I’d rather be shopping
The Wall Street Journal published an article on October 10th about secret shoppers– for churches– entitled “The Mystery Worshipper.”  Metzger is quoted in the article, and it’s a sobering account of how churches are rated for quality and comfort through the lens of a church shopper.  Check it out here.  What is your reaction to this article? Some questions to consider: Â
- What message do you think the secret shopper model communicates about the ultimate goal and purpose of the church? Â
- Is this message biblical?Â
- Do you think church-goers should be approached as religious consumers in order to grow congregations?Â
- Can the two concerns of consumer comfort and preaching the gospel co-exist, or will one ultimately drive out the other?Â
- Do you think approaching the church as a provider of religious commodities proves to confuse the message of Christ rather than clarify it?Â
Please share your thoughts. Â Â Below are some links to other blogs that have also covered this article:
http://floatingaxhead.com/
http://www.getreligion.org/?p=
http://thesidos.blogspot.com/