A recent article in The Wall Street Journal pointed out how some progressive churches are hiring the services of a "mystery worshiper."  Thomas Harrison, a former pastor, poses as a first time church attendee and, while he's there, he covertly evaluates just about everything from the quality of the welcome, to the strength of the sermon, friendliness of the membership, cleanliness of the bathroom and condition of the church grounds.  He even critiques the greeting on the church's voice mail.  Pastors say Mr. Harrison's critiqies can be brutal--one report mentioned was 67 pages long--but they keep churches from slipping into complacency which prevents them from growing.  As one pastor put it, "My competition is Cracker Barrel restaurant down the street.  If they go there and are treated more like family than when they come to my church, then it's lights out for me."  Many businesses would serve themselves well if they had the courage to subject themselves to an honest crituque conduct by an outsider.  Don't expect too many businesses to do this, because it does take courage--a trait many business leaders are especially short on. - Ross / RossReck.com