Mysterious pew warmers

MYMSTERIOUS PEW WARMERS: Merchants and trade associations regularly send anonymous shoppers to check on the quality of their stores. In April up to 100 people will be checking on London's churches. The mystery worshipers will evaluate the warmth of the welcome, the length and impact of the sermon, the style of music--and whether the service made them glad to be a Christian.

The only clue to their presence will be their calling card, dropped into the offering plate and bearing the picture of a masked man in Lone Banger pose. The London event builds on the success of mystery worshipers in places as varied as Copenhagen, Kampala, Bangkok and San Francisco. Critics have noted a preacher's squeaky voice, for example, or complained of elders who closed down a toilet while the mystery worshiper was still using it (ENI, March 7).

COPYRIGHT 2005 The Christian Century Foundation
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