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What doctrine does the preacher adhere to? How long has he or she been in ministry? Is the Spirit moving? Does the church function in the five-fold ministries? How diverse are they? What kind of worship do they have? Do they serve communion? If so, which Sunday is that? These are all filters.

Unfortunately, searching for a church community is more difficult than we perceive it to be. It comes with a myriad of questions and concerns. These can at times, hinder God’s intention to find your purpose within God’s idea of community, the local church.

Unfortunately, searching for a church community is more difficult than we perceive it to be. It comes with a myriad of questions and concerns. These can at times, hinder God’s intention to find your purpose within God’s idea of community, the local church.

A Pew Research Center study shows that Americans look first for a place where they like the preaching and the tone set by the congregation’s leaders. In fact, Pew reports that “83% of Americans who have looked for a new place of worship say the quality of preaching played an important role in their choice of congregation.” The desire for a particular quality of preaching is not wrong, however it is the heart behind the critique that matters most. If not navigated well, this can be another filter that serves as a hindrance to God’s intention for you to be planted in a community (Psalm 92:13 NLT).

I recently had a conversation with a friend who has been looking for a church in Philadelphia. He’s been church-hopping for years and every time he enters into a new service and hears a new sermon, there are more questions than answers and more frustration than encouragement. There is nothing wrong with questioning. In fact, God invites all questions, and it’s through our questions that we grow closer in relationship with God. As God answers our questions, God draws near to us. However, there is a balance between questioning and surrendering. Like everything else, it comes down to a heart check, genuine analysis versus criticism.

The questioning filter in its extreme can become pharisaical, resembling one that questions every doctrine critically, including the culture and the style of worship. Being highly critical of the ministries the church provides, the demographic or lack thereof can potentially blindside us to where God is leading. Whereas surrendering is being open to God moving and speaking. It is more submitted, more trusting, more willing to serve in the community God leads us to. It’s saying, Lord, if this is my community and if this is where you’ve called me to be planted, I will stay…despite my disagreements, despite my own opinion of how church “should be orchestrated,” and despite my preferences. I trust that you are leading the head Pastor, and that ultimately, Lord, you are building your Church.

Please note that surrendering does not mean naiveté. One does not have to be naive to surrender. In fact, the Word of God instructs us to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1 NIV) and to not be fooled by “wolves” in “sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15 NIV). God is a God of balance, both just and merciful, loving and jealous, to be revered and a friend. Therefore, we are called to be a people of balance, to question while simultaneously surrendering to God’s leading. God’s intention for the hope of the world is the local church, and you are an essential part of it!

Alyssa Vasquez is founder of YouBelong, LLC, a platform that connects individuals to local church communities.