Mystery shopping churches
 

I am planting a church. Rather than visit the local apostolic churches where I always have some friends (I grew up in a large UPC church that has recycled saints to the other local churches... i pretty much know a group at all the local churches in the section), I decided to visit non-apostolic churches to see how it feels to be a true 100% visitor.

Its funny, I am going to a small and older assemblies of god church just to see what it feels like to come in cold. I really want to understand how a true first time visitor feels when they walk in the doors. I plan on visiting a few other types of churches just so I can learn what I did and did not like when I setup our new church.

Anyone want to chip in on what they like or dislike when they visit a new church where they have no existing friendships/connections?

Re: Mystery shopping churches
 

I dislike it when no one even acknowledges that you are there. Barely glance at you, and don't speak.

Conversely, I don't like it if too big a deal is made. Greet me politely, be friendly, but don't make me feel like I'm on display. Don't make me feel pressured to participate in parts of the service that require participation... if I'd rather not.

Re: Mystery shopping churches
 

I visited a Full Gospel Church not far from home a couple of months ago. Since I didn't know what time service started, I got there a little late. Opened the door and the pastor (?) was reading from the Bible. As I opened tyhe door, he stopped reading and just stared at me. No, he glared at me. Didn't speak a word, just glared until I sat down. Then, went back to reading. Preached a little, then service concluded. Not one person spoke to me after church.

Re: Mystery shopping churches
 

I went to this one place in California, years ago. You were met at the door by a couple of bald headed guys in orange jumpsuits who put those scrub type booties on your feet. I didn't really go beyond that point. You should probably avoid greeting your guests in this fashion.

Re: Mystery shopping churches
 

So you went to church at a jail? Were the letters CDC on the back of their jumpsuits?

Re: Mystery shopping churches
 

No, no letters. Just some sort of saffron tie-dye like treatment. Lots of incense. It was back when there was this comet passing the earth. Everbody was making a big deal about it so I thought I'd go and check them out.

Re: Mystery shopping churches
 

Uh huh.

Re: Mystery shopping churches
 

Warm, friendly, genuine are the words which come to mind. I always try to greet the visitors and put them at ease. We tell visitors that they are not expected to give in the offering. We don't force everyone to raise their hands etc. We are who we are, but we don't really have any expectations of visitors. The expectations are on the people to remove the barriers from hearing and receiving the word in any way they can. :D

Re: Mystery shopping churches
 

Was Adrian Monk the pastor??

Re: Mystery shopping churches
 

LOL. I had to Google that, but I love that guy.

I've hijacked enough threads... I should get back to stirring up coadie. He starts muttering to himself and threatening the cat if you leave him alone for too long.

And he doesn't even have a cat; but he'll tear up the house trying to hit it with his walker if you don't keep him otherwise preoccupied.