I guess I'm past wanting a very close friend. My husband fills that need in me. Having said that - all our situations are different. Our localities, personalities etc. I'm out-going and chatty, and the people I have contact with are all very down to earth, honest, good people.
Some areas are harder to break into.
It's certainly not as easy as having a pre arranged community group, who've got something special in common. But this could be the case if you have a specific interest or hobby. In this case, you should join a club, or take on charity work. It would be a similar set up as the congregation. Especially if it's something that is of great interest to you.