A. Doctrinal
Go to any church's website and seek their statement of faith or what we believe to learn the basic teachings of salvation from the Bible
Check if that document includes at least the following important things:

1. What does the church say about God. There is only one God who shows Himself in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit
2. What does the church say about Jesus. Jesus is fully God and fully man.
3. Does the church teach that Jesus was crucified and died to take away our sins (sometimes written as for the remission of our sins), was buried and rose from the dead on the third day?
4. Does the church teach that all humans are sinners and all need salvation through Jesus's sacrifice?
5. Does the church teach that all people can be saved by grace through faith, and not through their good deeds?
6. Does the church teach that the whole Bible is the highest and only document that has God's authority?
7. Does the church teach that all believers must develop and maintain a personal relationship with God through Jesus?

B. Character and Fruit
Look also for good character in the people and leaders. We cannot know the hearts of people when first meeting them, but some ‘good fruit’ should be visible.
Mainly look for a fellowship that is trying to love God with all their heart, and to love others as they love themselves.

1. Does the speaker or leader speak wisely and graciously with love? Or do they seem bossy, authoritarian or proud. Run for the exit if you see this!
2. Does the speaker know Scripture well?
3. Are the people friendly and welcoming? Or do they ignore guests. 
4. Is there love for God expressed in worship? Or do the people seem bored, or without feeling? Does the music seem more like entertainment? Or is it sincere worship from the heart. 
5. Does the church have activities for learning to serve like Christ: evangelism, service in the church, or caring for others?