I've been going to virtual services for two local congregations for a while with the intention of finding one to throw in with. I'm pretty split on which one I like better.
For one of them, the pastor has a stronger sermon, definitely better researched, and with more spiritual depth, though without being biased towards a particular theology. It also seems to be more established in their community (they seem to have more ministries and actually have a physical church). On the other hand, the music selection is really off-putting. The performers are talented, but the music choices do not speak to us. Additionally, the youth services (my wife and I are expecting) seem a tad underdeveloped, but it is also understandable since they seem like an older crowd.
The flip side is that the other congregation has a seemingly more developed youth program. The music selection is also much, much better. I think we might mesh better socioculturally with this crowd. However, while the youth services program is more developed, it also seems to be more social-club-y and less spiritually-oriented. Additionally, the sermons tend to hit a little soft with the message. Some of them even seem unprepared/improvised. Their ministries seem underdeveloped as well, and they don't have an actual chapel or physical base, but (pre-COVID) would rent the auditorium from a local high school.
I don't think I'm actually asking the community to pick for me. I am just asking for general advice on how to choose a congregation. Has anyone ever had this experience where they had ambivalence with all their options? If so, how did you reconcile it? Thanks!
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