Down through the centuries there have existed these two kinds of Christian expressions: the “parish church” (or the “local congregation”) and the “religious order” (or YWAM, or one student fellowship or another, etc.). Would that all churches were “on fire for God” (to use your terms). This is what we see in the Book of Acts. And it is what we often find in “first generation” congregations, whose members were mostly converted out of the world or who have been through a powerful experience of renewal. What happens in the local church is that first generation Christians tend to lose their “first love,” and then the second and third generations easily lapse into “nominalism,” “Christianity taken for granted.”

Also, to be fair, organizations like YWAM and students groups are led by highly motivated leaders who gather young people as yet mostly unburdened with family responsibilities and who are eager to respond to a challenge. The training pushes them to trust God, share the Gospel, and go through a high learning curve. All this creates a vitality that will rarely been seen in a local congregation that gathers people from all walks of life.

Kristina, it will not be easy to find the kind of church you are looking for, unfortunately, and I doubt that you will ever find “the perfect church.” (As someone said, “If you do, don’t join it; you’ll ruin it!”) Some have good Bible exposition, but are a bit stodgy. Others seem to be “on fire,” but the teaching may be thin, and after a while you’ll get tired of all the noise that seems more emotional than truly of the Spirit.

However, churches that have life, edify their members, and are sensitive to the Spirit do exist. Some are large and growing, with multiple services; most are small – just starting up, poor, but enthusiastic, often with young leaders. Suggestions:

1) Pray about where the Lord would have you fit in, not so much to receive, perhaps, but more to give out of what you have learned through your experience with YWAM.

2) Keep looking. Ask around.

3) Ask some of your YWAM contacts for suggestions.

4) The Vineyard denomination is fairly new and is starting a lot of congregations, many of which meet in schools or other public places that they rent. Check them out (look in the newspaper religion section).

God has a place for you. You just have to find it. If you continue to put the matter before Him, He’ll show you.