Thanks so much for the comments. I appreciate it.

If it’s okay with you I would love to repost it and maybe generate
some discussion.

On a real practical level, I have talked to over a dozen people these
past few months that are looking for new churches or talking about
switching churches. Most talk about, ‘What is the pastor’s vision,’
and ‘Where is the church heading?’ A lot of times I ask back, ‘Where
do your friends go to church?’ For most people, it’s a big stretch
to think that way.

I think part of choosing a church is vision and direction and all
that. I just think way too many people can over spiritualize it.

Where do your friends attend church? Where can you go and really
connect with people?

Because ultimately, connection and networks lead to serving in
ministries, attending small groups and even giving - a healthy
church. Happiness in a church has more to do with the people you
connect with there than whether or not the pastor hit a home run that
morning. It takes the pressure off the pastor and the church to be
everything to that person. You can have an average service and
people will still leave happy because of the relationships.