How do you best use your church sign to reach the community?
Just say no.
The gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe, but it isn’t easy to encapsulate that gospel on a church sign in such a way that the message isn’t perverted or made trite and common. Every once in a while I read a church sign with a message that makes me smile or think. Much more often, my response is to cringe when I read the offensive, ridiculous, shallow or hackneyed phrases.
Ed Stetzer posted a church sign at his blog today and it got me thinking. Here are some church signs that someone thought would actually be a good way to advertise the work of the Lord in their community.
Here’s a similar message to the one he posted, though this is from a different church. Okay, Christians (those who believe the biblical gospel) know the reality of hell and are concerned that people without Jesus are headed there for all eternity.
We should not shy away from the message of judgment, but is that really the message we want to lead with? As someone is driving down the road, is slapping them in the face with an eight word message about hell really the best way to communicate the gospel?
And, really, is hell something to joke about?
Hey, no church has to answer to me, but I am not of the opinion that this is the best way to go.
Okay, here’s another version of that one, from one of our sister churches in Texas.
Hey, there are parts of the Bible that are pretty intense, but is the purpose of God’s Word to “scare the hell” out of people?
Some messages are trite to the point of offending the serious nature of the gospel. Here’s one for your consideration in that category.
Free coffee AND eternal life? Wow. Not to be too picky but perhaps it might be good to clarify that membership might bring you free coffee, but it does not guarantee eternal life.
I thought this one was funny, but it left me wondering how it had anything to do with the church.
This billboard would certainly not go over well in conservative, midwestern Sioux City, but maybe in some cities.
Not to be unkind, but I’ve sometimes wondered if this is the life motto for some bloggers (especially those with whom I disagree, of course.)
Really? I guess there is a new translation that says that you are “transformed by the bypassing of your mind.”
I guess the next church was going to hear a sermon on Rahab, but is that really worth the confusion this sign would create?
Several preachers have taken this one literally, but we’d better move on. So, check this one out.
Huh?
At least this next one wins the transparency award.
I guess that’s my question: Is a message on a church sign really going to draw a crowd?
Sometimes, it’s just a matter of spelling.
I wash my hands of that sign. (You’ll laugh later when you get it). Here’s another significant misspelling.
Either its a misspelling or some kind of inappropriate joke. And that brings us to a whole new area of church signs – inappropriate humor. I’m no prude (probably should be more of one than I am). But I am amazed some priest thought this was an acceptable brand of humor for their sign.
Ed Young and Mark Driscoll both declared that one in bad taste.
We have a church sign, but I vetoed this message when our Deacons wanted to post it.
What about Friday through Wednesday? Any help then?
Pastor, you might need to warm up that resume. And, for goodness sakes, keep your signs repaired, folks.
Actually, though, once in a while I see one I like. I’ll end this with one that tickled my fancy.
