Survey says: Nebraska church pays visitors

Omaha, USA - An Omaha church that paid people to show up for Sunday service says the move was not an attempt to get more people in the pews.

Covenant Presbyterian Church in west Omaha paid eight people to attend Sunday's service and take a survey afterward.

The church ran a small ad in last week's Omaha World-Herald, and senior pastor Jeremy Grant says more than 30 people responded.

One of the volunteers was Peg West. She says that as a retired person, she thought she could use the extra $25.

The survey asked such questions as whether the church conveys a meaningful message.

Florida-based church consultant Joe Davis said the survey gives church leaders a third-party opinion that's more valuable than the $25 per survey being paid.