Where's the right Church?

Recently I have been on a church hunt and I have to admit it has been hard finding the "right" one for me and my family. Before I say anything else, let me give a little background on where I come from. I have been a Christian for over 20 years and have served in quite a few Hispanic churches doing quite a bit of teaching and preaching. I also went to Bible College and Seminary where I obtained my BS and MDiv. I served as a church "planter" among Hispanics for about 5 years. I left this job because I thought I could no longer do the job without giving it my all and because I thought my future was uncertain. I was a hard job but I thought it was my calling. Now I just attend church. I have been in at least three churches but I don't seem to find the "right" place. I don't seek perfection. I now there isn't such thing. But nevertheless, it is important for me to find the church that I think fits the profile of what it ought to be. Here's what I look for in a church: 1. Good theology. Good theology is based on the Book (i.e. the Bible). 2. Thinking Pastor. I'm not looking for the best speaker. I'm looking for a pastor that doesn't just follow other preachers teaching but thinks on his own and is not afraid to step out with this convictions. 3. Friendly, accepting people. It saddens me to see that I have attended churches for many years and in some I hardly know anyone. People don't want to know each other. You have to fit their profile. If you are a "non-believer" then you are more likely to be accepted but if you are someone like me, it's harder. They rather not deal with you. 4. Relevant teaching. Teaching based on the Bible but also relevant and challenging. I don't want to be entertained nor do I want pop psychology. 5. A challenging youth group. This is specific to my son's needs. We have become so disillusioned with what youth groups are today. They do little or no teaching. They try to entertain the youth with games and activities. But there's no challenge to them. No wonder we can't see the difference between Christians and non-Christian young people. 6. Looking out, not just looking in. The church needs to not just care about their own little world. Many seem to me, are just trying to build their own little kingdom. It needs to look out to those outside of the four walls and beyond.

This are some of things I'm looking in a church. It's been hard. The next few weeks we will be visiting some. I'll try to give more observations. I have much more to say about the church and what I see it's her future here in America. It's not very positive but it's not void of truth. But this merits another blog later.