Department stores hire mystery shoppers. Restaurant chains bring in undercover diners to rate their food and service. Churches enlist Thomas Harrison, a former pastor from Tulsa, Okla., and a professional mystery worshipper.
Mr. Harrison — a meticulous inspector who often uses the phrase “I was horrified” to register his disapproval of dust bunnies and rude congregants — poses as a first-time churchgoer and covertly evaluates everything from the cleanliness of the bathrooms to the strength of the sermon. This summer, Mr. Harrison scoured a megachurch in Cedar Hill, Texas, and jotted down a laundry list of imperfections: a water stain on the ceiling, a “stuffy odor” in the children’s area, a stray plastic bucket under the bathroom sink and a sullen greeter who failed to say good morning before the worship service. “I am a stickler for light bulbs and bathrooms,” he says…
At least half a dozen consulting companies have introduced secret-church-shopper services in recent years. The A Group, a Brentwood, Tenn., marketing firm for churches and faith-based groups, now conducts mystery-worshipper surveys at 15 to 20 churches a year, up from a handful five years ago. Church marketing company Real Church Solutions in Corona, Calif., introduced mystery-worshipper services five years ago. “First-time guests, they don’t come with mercy, they come with judgment,” says the company’s president, Chris Sonksen. “They’re looking for a reason to leave.”
The basic premise is sound if grounded in useful information. And fun for the cranky and curious. The complete article is a fun read.
Thanks, Helen
There’s a very good website which has been around for years (http://www.ship-of-fools.com/) that has a regular “Mystery Worshiper” section. The site as a whole is to be recommended (especially the sections called “The Fruitcake Zone” and “Gadgets for God.”
OK, the photo and name seem stupid but it’s a good idea if done right.
The experience of church for the long-time members is VERY different than for a new visitor.
I have one more fairly important item that Mr. Harrison neglected to include in his critiques:
No evidence is apparent that these people are worshiping the true Creator of the Universe.
Unfortunately, many American churchgoers are divided on whether this rates higher or lower than freshly-scrubbed toilets.
A marketing firm for churches? Where’s “Buddy Jesus” when you need him?
Our tax exempt money at work.
>> Hyph3n said, on October 12th, 2008 at 8:10 am
>> A marketing firm for churches? Where’s “Buddy Jesus” when you need him?
>> Our tax exempt money at work.
Marketing consultants re used by non-religious non-profits all the time.
If done correctly, it allows for more effective use of donations.
In my experience, most (religious or non-) charitable workers got into the field because they genuinely want to help people. Consequently, many have absolutely no knowledge or even interest in the business and marking side of their work.
That’s where these guys can provide a good service.
(I’m not denying there aren’t cynics in American non-profits but, honestly, I haven’t met that many and I’ve met A LOT. Overseas, it’s a bit of different story. )
#3 – you got it!
We really need some kind of impartial service that can correctly identify the right God to worship.
What if we pick the wrong one? Every time we go to church we keep making the real God angrier!
Do you think Satan worshipers have similar mystery shoppers?
If God knows and sees all then why don’t they just download reports from heaven?
They are checking to see how easy the little boys are to hit on.