As a secret shopper for churches, Greg Atkinson is hired by churches around the country to visit and evaluate his experience in order to help them see where improvements can be made to retain first-time guests. After years of doing this, he’s compiled his top tips into his new book, Secrets of a Secret Shopper.
For a practice that some might see as feeding consumer culture, Greg does a great job explaining the need and purpose of what he does. He says, “How we prepare for and welcome ‘company’ or guests to our churches says a lot about how seriously we take the Great Commission.” His goal is to help churches overcome the barriers that keep people from coming back to church.
The book is thorough and practical. Greg takes you through everything a first-time guest to your church might experience, and gives suggestions to avoid the common mistakes. He includes everything from getting directions and arriving in the parking lot, to the worship service and follow-up. The chapters also touch on some not-so-obvious topics like social media, parking, smell, and security.
Having served on staff at churches as well as being a secret shopper, Greg shares many great examples and ideas that illustrate the points he’s making. Regardless of congregation size or worship style, the principles will apply to any church.
Secrets of a Secret Shopper will help give a new perspective to churches of any size who want to improve the experience of their first-time guests.
More:
- Buy a copy of Secrets of a Secret Shopper: Reaching and Keeping Church Guests by Greg Atkinson.
- Read our interview with author Greg Atkinson.
- Learn more about the book at SecretShopperBook.com.
