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Failure to Have a Secret Guest: The Unforced Error Series
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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:
Episode Sponsor:
Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.
-
- We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.
- We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission.
- Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.
- Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.
- Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.
Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.
Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers
- 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.
- A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead.
- Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation.
- Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact.
- Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
The post Failure to Have a Secret Guest: The Unforced Error Series appeared first on Church Answers.
339 episodes
Fetch error
Hmmm there seems to be a problem fetching this series right now. Last successful fetch was on June 11, 2025 10:41 ()
What now? This series will be checked again in the next day. If you believe it should be working, please verify the publisher's feed link below is valid and includes actual episode links. You can contact support to request the feed be immediately fetched.
Manage episode 486814221 series 1601405
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:
Episode Sponsor:
Lead Your Church. We’ll Handle the Numbers.
-
- We have decades of experience serving churches across the country.
- We’re church accountants who speak your language and understand your mission.
- Gain clear financial insights to guide your ministry decisions with confidence.
- Tailored solutions for churches of every size and stage.
- Smart tools that save time and simplify finances so you can focus on ministry.
Stewardship matters. Your time is precious. We help with both.
Learn more today at chaneyassociates.com/churchanswers
- 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.
- A fully customizable program that fits your church’s timeline — all led by your run coach who will be fully equipped with the Upward Running materials to lead.
- Simple to Start: With just one passionate leader and no facility needed, your church parking lot can become the starting line for life transformation.
- Build Stronger Connections: Use running to foster relationships, promote healthy habits, and grow spiritually while expanding your church’s impact.
- Upward is Here for You: Ready to bring Upward Running to your church? Visit Upward.org/Runcoach to get started today!
The post Failure to Have a Secret Guest: The Unforced Error Series appeared first on Church Answers.
339 episodes
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