We all think we’re doing a great job making things clear and easy for a first-time guest to understand what to do. But let’s be honest. We all have blindspots.

When someone comes onto your property for the first time, they can quickly get a negative feeling if they aren’t sure where to go or what to do. Where do I check my children into the kids programming? Where are the restrooms? Is there anywhere I can go to change my baby’s diaper? These, and so many other questions we may never consider are often the reasons why a first-time guest never gets to the point of being comfortable in your church environment. And if they aren’t comfortable, chances are pretty good, they’ll never be back. 

Eliminate blind spots by utilizing people in your community to give their perspective the way a secret shopper would. Here are four simple steps you can take to make this a reality.

1. Strategically select the shopper(s). Find someone in your community who is: a) unchurched, b) comes across as observant and thoughtful, and c) someone with whom you have a relationship. You might also consider selecting a few different people from different backgrounds and age groups to really broaden your feedback. 
2. Offer an incentive. Pick up a few gift cards from popular local restaurants. This way you can help them pay for lunch after church as a way of saying “thank you” for their time investment and support a local business.
3. Give the shopper an opportunity to present you with honest feedback. Provide them with a form they can have the option to fill out (don’t make it mandatory). Perhaps they would rather tell you their feedback in person. You can download a copy of a Google Form HERE and customize it to your church’s needs. Some people may be reluctant to share their honest opinions if they feel it will hurt someone’s feelings. Ensure that the results from the form are managed by a staff member and information is dispersed as needed to improve your church’s effectiveness for first-time guests.
4. Pray that God will do something in the lives of your shoppers. This practical way of inviting people to church could be a great evangelistic tool leading someone who is far from God into a life-giving relationship with Him.
5. Empower trusted members of your staff to participate in this process. Make this a budget item as well as an evangelistic tool for your staff to utilize to reach people in the community. 

A consistent and strategic approach to a secret shopper program can give your church much needed insight into your processes during a weekend experience, but can also be a valuable tool to reach your community.