Mystery Guest Program for Churches Expands Nationally

Contact: Melanie Smollen, Faith Perceptions, 573-986-8840, melanie@faithperceptions.com

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., Jan. 17, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- When Faith Perceptions was founded in 2008 offering a mystery guest program (similar to mystery shopping in a business context), they knew they were onto something. It turns out they were onto something big. Faith Perceptions experienced a 300% increase in growth in 2011 from 2010. They also expanded from one state to eight states, and they now serve four Christian denominations. This makes it the fastest growing firm of its type in the country.

Here is how it works: Faith Perceptions (FaithPerceptions.com) partners with church leaders to evaluate the guest experience. Church leaders typically do not disclose their participation in the program to the congregation so everyone will conduct "church as usual." Faith Perceptions finds people in the church's local area and hires qualified "unchurched" mystery guests to attend the church services -- a different person at each service. The mystery guest then completes an online survey rating the church both numerically and with written commentary. Faith Perceptions compiles the data and provides reports to the church leaders quarterly with qualitative and quantitative feedback. Church leaders use this information to make their environment more welcoming and hospitable to first time visitors.

Melanie Smollen, Project Manager for Faith Perceptions explains, "We originally piloted the Mystery Guest program in Missouri. When we determined that it truly could expand geographically and into other denominations, we invested in the infrastructure to handle the increase and it has been very successful. We now have over 2,500 mystery guests visiting churches in eight states and four denominations. We've evaluated well over 1,000 worship services across the country."

Along the way, Faith Perceptions has been asked to provide additional services beyond the Mystery Guest program that increase growth and maximize outreach efforts: Church Plant Services is available to help those who are launching a new church, adding a service, restarting or developing a satellite location. Church Marketing Solutions helps churches in a variety of ways to reach out and connect with people in their communities in a meaningful way.

For more information, please contact Melanie Smollen at 573.986.8840 or via email at melanie@faithperceptions.com.