A Question on Fellowship, Further Considered

So it’s a tough question, isn’t it?

Let me rephrase it –

When it’s time to pick a church, what are the most important considerations — and why?

I readily, heartily, immediately agree that doctrine matters. But what else matters? Or is doctrine the only thing?

When your children leave home and have to find a new church home, how do you advise them? To pick a church with pristine baptismal doctrine? To pick a church that meets their felt needs? That takes weekly communion? That has a great preacher? That only supports sound missionaries? That will help them be transformed into the image of Christ?

How do you advise?

And why?