Here is what I want in a church (in no particular order):

Super Important Things

1) Rockin' good music

2) Belief in Holy Communion as the real presence of Our Lord, and no small children under Communion age being served the body and blood.

3) Strong Bible teaching- or at least part of the time, or at any rate stop the constant jokes and pop culture references, and I don't care what the author of a book that really impressed you said.  Tell me what the Bible says!  This is church, not a book club, glad you are reading good books and all, but it shouldn't come up so much in sermons.  Occasional reference to commentaries, or respected theologians or church fathers is fine, but even that should not be a constant refrain in a sermon.  We have a really good book to quote from and discuss- it is that big one on the pulpit.  Let's just go ahead and make that the basis and main reference in our sermon. 

4) Free Will not Election

5) Good Children's programs - choir, camp , VBS, decent Sunday School, Youth Group

6) Strong Christian Education- in depth Bible studies for kids and adults (at the same time would be extra good)

7) Instruction in the Sacraments- like for realizies.  When I saw this year's Confirmation class reading off cheat sheets to say things as simple as the Apostles Creed I wanted to shoot myself!  Who is allowing these people to be confirmed if they do not know something that basic?  You should have to work hard to learn all of your First Communion and  Confirmation stuff!  If it is important to you make it a priority, but if even the pastors don't care if you really get it your motivation could be compromised.

Okay, work phone is ringing.  More thoughts on this later.