It doesn't have to be just mandatory by a church. We many times place these things upon ourselves.
For I was living a lie that I was a good person (like most people think they are) and that I was fine just the way that I was. I was soon to learn that there are none good or righteous in their deeds without the saving grace of Jesus.
Something as beautiful as the Lord telling me to "Read Your Bible" and I obeyed, changed my life forever...because I then truly believed for the first time. No man or church was involved with this. Just a simple prayer of asking God to reveal Himself to me.
I needed a savior and that was Christ Jesus Himself. He helps us to be motivated to have a passionate love for Him.
Nothing else will do. No if's, and's, or but's about it.