It is true that spiritual growth is something that happens to each of us as individuals, but , it is also true that that growth can be aided by being part of a group.  As part of a community of like-minded individuals, your spiritual growth can be enhanced in a number of ways.  First, the vibration rate of these fellow seekers of light is an aid to your growth.  Second, others can help us understand teachings that we may be having difficulty with.  Third, others can help us understand where we are on the path at present so we better know what to do next to advance.  Also, others can help us understand when things don’t go as well as we would like them too.
    Sometimes, it helps to be with the group physically, but that isn’t always necessary.  You can still be part of a group when you correspond by phone, mail or email.  Of course, such groups need to be more than a bunch of individual seekers.  They need to have a teacher or leader as an overall guide.