required of this person? Is it z person in rebellion to God, who hates the Gospel that can come in and have full rights to vote in the church, to determine what will be preached?
This is why we have statements of faith and constitutions so as to protect the flock in this way: "This church is made up of those who are truly converted, who have repented of their sin, who believe the Word of God, have been Scripturally baptized upon their statement of faith."
The church is made up of none other.
Actually then it is up to the individual churches not an individual. And for instance, if "one" came forward to become a member, rejecting Christ, rejecting the Gospel, let's say living in open sin, they don't come into that body as a member. Why? They are "none of His."
One time a preacher I know allowed a stranger into the pulpit to give a speech. He gave his speech alright, filled with heresy, God denying beliefs &c. We didn't invite him to join. I was very disappointed the preacher gave this man liberty, and so were everyone else.
But in your scenario he is free to join. Good luck with that.
So what is wrong with this picture IMHO is that an earthly congregation, brick or wood building, tenets of a physical church is not what is important.
You're conflating a congregation with a physical building. Logical fallacy sister. You're using "physical church" as in reference to a building above. You said "is not what is important" in reference to this, so it is a building to which you refer to as a "physical church."
What in the world are "tenets" of a physical church anyhow?
One can even belong to the Body of Christ without ever stepping into that physical building. People can choose to gather in one another's homes or even a back corner of a restaurant if they so choose.
Who's the pastor in that house, back corner of a restaurant or wherever? Is this the old "Where 2 or 3 are gathered there am I in their midst" constitutes a church, which is taken completely out of context and misused?
A church has pastors, elders and deacons.
You refer a lot to people "choosing" as if Scriptural mandates are irrelevant, strange fire, it is all up to what we want, free choice, free will, and flippancy.
IHO, what's wrong with this picture is that there really isn't anything wrong with the picture.
I'm sure you don't see anything wrong, that much is apparent. Burger King christianity, "have it your way." It is not sound doctrine.