It is my spiritual compass providing the spiritual direction for my life. It is the root system that supports and nourishes my faith. And as long as the congregation is doing well, I am okay. But there are also some built-in problems in group faith. A congregation's situation and circumstances change.
Preachers move, serving members die, and leadership changes.
No congregation remains the same through time. Disappointment with the congregation quickly becomes a faith crisis. Your source of strength quickly evaporates leaving you not knowing what to believe. There is also an inherent weakness in group faith. Group faith is wonderful as long as the congregation knows how to minister to your needs.