During yesterday's webinar, we gave you a new tool for your communications toolbox. A Secret Worship assessment, and even the conversations that come out of it, can be powerful. Here are some resources for you to use.

Yesterday we hosted the Do-it-Yourself Secret Worship webinar! We decided to do these webinars because we truly believe that who you are and the work you do matters. It matters to God, your church, your family and to the Fishhook team. During last month's webinar about Myers-Briggs, we focused on who you are as an individual and as part of a team. At yesterday's webinar, we switched the focus to what you do.

Have you ever thought about what it really feels like to visit a new place for the first time? Think about going to a new city, for instance. You might feel nervous or anxious. You’ll definitely have a lot of questions about what is there and what kind of experience it will offer you and your family. And, more than likely, you’ll do a ton of research before you go. 

Now, think about if you were visiting a church for the first time ... especially as a non-Christian. How does the lobby feel? How does the children's area down in the basement with very little signage feel? Do you feel like an outsider who doesn't belong? 

THE WHY
During yesterday's webinar, we gave you a new tool for your communications toolbox. A Secret Worship assessment, and even the conversations that come out of it, can be powerful. It can:

  • Help you think in fresh ways so you can really understand your first-time visitors
  • Be exciting and inspiring
  • Really become a momentum builder for your team
  • Be a proactive way that you can learn and grow together
  • Help you think of new and better ways to connect with guests in the ways that God would have for your church
  • Ultimately, help you Catch More 

THE HOW 
Before you start your secret worship, you'll need to choose a method. 

  • Do-it-Yourself - literally! Recruit a few internal helpers who can think strategically. Find someone other than your stakeholders. (You can share information with stakeholders but don't give them the job of assessing.) Think newer staff member or volunteer with fresh eyes!
  • Invite a friend/neighbor/spouse’s co-worker (outside of your church) to assist you. Take them to lunch afterward or get them a gift card as a thank you for sharing their perspective. 
  • Do a Worship Swap! Connect with a Communications Director at another church and conduct assessments at each others’ churches. 

Ask yourself these strategic questions: 

  1. Why is a secret worship/guest assessment important for my church?
  2. What do I hope to gain through this work? 

RESOURCES
Now it's time for you to get your spy gear and go undercover! We want to make sure you feel as prepared as possible, so here are some resources you can use: 

  1. The Do-it-Yourself Secret Worship Webinar on-demand:
    Watch the webinar on your own time. Get all the tips and tricks given by Jamie Shafer, our Learning and Development Strategist, and Leah Norton, our Lead Communications Strategist. 
  2. Do-it-Yourself Secret Worship Worksheet:
    When you're ready to start your mission, download the Do-it-Yourself Secret Worship Worksheet. It's a step-by-step guide you can take undercover to ensure you assess every part of your first-time guest experience!