Joshua Harris wrote a fantastic little book entitled Stop Dating The Church: Fall In Love With The Family Of God, where he walks through the beauty of the local church and the expectation that God puts forth in His Word that believers be connected to a local church. To that end, here are ten questions he gives to help a believer evaluate and eventually decide on where to get connected:

1. Is this a church where God’s Word is faithfully taught?
2. Is this a church where sound doctrine matters?
3. Is this a church in which the gospel is cherished and clearly proclaimed?
4. Is this a church committed to reaching non-Christians with the gospel?
5. Is this a church whose leaders are characterized by humility and integrity?
6. Is this a church where people strive to live by God’s Word?
7. Is this a church where I can find and cultivate godly relationships?
8. Is this a church where members are challenged to serve?
9. Is this a church that is willing to kick me out?
10. Is this a church I’m willing to join “as is wit enthusiasm and faith in God?