What do you look for in a church?

I prefer a smaller congregation. It was a homier, community feeling than a large congregation of hundreds of people has. I like a church that focuses on teaching the bible. I prefer worship through song and just general prayer. A pastor/minister should be nothing more than that. His title should not elevate him higher than any other Christian. He's a man in need of saving as much as anyone else but is also one who can answer your questions in a time of need, lead us in prayer, and just deliver the word of God. No politics should be spewed from the pulpit unless it's relevant to something discussed at a service.I also would want the church to have an outreach program and programs for children.

After I moved away from home and my home church to a new city (some 1600-1700 miles) a few years back for my studies and work purpose, I have been in the same church for the last seven years though, I still am a member of my home church (dual membership). One thing I like about my present church and the main reason for serving and being part of this church is because of the importance given on teaching the Word of God i.e. Bible. We also have a praise and worship band but the main focus is always on the teaching of the bible.

Even if I moved away to a different city or have to change my church (in case of distance) in future, I would still loved to be part of a church that gives much more importance to the teaching of God's Word

I like a church that stands by the teachings of Jesus Christ, which are found in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I'm always hoping for our church to grow. I like supportive people.

Well, I love the tradition of the liturgy, so I will start with a church that follows that tradition. I don't mind if the "filling" is non-traditional -- in fact, I kinda like the unconventional from time to time -- as long as the framework is the same worship that Christians have been doing for over 2,000 years, which is basically a Jewish service with Eucharist added; and they follow the liturgical year. What can I say? If it's good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for me

I love the "blended worship" that's becoming more and more common: a mix of traditional hymns with contemporary worship and praise songs. A church that is at least willing to go there, if it isn't there already, is important. I, too, like the smaller family-size church rather than the "mega-church." If you're so big that the pastor doesn't know every member personally, you're too big, IMHO. Though that's not a theological thing, just a personal preference. I like for there to be a variety of people in the congregation, though I know that's harder to do in a small congregation. A mix of ages, backgrounds, etc.

If a church has those elements, I can help add anything else that's missing.

I go to a church in a decently-sized city (about half a million people) and there's about 1200 people who attend (spread out over 5 different services).

Our lead pastor said once that church isn't about hearing the best message or the best worship. You can find those things online now. Those things bring people to a church, but they stay because they make friends.

Hearing a message and corporate worship are important things, but fellowship with other believers is equally or more important. If I came to church and didn't have fellowship with other believers, I would be almost useless. I would stand alone. What kind of army sends out just one person to fight their battles? No...they send out a platoon with many people because they are stronger together. I think it's a crime for churches to not provide ways for new people to get plugged into community other than just talking to people before the service. They should, at the very least, have Bible studies and stuff.

First and foremost the question I ask is, 'Is the Lord here amongst His people'?

I have been in many churches where there has been little or no Presence of the Living God and it is God's Presence that makes God's people different from ALL other peoples upon the face of the earth! Exodus 33v16

Yahweh Shalom...