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Jim and Casper go to Church (Book and DVD)
Marketers sometimes use a “mystery shopper”—an
unannounced, anonymous observer, who is secretly sent into a client’s
environment to note what the experience is like for a typical out-
sider. In a sense, Casper was sent as a mystery shopper to examine
the church environment in America. His articulate and insight-
ful reactions within each church he visited should captivate the
mind of every Christian who wants to make Jesus Christ more
real and accessible to people. As someone for whom this whole
“church thing” is new—someone who does not even believe that
God exists—Casper brings a fresh pair of eyes to an environment
that most of us can no longer see objectively. His reactions and
observations are invaluable.
- As you read his experiences, pay attention to the different axes on which he reflected:
- What is, and how compelling is, the call to action?
- How is the Word of God integrated into practical examples of living the faith?
- What prior knowledge and belief does the church assume attenders possess?
- Is the church more interested in conversation or conversion? In dialogue or debate?
- How accessible is the heart and mind of the ministry?
- Is the church engaging people or performing for them?
- How realistic is the teaching? Is it the result of proof-texting or contextualization?
- What is the church’s capacity for listening?
- Is this a body of believers who are more interested in serving or in being served?
- What makes a church genuine and authentic in its interaction with people?
- How honest are Christians in discussing the cost of following Christ?
- George Barna (from the Foreword)
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