June 04, 2025

Failure to Have a Secret Guest: The Unforced Error Series

20 minutes

An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Thom examines one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: failure to have a secret guest.

A secret guest is someone who visits the church anonymously and provides honest, outsider feedback.

Churches often become blind to their own flaws, and fresh eyes reveal issues that regular attendees no longer notice.

Insights from a secret guest can address areas like signage, greeting, cleanliness, and service clarity.

One or two visits per year can provide a powerful pulse check on the guest experience.

Simple observations from a first-time perspective often lead to some of the most impactful improvements.

Resources:

Chaney & Associates

The Church Advisory Podcast

Upward Running

The Amazing Growth of Sports Ministries to Reach Communities with the Gospel

More Than Money Podcast

The Hope Initiative

Church Answers Membership

FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights

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Introducing Upward Running! Upward Sports’ first step into adult sports is here — and running has never been easier to get “up and running.”

Offer a 5K Challenge: Inspire your congregation and engage your community with a meaningful running ministry. Upward provides:

Tailored training plans to help your runner or walkers move from the couch to completing a 5k.

Access to the new RunClub app for tracking progress and building community.

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The post Failure to Have a Secret Guest: The Unforced Error Series appeared first on Church Answers.

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