Church: Religion or Relationship?

It's been awhile since I have written on here, but I'm glad to be back. A lot has happened since the last time I posted. I'm half-way through my senior year of college with graduation right around the corner. I've lost some close people in my life, but also gained some new friends. I've had my fair share of trials but also been very blessed by God's grace and mercy, undeservingly. But besides all that, today I want to talk about church. And just letting y'all know, it's honesty hour right now. This may seem like a rant, but I genuinely want to hear y'all's thoughts on what I have to say.

Growing up, going to church every Sunday and everything that comes with the Southern Baptist religion became pretty much second nature to me. Praying consistently, singing Hymns and contemporary worship music, going to church events, mission work, etc. It wasn't until I got into college that I realized how empty so many of those actions were for me. Don't get me wrong, there were many times to where I genuinely prayed, worshipped, etc., but what I realized was how routine so much of it came to be.

I had the idea for so long growing up that in order to live like a Christian and prove you were one, you HAD to go to church every single Sunday. If you weren't going to church, then you better have a good excuse for it. Since I've been in college, I've realized how ridiculous that is. Finding a church home is really difficult, on top of having very many bad church experiences. I'm not talking about finding a place to go hang out, or a place to go so that I look like a Christian, or a place to find friends, or a place to feel accepted (even though 9/10 times most churches don't talk to new people and just stay in their cliques). It's hard finding a pastor that you connect with, that you don't get bored listening to, and leave the sermon wanting to talk about what God spoke through him. No church is perfect, I get that. Different people connect with different churches. But after trying multiple churches and small groups, the only source of fellowship and real connection with God that I've found is a church called Transformation Church. Transformation Church is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I obviously don't drive there, but thankfully they post all of their services on YouTube. I'm so thankful that I was introduced to this church, and I would love if I could attend in person. I've wondered why God planted me with a church I can't even go to. But I've gotten more benefit out of an online platform than I have at any of the churches I've attended in the past 3 years.

Here's the kicker, I've had other Christians tell me that that's not good enough, and I'm in the wrong for not physically going to church on Sunday or being in a small group. I can be honest and say that my relationship with God is definitely not perfect and not where I want it to be, but you cannot tell me that it's because I don't physically walk into church on Sunday mornings. It honestly makes me sad that so many Christians think that going to a church every Sunday is what makes them a Christian and makes them better than the ones who don't. No one is perfect, but what I'm saying is meant for those caught up in religion and not relationship.

I'm not saying going to church is bad by any means, and I think church/fellowship is important in your relationship with God. All I'm saying is that there are too many Christians caught up in the routine and the religious mindset. It's easy to get caught up in that sometimes, but I challenge you to reflect on your mentality of church:
What is your current attitude towards church? Do you get bored while in church? What are you thinking about when you leave church? Is it more important to just attend a church rather than to find one that benefits your relationship with God?

Have any of you had similar experiences to mine? Do you disagree? I would love to hear what you have to say!