Where am I going?

I have faith issues. Have had them for as long as I can remember. And now I am seeking waaaay outside my Catholic comfort zone. I finally want to have a place to call my spiritual home, to reach out in the community, and serve. I think these are things I have been wanting for so long that the seeking has been a process I've lived with for years and never listened to those little pushes I'd been feeling.

Where should I go to worship and seek a faith community? What should it be?

There are my hopes.

Don't want:
1. Hierarchy - this is a big one for me, as I have experienced the abuses of hierarchy and clericalism first-hand and I've had enough of it in my life. The church is the people and those called by God to serve. God must be the focus, the gospel must be preached and loved. Christ must be at the center of all that is done within the community, not the priest (and I know for so many Catholics this is not how they believe, it just became my perception of how things were headed).

2. Legalism - That's some scary stuff, yo. Although I am not anti-rules, I fear that I could probably fall into the trap of legalism so easily because I am so afraid of breaking rules. I do believe that people need to observe a disciplined life, but that life is meant to be just that - lived. And I also think that legalism takes the focus off of Christ and places it on self and others and forces one to make constant comparisons and judgements.

3. Political Commentary - Really not interested in political rallying from the pulpit. I think most of us understand the overall moral/ethical stances of our churches. Perhaps evening teaching series would be more appropriate? I just can't listen to the news in church, if that makes sense.

What I do want:
1. Christ-centered, gospel-oriented , Biblically-inspired teachings

2. Practicality - I want to learn lessons and  integrate life-enriching principles into my life that are both sensible and attainable. And I desire to be challenged. I shouldn't like everything that comes out of a pastor's mouth. Because I should have to change my life based on God's desires for my life, not mine.

3. Commitment to Serving Others - I've always wanted to be a part of something more, to respect those around me, help the broken. But now I don't have that spark and I really need to be less me-focused.

4. Support - Fellow believers must be there for one another, and this one is slightly self-serving. I hope to be connected to others who can mentor, guide, and support me along my journey. I want to be led along whatever this path is by appropriately insightful people.

What are the essentials in your faith community? Did I miss an essential?