Here’s an article I wrote for Baptist Press with some ideas for a special graduate gift:

http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=35314

If you can’t open the link, I’ve pasted the text below.
FIRST-PERSON: Uplifting gift ideas for your graduate
Diana Davis
Posted on May 16, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)–Someone you love is graduating? For a gift to encourage a Christian student, try one of these fresh ideas:

– A very personalized Bible. Select a nicely bound copy of God’s Word, such as the NLT slim line leather or HCSB Study Bible. Some bookstores imprint the graduate’s name on the cover while you wait. Prepare a list of influencers — people who’ve made a significant Christian impact on the graduate’s life, such as relatives, school staff, Sunday School teachers, church members, coaches, pastors, youth leaders, neighbors, parents, and so on. Ask each person to select and highlight a Scripture or passage for the graduate, signing their name and a short note in the margin. On a back page, create a handwritten index of friends with the Scripture and page numbers.
This can be a loving gift from parents, youth workers or an entire church. The personalized Scriptures will challenge the graduate to lean on God’s Word for answers and encouragement, remind him or her of your faithful prayers, and even open doors for a Christian witness to others.

– A Blessing Book. Purchase a beautiful blank journal book and a jar of rubber cement. Decorate the cover with these words: “Blessing Book for Blake Matheus — Do not open until May 1, 2015.” (Change the name, of course.)

Pass the book to all of the graduate’s Christian influencers (see above), asking each to write a one-page note. It might include Christian encouragements, funny predictions, touching stories, prayers, distant promises, or mushy compliments, and conclude with a Scripture. The writer seals the right edge of his page with a thin line of rubber cement. Here’s the unique twist: the graduate will not read the sealed notes until four years from now. Attach a note of explanation and tie it with a lovely ribbon for a great future blessing! We did a blessing book for our daughter’s high school graduation. Four years later, just before completing college, she opened the messages. What an enormous encouragement for a young Christian!

Graduation represents a huge life accomplishment. A turning point. And a great opportunity to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Graduation Day is approaching. Encourage a graduate you love.
–30–
Diana Davis is author of “Fresh Ideas” (B&H Publishing) and wife of the North American Mission Board vice president for the Midwest region. Visit her website, www.keeponshining.com.

If you read my previous post challenging churches to use a Facebook page for  and outreach,I have good news for you.

Yale Wall, the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana Media Specialist, gives very simple, specific instructions to help a church set up a Facebook page.

You can read it at

http://www.scbi.org/images/scbi/ibm/aprmay/techtalkfacebooksetup.pdf

He also has an article about it here. Click on “Social Networking for Churches.”

Great resources!

Here’s my Fresh Ideas article that’s in today’s Baptist Press. See it here”

Baptist Press or Article in Baptist Press or pasted below:

——-

Almost every time I get to speak with ladies at a church event, I make a big deal of encouraging them to find an evangelistic tract to keep in their handbag. It’s surprising how often God will open a door to share about Him when we’re prepared and ready!

I was just thinking that maybe I should give you a good example of a usable tract. My new favorite witnessing tract is made by MemoryCross.com. It’s made with a simple folding technique, where the person changes the Scriptures as he or she reads it. People can hardly put it down! Take a look at the website to see a video demonstration and you’ll see why people love to read them. Bbelieve me—it’s so simple that any child can do it. One that I’m using is called “What does the cross really mean?”

Even more than that one, I love their folding tracts that are tied to holidays (Easter, Halloween tract, Christmas and Valentine tract) and the “thank you” tracts designed to give your favorite food server. Here’s a YouTube video of of a success story—WOW!  They are really fun to give because you can be certain they’ll read them several times.

One thing I like about these is that most of them have a blank space on the last page where you can write your name and email or church name. So if you leave one with your waitress, she can contact you or come to your church.

One more thing, for those of you who have children at home or who work with children in church or school. Check out the Scripture memory cards, wonderful evangelism tracts and other Bible teaching tools.

I just ordered some Easter tracts, and can hardly wait for them to arrive! Praying God will use you and me to share with those around us who are seeking Him.

I love the idea of inviting several outsiders to anonymously visit your church and complete a form giving a critique and suggestions to improve how you welcome first-time guests. I’d prepared a free online survey for churches to use for this purpose, but now my subscription for the online company is expiring.

I thought some of you may still want to do a paper version of Secret Worshipers, so I’m pasting (1) the instructions and (2) survey questions for them below.

Praying God will use this to enhance your church’s ministry to the lost!

If you’d like me to email them as a word document, just send me a note.

And thanks, Pastor Keith Duff, for encouraging me to post these! dd

Dear Secret Worshiper -

You have been recruited to assist this church as a “secret worshiper.”

______ Church

Address

Town

Website

Your job is to attend a worship service at that church, observe carefully, and complete an online survey about your visit. Why?

Think about it. If you plan to put your house on the market for sale, your realtor will likely walk through your home to offer constructive ideas to make the home more appealing. Because you live there, you probably don’t notice a loose doorknob, outdated wall color or poor furniture placement.  You want to present your home in its best light, and those small changes will help a potential homebuyer look past the distractions to see the true value of your house.

This survey is like that.  Those church members love their God and their church, yet they might not notice things that would make a big difference in a first-time guest’s eyes.  No, a church is not selling a product. (Actually, they’re giving it away!) They simply want guests to be drawn to meet the God of the universe and to worship Him.

In this case, you are the “expert” – the first-time guest. You will notice many small or large things that may help that church become more effective in sharing the Gospel and welcoming with future guests who need to know Him.  Please pray before you get out of your car, and ask God to give you wisdom and keen observation skills.

Some of our “secret worshipers” are not regular church attenders.  If that’s you, please be assured that your input is extremely valuable.  We’re praying that as you help this church improve its ministry, you’ll also discover a new desire to know God and worship regularly in a Christian church near your home.

You have been invited to help our church because we respect your opinion and wisdom, but your valuable responses will be totally anonymous. You should not put your name on the report or the mailing envelope. Thank you for your time. Please be assured that every comment will be seriously considered. Please answer each question honestly and as completely as possible.

You may visit the church and complete the form anytime during the next six months. Just relax, do your best, and enjoy this unique assignment.  We pray that God will bless you as you help in this way, and that He will use your input to encourage and improve the church.

“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.”  1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT

“Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.” Proverbs 25:11 NLT

Thank you for sharing your timely advice.

Instructions for the Secret Worshiper

BEFORE.  To prepare for your visit:

• If you have the time, check out the church’s website. See if you can find it easily online.
• If you have the time, call the church’s phone number on Saturday to confirm what time worship begins.
• Select any Sunday that will fit your schedule.
• Find out what time the worship service begins. Plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early.
• It might be good to drive past the church ahead of time to be sure you know its location.
• If you take someone with you, that person is welcome to complete a survey as well. Otherwise, please do not share your unique survey link with anyone else.
• Pray that God will use you to encourage the church and help them be more effective for Christ.

DURING. As you visit the worship service:

• Dress nice, but casually. Suit and tie might be overdressed at many churches today.
• Be observant from the moment you arrive on the church parking lot.
• If there is designated visitor parking, park there.
• Pray before you go inside, asking God to give you “fresh eyes” and wisdom.
• Arrive early, but not too early. It’s very important that you do not arrive after the worship service begins.
• Be sure to get a bulletin or program if it’s available.
• Stand around near announcement boards, coffee area or welcome center before or after worship for a few minutes. This will give members a prime opportunity to converse with you.
• When you arrive, sit anywhere, preferably about halfway back on a row by yourself initially.
• Pay close attention to the number of people who introduce themselves to you beyond “hi” or “glad you’re here.”  Try to remember the first words spoken, and how people interacted with you as a guest.
• Pay close attention to each person who speaks or leads from the front, such as announcements, praise team members, ushers, etc.
• The value of your survey is in its anonymity.  If someone asks, be truthful but don’t identify yourself as a “secret worshiper.” You might say that you’re just visiting today or that you’re passing through town and decided to come here for worship, or know someone in town, etc.
• Be sure to go to the restroom. Walk into main hallways or child care areas if possible.
• Don’t carry a clipboard or take notes obviously. You may take notes discretely if needed.
• Try to observe details. Look at everything. People. Ceiling. Foyers. Clutter. Signs. Sound system. Landscape. Curbs. Décor. Notice more than physical properties. For example, is there a missing age group in the church? Are you impressed with a missions emphasis or children’s program? Did you love the person who made the announcements? Will you pay attention to the music and technology and sermon?  If you were seeking a church to join, what would entice you to join here? What would repel you? Try to remember things you’ll compliment as well as constructive criticism.

AFTER: Completing the survey

• Complete the online survey immediately after the worship service if possible. You may print and complete or do it online and print. Your honest input is very important. Take this seriously. But have fun.
• Pray before you do the survey. Gather your notes and church bulletin.
• Attempt to answer every question, honestly and candidly.
• Be blunt but not brutal.  The church has asked your help to provide constructive criticism that might help them be more effective in reaching first-time guests with the Gospel.  We aren’t simply looking for compliments; we need your honest evaluation and suggestions through fresh eyes. Even your thoughts about small things can make a big difference in that church’s ministry.
• The last paragraph can be used to mention others things you noticed that we didn’t ask about. It would be good to end that paragraph with a sincere compliment to encourage them.

—————

Secret Worshiper Survey Questions

Dear Secret Worshiper,

Thank you for taking time to visit the church as a Secret Worshiper. The pastor has initiated this process to seek constructive criticism and suggestions to help the church better welcome guests and help them know God.

That makes you, a first-time guest, the expert as you view the church through “fresh eyes.” Your opinion is valued and will be a great help. The survey is extensive, with 43 questions. You can likely complete it in thirty minutes, but take your time and give good input. Many questions provide a comment line for your additional comments or ideas. Please answer each question on the survey honestly and candidly. Your suggestions are welcome! Remember: the church is trying to improve how it welcomes newcomers.

If you have no opinion on a question, you can skip it, but we ask that you answer as many as possible.

We suggest that you conclude with a positive observation or encouraging word. Remember: Your response is anonymous. The church or pastor will not know your name or contact you.

Your time has been well spent, and your wisdom and input will be valued. Thank you again for helping the church in this way. Please continue to pray for the church, its pastor, and for God to use them to reach many for His Kingdom.

Before the worship service

1.    What church did you visit today as a “secret worshiper?”

2.    Date you attended worship there:

3.    Extenuating circumstances on that date:
Rain               Snow     Holiday    Other (please specify)

4. Did you look for the church’s website before attending?
No, I didn’t look for it
Yes, I looked but could not find it
Yes, I looked at the church website

5. How would you describe the website?
Great website
Good website
Website needs improvement
No website

Comment:

6. What did you discover on the website?
The address of church and time of worship
The pastor and leaders’ names
How to dress for church/what to expect
Clearly identified church denomination and beliefs
Made me feel very welcome
Helped me anticipating attending church there
What was missing? What did you like?

7. Did you call the church before attending? (Saturday call is preferred)
No. Did not call.
Called; but got no answer
Called; live person answered
Called; Answering machine message
Comment

8. What did you discover from your call?
Worship time
Church address or website
Directions
Increased my enthusiasm for the visit
Comment:

9. Did you have difficulty finding the church?
Yes
No
Why?

10. Did you arrive before the worship service began?
Yes
No

11. What was your first impression as you drove into the parking lot?
Wow!
Good
Unimpressive
Bad
Comment:

12. It was obvious where I should park.
Yes
No

13. Did anyone speak to you before you entered the building?
Yes
No
Don’t remember

14. Which words describe your first impression when you entered the building?
High energy/exciting
Solemn
Inviting
Friendly
Worshipful
Confusing
Vacant/dead
Not good
Intimidating
Comment

15. Who was the first person who spoke to you?
Greeter
Pastor/staff member             Adult
Child
Other
What did they say?

16. How would you describe the official greeter at the door? Check all words that apply.
There was no greeter
Friendly
Unfriendly
Joyful
Bored
Used eye contact
Too busy with friends
I felt genuinely welcomed
I felt unwanted or in the way
Greeter seemed like someone I’d like to know better
Other (please specify)

17. Describe the church bulletin or program. Check all that apply.
Attractive
Professional-looking
Interesting to read
Helped prepare me for worship
I didn’t understand some terminology/acronyms
Made me want to be part of this church        Listed the pastor’s name
Other comment

18. What happened after you were seated in the worship center?
Worship music was playing
Informative audiovisuals were displayed
Total silence
Someone acknowledged my presence
Everyone ignored me
Too many people greeted me
I felt very comfortable
I felt very welcome
Other (please specify)

19. Does the church appear to want outsiders to come in?
Yes, definitely
Somewhat
No

20. As a first-time guest, I felt… (check all that apply)
Very welcome and included
Welcome, but not really included     Comfortable
A little awkward
Very uncomfortable
Like an intruder

People

21. Think about interactions you had with people at church. Did someone…
Ask your name?
Show sincere interest in you?
Help you with directions or info?
Invite you to a Bible class?
Invite you to a church event?
Invite you to return next Sunday?
Invite you to join the church?
Invite you to join them for lunch?
Tell you something good about the church?
Make a negative statement about church?

Other comment:

22. My observations about people seated near me in worship:
Participated in worship music
Enthusiastically, sincerely participated in worship
Seemed engaged during entire service
Opened their Bible during sermon
Listened carefully to sermon
Took sermon notes
Appeared bored
Distracted me from worship
Comment

About the building

23. Check words that describe your impression of interior decor.
Awesome
Lovely
Shows love for God
Clean
Dingy
Unappealing
Needs update
Other (please specify)

24. Observations about the restrooms. Check all that apply.
Easy to find
Difficult to find
Clean
Needed attention
Pleasant decor
Outdated
Cluttered
Long line
Frightening
Other (please specify)

25. Check words that describe your observations of foyers and hallways.
Informative
Cheerful
Cluttered
Mediocre
Inspiring
I didn’t notice
Comment

26. If you walked through the childcare area, check words that describe it:
I did not see childcare area
Appealing
Unappealing
I’d happily leave my child there
Workers were friendly
Workers seemed competent
I noticed something about God (walls, signs, decor)
Comment

The worship service

27. Describe the use of technology in worship.

	Excellent	Needed work	Enhanced the worship	Distracted from worship	Not used
Sound system
Audio/visual/powerpoint
Lighting

Other comment on technology

28. Did the music portion of worship point you to God?
Yes, definitely
Somewhat
No

29. Check all words that describe your response to the music portion of worship. Add your own words in comments section.

Awesome	Mediocre	Not good	Worshipful
Intriguing	Meaningful	Too long	Too short
Too fast	Too slow	Too loud	Too soft
Like the style	Like the variety	I did not enjoy

Other comment

30. Who preached the primary sermon?
Regular Teaching Pastor or Senior Pastor
Another pastor:  _______________
Guest speaker
Other
Other (please specify)

31. How did you respond to the sermon? Check all that apply.
The message was based on the Bible.
I learned something from the message.
I could understand the sermon.
The speaker held my attention.
The message applied to my life.
The message was life-changing.
The message helped draw me closer to God.
I will likely think about that sermon this week.
Comment

32. If there was an additional part of worship, such as drama, mission emphasis, children’s sermon, etc. comment about it here.

33. Were there disruptions or distractions during worship?
Yes
No
Explain

34. Consider how each leader helped enhance worship. Skip those that do not apply. If you are completing a printed survey, simply respond with one word.
Prepared: 0) Scattered and unprepared –or– 1) obviously well prepared
Quality: 0) Mediocre –or– 1) Great Quality
Focused: Leadership: 0) Engaged in worship only during their responsibility or 1) Seemed engaged in worship the entire service
Appearance: Their demeanor and appearance: helped me to worship –or– distracted me from worship

	Prepared	Quality	Focus	Leadership	Appearance
Pastor
Music/Worship leader
Offering ushers
Door ushers
Choir members
Praise Team
Drama Team
Band
Piano/keyboard/organ
Other instrumentalists
Welcome
Announcements
Prayer leader
Other

Note:

35. What did you like best about the church?

36. What did you like least?

Summary

37. Which of these words would describe your overall experience of worshiping at this church today. Check all that honestly apply.

A great blessing	Worshipful	Amazing	Vibrant
Inspiring	Surprising	Joyful	Enticing
Relevant to my life	Thought-provoking	Solemn	Boring
Intimidating	Okay	Confusing	Offensive
Awful

38. Results of attending worship service
Made me want to learn more about God’s Word
Caused me to consider becoming a Christian (if you’re not a believer already)
Brought me closer to God
None of the above

39. If you were looking for a church in the area, please rate how you might respond after this visit.

	Absolutely not	Probably not	Probably yes	Absolutely yes
I would visit a second time
I would join the church
I would recommend the church to a friend
comment

40. Which age group best describes you?
Young adult
Middle-age adult
Senior adult
Other (please specify)

41. Marital status:
Single
Married

42. Do you usually attend a church for worship each week?
Yes
No

Here’s my newest “Fresh Ideas” article.

Fresh Ideas

Ten Tips for a Church Facebook Page

By Diana Davis

Take this quiz:

-       If your church could make free public announcements to thousands of your own members’ friends, would you do it?

-       If there was a simple way to help members and guests feel more connected to your church, would you use it?

Small and large churches across our nation are effectively using a Facebook organization page to enhance in-reach and outreach. Should your church have one?

Do the math. Ask for a show of hands to find out how many church members use Facebook. The average Facebook user has 130 registered “friends,” so if just twenty church members use Facebook, that’s 2,600 people who could read posts about your church. One hundred members with Facebook could touch 130,000. This is multiplication at its best. Convinced?  I interviewed several churches to compile these tips to help you get started.

Tip #1:  Begin well. Study other churches’ pages for ideas. Use tips from Facebook’s help section to create your church organization page. Then ask church members and guests to “like” (join) so posts will display on their newsfeed.

Tip #2:  Keep it short. Want posts to be read? Keep them very brief. Give basic info to ignite interest and provide a link to the church website for more details.

Tip #3:  Add a graphic. Attract more readers by attaching your church logo, event logo, a photo or graphic to posts.

Tip #4:  Post regularly. Consider allowing several leaders or members to post. Two or three posts per week would be desirable.

Tip #5:  Keep it positive. Never forget that thousands of people may read posts. This is no place for whining. Positive posts convey the emotion and reality of true fellowship and confidence in God.

Tip #6:  Connect. Announcements help readers feel connected with the church. Tell about the upcoming men’s breakfast, kids’ camp or Easter celebration. Announce a new Bible class, staff member or benevolence project. Communicate weather cancellations or disaster relief.

Tip #7:  Develop a relationship with the reader. Be authentic and encouraging. Tell the story of God at work in your church and in individual lives. Encourage readers to comment or add photos. Their personal enthusiasm and involvement will add excitement and draw readers to your church and your God.

Tip #8:  Use video clips. Professional video isn’t necessary; a flip camera will do. Video 1- or 2-minute clips of members sharing life stories about God’s power. An Indiana church posted a hilarious video of a tithing rap. Introduce the upcoming sermon series, peek into a youth Bible class or show senior adults exercising.

Tip #9:  Different groups, such as a Bible class, worship team or youth group, could have another Facebook page for communication. My neighbor noticed an announcement from our women’s ministry on my Facebook and asked about attending a Bible study!

Tip #10: Wait just a minute. It takes seconds to write a post, and it’s online immediately. Before submitting, re-read carefully to check tone, grammar and spelling. It represents your God and His church, so do it very well. Pray for God to use it to touch lives, then hit “post.”

Oh, this doesn’t take the place of face-to-face outreach and fellowship, of course, but it may enhance your church’s impact. Half of active Facebook users log in on any given day. If your church members’ Facebook friends log in tomorrow, will they learn something about what God is doing at your church?

©Diana Davis 2011 www.keeponshining.com

It worked! We tried a get-to-know-you fellowship game that we made up, and it was such fun. As ladies arrived at our event, they were guided to two long rows of chairs facing one another. The goal was to visit with the lady seated across from you, learning as much as you could about her in just two minutes. Then a whistle blows, everyone stops mid-sentence and moves one seat to the left. Then they visit with the person for two minutes.

If time permits, they could visit with each person. Even if you just meet three or four people, new relationships may begin to develop.

Speed-Greeting would be a great activity for your small group. We tried this with a larger group–one hundred pastors’ wives–at a breakout conference this weekend.  Each got to visit with four ladies, and they loved it.

Here’s a great way your church can shine for Jesus this Valentine’s Day!

Fresh Ideas
Valentine Cookie Extravaganza
By Diana Davis

Invite your community to stop by your church this Valentine’s Day to receive two dozen free homemade heart cookies. This fresh ministry project, a true labor of love, is a sweet and personal way to say “God loves you” and “we care.”

Step 1: Set a big goal. A few weeks ahead, challenge individual church members to sign up to bake several dozen homemade heart-shaped cookies. They can vary in size, and may be plain, simply frosted or elegantly decorated. Remind volunteers to pray as they bake. If twenty members of a small church bake five dozen cookies, those 100 dozen cookies can touch fifty new families for Christ! A larger church’s goal could be several hundred dozen.

Step 2: Invite the town. Post an exterior sign: “Free homemade Valentine cookies! Please stop by February 14 between Noon and 2PM to receive our gift of love: two dozen heart cookies.” Print business-card-size invitations for members to distribute. Deliver door hangar invitations to the neighborhood around the church. Submit a newspaper story about the project, with a quality photo of a member baking cookies.

Step 3: Prepare well. Set beautiful tables of cookies in a convenient foyer and plan a simple pick-up process. The gift will include a church brochure, newsletter, note from the pastor, and Valentine-themed evangelism tract (i.e. Valentine Memory Cross or Happy Valentine’s Day).

Step 4: Joyfully give. On the day of the event, folks come in and choose two dozen cookies, which are packaged for them by friendly church members. Each person is treated as an important guest, and hot cider and cocoa are served to those who want to relax and visit. A “decoration station” allows kids to frost and sprinkle a large heart cookie, and every person is verbally invited to Sunday worship. Absolutely no donations are accepted. This is a gift.

When cookies are gone, post an exterior sign, “Oops! Our 7,000 homemade cookies are gone. Please take a brochure, and know that you’re loved by God and Hope Baptist Church.” After the event, package leftover cookies to deliver to nearby businesses and shut-ins. This project can also be done as a Christmas Cookie Extravaganza.

It’s a major effort but a Cookie Extravaganza will “get-’em-in-the-doors” and provide an effective way to touch lives and love them to Jesus!

©Diana Davis is author of Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry (B&H Publishing) and wife of Indiana Baptist Convention’s executive director. www.keeponshining.com

We visited worship with our son and daughter-in-law in Ohio this weekend, and saw a great idea there. 

We all know that small children can’t usually listen all through the sermon. I love this idea that keeps their hands busy and their focus on Jesus. A note in the bulletin explains it:

 Worship Bags Available.

We welcome children of all ages to worship. Realizing that our younger ones sometimes become restless, the Christian Education Team has arranged for children’s worship bags. These bags are available at the rear of the worship center or from ushers on Sunday mornings. Enclosed in the bag should be some crayons, a children’s worship bulletin, paper and a couple of extra activity sheets. Chidlren will also find a Magna-Doodle and some other quiet toys as well as some Bible stories.  Please return all permanent items to the bags and return the bag to the table after worship. The bags will be refreshed each week.

Do you have people at your church who are I-Phone users?  Take a look at this YouTube video. It’s about the most creative idea I’ve seen lately!

Wow. Listen to it again…