OP here… thank you all for the encouragement and definitely appreciate it. In a weird way I was very scared to even post this, so THANK YOU SO MUCH. I really like the idea of Sunday school! Keep the thoughts coming!
Oh and we’re in the Alexandria/Springfield area… a lot of churches, just a little overwhelming. But good to know it’s ok to try different places till we get our vibe and groove. Thank you!!!

Try different churches in a denomination and different denominations. That will take about a year. But you will know what theology, practices, community most appeals. Then start going there. You do not have to join at first but you can donate generously.

Why not make a list of the ones in the correct denomination that are within a 15 minute drive, see if they have relevant kid programming, and then spend the next few months trying them out? Seems simple enough? If you like none of them then you may have a bigger issue. But hopefully at least one will be a good fit.

Anonymous wrote:One more point to add to the good advice already here- pray about it OP! You might be surprised how you are led.

Correct -- You might be led closer or further away from going to church as a family. Maybe some in your family will like it more than others. Who knows, until you try it out?

One more point to add to the good advice already here- pray about it OP! You might be surprised how you are led.

Anonymous wrote:My husband and I come from backgrounds that believe in God but never consistently went to church. As a couple after marriage and even after kids, we haven’t gone to church. But as the kids are getting older (oldest is 7), they have been asking questions and kids at school talk about Jesus and God. We realized we want to make our faith more prominent in our family instead of being driven by busy schedules, etc.
But where do we begin? I don’t feel like we have a good compass.

YOu've gotten plenty of good advice here. Don't overthink it and don't expect miracles - i.e., being happy as a family wherever you choose. Think of church like anything else. Some in your family may really warm to it, others may not.

Look for churches in your community and just go. Attend a service or 2 or 3. It can take a few times to see if you like the vibe.

We did the same with our kids at the same ago.

We found our church quickly. We love the pastor and her message. The congregation is welcoming. The kids loved coffee hour.

Just go.

How much are prepared to tithe? Are you willing to get involved in roles in the church — ushering, youth group, finance committee etc?

Agree with other posters.
You need to find once close enough you’ll go to it. Doesnt mean it’s the one 5 mins away, but if it’s an hour away youre never going to want to go.
You need to feel the sermon
Have kids feel welcomed
Outreach in the community was importantly to me, but I realize not everyone is looking for that
A church tbat supports your values is also important.
Do you have friends that attend church you could tag along with? Or just go to a couple different ones

Where do you live? We can provide suggestions. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also… If you spend time on only earthly riches, then that will be your reward. If you spend time on spirituality and God, then that will be your reward. It’s imperative that your kids get exposed to your religion now. It’s ok to church shop until you find the best place. Search for active youth programs.

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like a place with a Sunday school curriculum would be helpful for the kids.

+1.

I would look for churches that have a lot of kids and kids’ programming to start. If neither of you have a denominational preference, then try out a few different ones to get a sense of them and the range of worship style and biblical interpretation differences.

Sounds like a place with a Sunday school curriculum would be helpful for the kids.

Good for you! God bless you in your journey. Be patient if it takes a few years.

Why can't you just look on a church's website, see what time services start, and show up? Seems pretty simple.

My husband and I come from backgrounds that believe in God but never consistently went to church. As a couple after marriage and even after kids, we haven’t gone to church. But as the kids are getting older (oldest is 7), they have been asking questions and kids at school talk about Jesus and God. We realized we want to make our faith more prominent in our family instead of being driven by busy schedules, etc.
But where do we begin? I don’t feel like we have a good compass.