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WSJ article--"Mystery Worshipers" - 10/10/2008 8:48:20 AM
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Consecrated2God
Posts: 4904
Joined: 4/4/2005
From: Formerly Jesus Land
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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.
ARTICLE
What do you think? Would your church hire a mystery worshiper? Why or why not?
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<--Plantation house in Louisiana
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RE: WSJ article--"Mystery Worshipers" - 10/10/2008 9:24:09 AM
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1love1God1way
Posts: 2377
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We already know about the leaky roofs and funny odors. We don't need someone to come in and point them out.
What he is not able to inspect is the heart of our people.
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love.ben
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RE: WSJ article--"Mystery Worshipers" - 10/10/2008 10:35:19 AM
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earthless
Posts: 6081
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: where pigeons are wearing sweaters....
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Considering how many churches run as business and money/growth their goal... it does not surprise me.
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Probing Today's Religious Movements | Promoting Doctrinal Discernment & Critical Thinking | Providing Reasons for Christian Faith & Ethics
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RE: WSJ article--"Mystery Worshipers" - 10/10/2008 11:50:09 AM
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Lapidoth
Posts: 3557
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: OKLAHOMA
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quote:
Mr. Harrison belongs to a new breed of church consultants aiming to equip pastors with modern marketing practices.
We would welcome him here, but as pastor, I would pay his report no mind.
I already know about the water stains on the ceiling tiles. When they are too
noticeable, I change them. I already know about the "smell" in children departments.
I run an ozonenater weekly.
Mystery worshiper? They are no mystery to me.
I'm afraid he would be one who adds nothing to the fellowship or worship.
We have our own nitpikers, but they keep coming here because of the authentic worship.
Reaching out to God in music, and proclaiming the Word verse by verse.
Like earthless says, this is the circle or sect of church that "runs a business."
quote:
Church leaders say they're seeking new ways to assess their services and evaluate everything from the style of music to how comfortable the pews are as they court fickle churchgoers.
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Why does He keep quoting Torah? Doesn't He know He's about to abolish it?
http://www.tedpearce.com/Videos/TheForgottenpeople.html
BARUCH HABA BASHEM YAHUAH
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RE: WSJ article--"Mystery Worshipers" - 10/10/2008 12:02:32 PM
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solarflare
Posts: 798
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quote:
Would your church hire a mystery worshiper?
His activities are not included in worship in any place I know of. I believe the term 'housekeeping', as in janitorial staff, would best describe his pursuits. I would not think one could order worship for money anyway..... 
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RE: WSJ article--"Mystery Worshipers" - 10/10/2008 12:06:53 PM
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Consecrated2God
Posts: 4904
Joined: 4/4/2005
From: Formerly Jesus Land
Status: online
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According to the article, he inspects the facilities, critiques the sermon, and gauges the friendliness of the church as well. It's not just about water stains. He talks about going into churches that were beautiful inside and out, but no one greeted him, even when he changed seats ten minutes into the service.
_____________________________
<--Plantation house in Louisiana
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RE: WSJ article--"Mystery Worshipers" - 10/10/2008 12:12:12 PM
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solarflare
Posts: 798
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Consecrated2God
According to the article, he inspects the facilities, critiques the sermon, and gauges the friendliness of the church as well. It's not just about water stains. He talks about going into churches that were beautiful inside and out, but no one greeted him, even when he changed seats ten minutes into the service.
Well, that's a little different then. Thought he was just into the hygiene from the original question. The no greeting is just bad...although to be honest I don't like aggression either as in where do you live? what do you do? are you married? do you have children? That leaves me feeling like a census is underway rather than a genuine interest. But, that just may be me 
So, if he gave his critique and told everyone they were not friendly enough, would they all put on their happy faces? Would that be genuine?
Changed seats........I've done that! I don't like being ushered waaay up front in a church I don't know. Wanna sit by the back door just in case!
You never know, water could drip from the ceiling or something.
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RE: WSJ article--"Mystery Worshipers" - 10/10/2008 12:22:34 PM
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Lapidoth
Posts: 3557
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: OKLAHOMA
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quote:
Well, that's a little different then. Thought he was just into the hygiene from the original question. The no greeting is just bad...although to be honest I don't like aggression either
It's not just you. A hand shake and a smile is enough for me.
I prefer people find out about me as we build a relationship.
I don't like "overly friendly" churches either. Seems to be an
act to me. I have been to a couple that obviously have the love
of God in their lives without being overly friendly. lol.
Our church isn't all that friendly.
People feel at home when they come, but our people don't have
the gift of gab, although a couple have the "gossip" down to a T.
_____________________________
Why does He keep quoting Torah? Doesn't He know He's about to abolish it?
http://www.tedpearce.com/Videos/TheForgottenpeople.html
BARUCH HABA BASHEM YAHUAH
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RE: WSJ article--"Mystery Worshipers" - 10/11/2008 12:42:28 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 2744
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Raleigh, NC
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And trying to have personal contact with each visitor isn't enough?
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