Choosing a New Church

In just a month's time, I'll need to begin looking for a new church for my family. This isn't because we're disillusioned with the church we're in now; we actually quite like where we are now. Rather, it's because we'll be moving back to the States, Washington, D.C., to be exact.

This has caused me to wonder how we'll go about picking a new church in which to worship. I find myself divided amongst myself. What criteria will we use? The division manifests itself on two fronts:

First, is the theological/philosophical level. This is by far most important. I refuse to take my family to worship in a church that plays down the importance of the Bible or key Christian concepts. Furthermore, I will want to make sure that the pastor/priest/minister/elders uphold traditional doctrines, and key Reformed tenants. Plus, it is very important to me to proclaim the death and resurrection of Christ on weekly basis through the Sacrament. These things are of primary importance.

Second, is the practical level. I tend to ignore this facet, but it cannot be poo-poo'ed. I recognize that things like small groups, Sunday school classes, youth groups, etc. are not Scriptural, i.e. they are not mentioned in the Bible. Thus, they cannot be ultimate criteria for determining where to worship. Nevertheless, I cannot imagine away the fact that these things can be very spiritually beneficial, and they will certainly become incredibly important once we have kids. Plus, they mean a lot to my bride.

Hence the dilemma. What will I do, if I find a church that offers great ministries, but is soft on doctrine? What will I do, if I find a church that celebrates the Sacrament weekly, but has no opportunity for us to serve or grow outside of Sunday? Tough questions, these.

I think about what it would have been like for someone in the 6th century, who would have been in my position. How would Joe Christian have picked a church, if he had moved to a new country? My guess, is that he'd just go to the one that was there, or at least the closest.

Indeed, even within the past 100 years, the parish system was still thriving, but that implied great denominational loyalty; you would have simply joined the closest Anglican, Presbyterian, or Methodist parish, whichever denomination you belonged to.

But such loyalty is long gone. Indeed, even I don't consider myself closely linked with any one particular Protestant sect. I'm probably too "Catholic" for the PCA, but too "conservative" for Anglicanism. I'm certainly not Baptist or Methodist. What about Lutheranism? Perhaps, but their Law/Gospel difference and stance on Predestination are concerning. Pentecostal? Not unless I have a vision. Catholic? Not really ready to take a swim yet.

So please be praying for me and my family. I'm honestly not sure what to do here. This decision is incredibly important. While I understand that there is no "perfect" church, I do not wish to settle. My soul, as well as my wife's and future children, will be affected by this decision. I don't take that lightly.

Also, please feel free to give whatever feedback you might have. What do you do? How would you decide? What do you see as most important? Any suggestions/criticisms are more than welcome here. Thanks!