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Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Mystery Worshippers?
Tonight, I got in a conversation with a friend about church. Apparently, he’s not too keen on the idea of attending church. Mostly because he feels like it’s too many times treated like a business transaction. Of course, my defensive walls come up. But I have to agree with him. For the most part, he’s right. We talked about churches using gimmicks to get people to attend, marketing techniques, and how sometimes Christians can be the most un-Christ-like people around. And sadly, I can’t argue. I can only hope that I’m different. That my friends are different. That my church is different.
Then, he sent me this article from today’s Tennessean.
The person sitting next to you in church today may look like an average visitor, but be careful, he might be taking notes.
A growing number of churches are using mystery worshippers, consultants giving congregations the same kind of unbiased, unfiltered feedback that secret shoppers give retail stores or restaurants. The mystery worshippers give churches the kind of honest responses that newcomers almost never do. From angry parking lot attendants to boring sermons, they let the churches know what they are doing right and wrong.
click here for the rest.
I think sometimes we worry too much about impressing people. Instead of letting the word of God speak to their hearts. Instead of letting the music soak their soul. Instead, we offer distractions.
I was reminded this summer in the Dominican Republic that the place we worship and the manner in which we do it are not the most important. I had an amazing experience in an unfinished church with cement walls, dirt floors, in a language I couldn’t understand. But God was just as present.
I don’t think that the secret shoppers are necessary if the church is doing what it’s supposed to be doing. If we are welcoming visitors, if we are showing the love of Christ, if we are being the hands and feet, then it seems unnecessary.
But on the other hand, if there are churches that are not doing such a good job in these areas, then I guess it’s good that they’re seeking help.
Thoughts?
Then, he sent me this article from today’s Tennessean.
The person sitting next to you in church today may look like an average visitor, but be careful, he might be taking notes.
A growing number of churches are using mystery worshippers, consultants giving congregations the same kind of unbiased, unfiltered feedback that secret shoppers give retail stores or restaurants. The mystery worshippers give churches the kind of honest responses that newcomers almost never do. From angry parking lot attendants to boring sermons, they let the churches know what they are doing right and wrong.
click here for the rest.
I think sometimes we worry too much about impressing people. Instead of letting the word of God speak to their hearts. Instead of letting the music soak their soul. Instead, we offer distractions.
I was reminded this summer in the Dominican Republic that the place we worship and the manner in which we do it are not the most important. I had an amazing experience in an unfinished church with cement walls, dirt floors, in a language I couldn’t understand. But God was just as present.
I don’t think that the secret shoppers are necessary if the church is doing what it’s supposed to be doing. If we are welcoming visitors, if we are showing the love of Christ, if we are being the hands and feet, then it seems unnecessary.
But on the other hand, if there are churches that are not doing such a good job in these areas, then I guess it’s good that they’re seeking help.
Thoughts?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
I could put it in the want ads...
There are certain times it would come in quite handy to have a guy around.
Like tonight, I got home and it was 65 degrees in my condo. I need to buy a new air filter before I switch over to heat. I remember when I moved in, I was told that it was an irregular size. So now I have to figure out where to buy one and make sure it's the right size. I just want the chill out of the place! I'm tired of being cold!
It would also be nice if he could take out the trash, kill bugs, and pump gas.
Like tonight, I got home and it was 65 degrees in my condo. I need to buy a new air filter before I switch over to heat. I remember when I moved in, I was told that it was an irregular size. So now I have to figure out where to buy one and make sure it's the right size. I just want the chill out of the place! I'm tired of being cold!
It would also be nice if he could take out the trash, kill bugs, and pump gas.
Monday, October 20, 2008
My New Life Plan
Effective today, I'm starting on a new venture...a new "life plan." There are a lot of things that I should probably add, but I'm starting with four simple things that will contribute to my happiness and health.
1.) Get to work by 8:30
Lately, it's been a real struggle to drag myself in by 9. I know it's ridiculous...that's why it's on the list. Maybe once I get 8:30 down, I'll push it back to 8:15 and eventually 8.
2.) Brown bag my lunch
I've been eating lunch out a lot more recently. Probably more for socialization reasons that anything else. It's getting expensive...and it's not that good for me.
3.) Work out at the Y at least 3 times a week
I am not the greatest at being motivated to go work out, but I need to be. I've gained weight and now my clothes don't fit. Um...that's a big problem. I need to get my lazy butt in shape.
4.) Have a better attitude Well...I need to. Because lately, mine sucks.So, there they are...the three things that will slowly change my life.
Feel free to ask me how it's going and hold me accountable.
And just in case you're wondering, here's today's results.
1.) Got to work at 8:42 (not 8:30, but better)
2.) Took my lunch to work
3.) Worked out for 30 mins after work
4.) My attitude was better...not great...but better. :)
1.) Get to work by 8:30
Lately, it's been a real struggle to drag myself in by 9. I know it's ridiculous...that's why it's on the list. Maybe once I get 8:30 down, I'll push it back to 8:15 and eventually 8.
2.) Brown bag my lunch
I've been eating lunch out a lot more recently. Probably more for socialization reasons that anything else. It's getting expensive...and it's not that good for me.
3.) Work out at the Y at least 3 times a week
I am not the greatest at being motivated to go work out, but I need to be. I've gained weight and now my clothes don't fit. Um...that's a big problem. I need to get my lazy butt in shape.
4.) Have a better attitude Well...I need to. Because lately, mine sucks.So, there they are...the three things that will slowly change my life.
Feel free to ask me how it's going and hold me accountable.
And just in case you're wondering, here's today's results.
1.) Got to work at 8:42 (not 8:30, but better)
2.) Took my lunch to work
3.) Worked out for 30 mins after work
4.) My attitude was better...not great...but better. :)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Back to blogging
I just found out that some friends are either back to blogging, or taking a stab at it for the first time!
YAY!
Crystal - http://myownrealityshow.blogspot.com/
Ashley - http://catdawg04.blogspot.com/
Jenny - http://borderspatrol.blogspot.com/
Brandon - http://amindstrainingproject.blogspot.com/
YAY!
Crystal - http://myownrealityshow.blogspot.com/
Ashley - http://catdawg04.blogspot.com/
Jenny - http://borderspatrol.blogspot.com/
Brandon - http://amindstrainingproject.blogspot.com/
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