The first step is always praying that the Holy Spirit guides you to a Church that you can be not only fed but be of service.  Churches are not there for your benefit only. 

Another way to look at Church membership is "Church is a hospital for sinners".   The unbelieving world often look at Believers as people who are broken or weak because they are seeking God.  This is undeniably true but it actually a positive statement because Believers recognize the need for God in their lives!

We all need to be aware that there are people who are in different stages of their Walk with God.  God is perfecting us all to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.  We are all a work in progress and as sinners, our lives would far worse and messed up without God in our lives, so do not be judgmental. 

There is an old clich which states "If you find a perfect Church, do not join it because you will ruin it" which is to say there is no perfect Church where any sinner entering it would make that Church no longer perfect.  This is meant to remind us all that our standards need to be focused on finding a Church which we can be fed and be of service.  

Some general guidelines:

1. The Church must use the Bible as the ultimate authority and not traditions.  Traditions which may be honoring to God can often go against the Word of God.
2. The Church must have a Pastor who teaches without tempering of softening the Scriptural message because it is unpopular and there is a fear of loss of attendance and financial support.
3. The Church should have an active placement for putting members into Home Groups / Fellowships that meet once a week or a few times a month for Bible study.  This is where Faith and Knowledge grows.
4. A Church Service that is either held on Sunday or Saturday and also maybe a mid-week Service.
5. The Church should have opportunities for you to volunteer.

Next Step

The next step is to find a Home Fellowship as mentioned in item #3, which is where the growth of a Christian can flourish.

Caveat Warning

Unfortunately, the warning given to us in Acts 20:27-29 is a common problem in way too many Churches today.  This author mentions this warning so that you do not get angry, offended or fall-away from your Faith and your Christian walk because of the actions of a bad Church Leader or any that are in the Office of Pastor, Councilor, Deacon or Church Office.  There is sorely needed advise given to these people in high positions in a Church, by this author.

Good News

Additionally, because you are/will be attending a Church there are people there that are in different stages of the Christian walk that can have a greater maturity where you can potentially get help, give help and get inspiration.  Every one of us are a work-in-progress where God promises us that He will lead us and finish a good work in us when we look to Him.

What to read next?

What is Salvation? Is it possible to lose Salvation?  We have eternal life.  Evolution is not real.  When a Christian suffers is there benefits from it.  Rewards in heaven.  Do we Tithe?  What does the 3rd Commandment tell us?  What is Grace and Mercy?  Is there an Age of Accountability?  Is there a place of unending punishment and exile form God?