What should I look for when trying to find a local church?

TL;DR:

When a person becomes a Christian or moves to a new community, one priority is to find a good local church. While no church is perfect, there are specific traits a person should seek when looking for a new church home.

what does the bible say?

Bible does not give specific guidance in finding a local church, but it does outline what a good church should look like. The church should preach nothing other than the clear message of Biblical salvation; if it does not, it should be avoided. The church should also recognize Christ as its ultimate authority as He is head of the Church. A church that teaches directly from the Bible and views it as the divine, inspired Word of God may be a good choice. The church should also clearly acknowledge that people are sinners and the only way to salvation is through belief in Christ. Churches that teach that God promises us wealth, happiness, and success should be avoided. Scripture teaches that while believers may gain those things, they can also expect to face hardship, suffering, and persecution for their faith. A good church should also be deeply committed to serving others and creating a community in which their members can grow together, becoming closer to Christ.

from the old testament

The New Testament deals with the local church.

from the new testament

Churches should not teach that believers will gain wealth, success, and complete happiness. Instead, it should teach that believers can expect to experience suffering and persecution throughout life. (John 16:33; 2 Timothy 3:12)
A good church should mirror the early church that taught God’s ordinances, such as observing The Lord’s Supper (Communion) and the believers’ baptism. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Acts 2:38)
The early church exemplified service to one another, sound teaching and doctrine, and observance of Communion and baptism. (Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Acts 2:38-41).
A good church acknowledges the full message of salvation, that all have sinned and can only return to God through belief and faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9)
Any church that preaches something other than the Gospel of Christ or that adds to it should be avoided. (Galatians 1:6-9)
A church should always clearly be recognizing Jesus as its highest authority and following His guidance as Head of the Church. (Ephesians 1:22, 4:15; Colossians 1:8)
The people of the church should be committed to encouraging one another to grow in Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Good churches teach from the Bible directly and use it as the inspired, inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:15-17)
A church should encourage its members to be active in helping others and serving those around them. (James 1:22-27, 1 Peter 4:10)

implications for today

Several considerations are important when looking at potentially joining a new church. First, what does the church teach? The church's teaching should be based on the Bible as God's inspired Word. Avoid churches that reject the inspiration of Scripture or make tradition equal with it. Also, look at the leadership of the church. Are they biblically qualified to lead the church and for how long they have been leading? Do they have positive, Christ-centered characteristics? Church members are important, too. Do the church’s members exhibit love toward one another and those in their community? Are they involved in serving others together? How about the priorities of the church? Does the church emphasize music, children's programs, or other areas that connect with you? Look at the weekly worship service. Do the music, teaching, style, and format connect with you and your family? While some of these matters are cultural or a matter of preference, the Sunday worship service can serve as a strong indication of whether the church lines up with what an individual or family is seeking. The church’s budget should also be considered A church will reveal its priorities through where it invests its resources. Does the church use its money to support resources/activities aligned with the Gospel? Finally, look at the opportunities to serve. Your new local church should be both a place of growth and service.

understand

The Bible gives clear guidance on what a church should look like.
A healthy church should treat the Bible as the inspired word of God.
A church’s priorities should be gospel-centered.

reflect

How does the church you attend line up with the Bible’s teaching?
If you’ve ever had to find a new church, what were some challenges you experienced?
If you’re a member of a church, how do you see your role in the body of Christ?

engage

What should we say to those who believe church attendance is unimportant?
How can we interact with people who don’t attend church because they dislike “organized religion”?
What role do we play in being part of the church and inviting others to be a part too?