Comments on: Birmingham’s Mystery Worshipper

By: Greengrass

Greengrass — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:25:40 +0000

I think it’s only right to have an honest opinion. Is it really unhealthy being truthful? Sometimes larger churches think they can do as they like and disregard a more gracious people-centred approach. My experience is that Elim churches are often like this. They think they are more spiritual than other churches/christians and have it right. They are unforgiving, judgemental and write people off easily. The pastors are often more like bosses than shepherds who drive the sheep as they like to be seen as successful (usually measured by bums on seats and pounds in the offering). ‘Promotion’ to a larger church often depends on these issues rather than faithfulness. Success as opposed to fruitfulness is the criteria. Very sad when there are so many lonely, hurting and damaged people……not just outside the church but sadly in the Elim churches. If you are serving the purposes of the Leadership then you’re ‘in’ and will get attention; if not, you’re left out.

By: David Derbyshire

David Derbyshire — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:09:32 +0000

This is a very fair and generous review. I would agree with what you have said. When I went to a Pray & Go meeting I was impressed that they were praying for such topical issues with such enthusiasm. But my main distraction was what I can only describe as hyping up this enthusiasm. For instance, I found the way that one or two people shouted at the devil very difficult to stomach. Nevertheless, it was a good event.

By: Ruirubbess

Ruirubbess — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 14:41:02 +0000

Very nice!!

By: Veron Graham

Veron Graham — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:06:05 +0000

Hi Gareth,

I’ve just read your blog about the ‘Pray & Go’ event.

I can’t say that I’m too thrilled reading your criticisms of BCC.

As a Christian, an experienced journalist and a blogger myself, I don’t think this is a responsible way to write, my brother. I’d never go so far as to assess a church like a food critic. I would have thought that a Mystery Worshipper wouldn’t have time to focus on much else but worshipping.

Not impressed, bro.

Yours in Christ,

Veron

By: Vola

Vola — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:42:52 +0000

Hi Gareth,
I’ve been to BCC too once that’s how I arrived on your blog. Nice job I just wanted to say hello as I work as a freelance journalist too. But now I am in Paris and I plan to move to Bham soon !
Also thanks for letting me discover the “Ship of fools” website. They’re really funny, I had never heard of them before, but I’ll stay tuned.
See ya,