Sometimes I Write

What is the point? Are they there to communicate to the public or the church members?

I have seen so many stupid church signs over the past few years, that I’ve started a list. I’ve even seen a few that almost prompted me to stop and go in so I could slap, I mean talk to the minister that allowed that crap to be posted on the front lawn. My number one pick is still this one,

“Try Jesus…if you don’t like him I’m sure Satan will take you back!

Boy, I’m sure that convicted everyone that was unfortunate enough to drive by that church. (insert sarcastic cough here) It stayed posted for a whole month! Do people just not get it???

There are signs that are informational, signs that are loving, and signs that are neither of those. I remember rolling my eyes at some of the clever little phrases on our own church signs in the different places we’ve lived. If I’m rolling my eyes at it, what is the average non-church going Joe thinking about it?

So my question is…Who is the church sign for? The world, or the church?
I think the answer is the world since most signs have the hours of worship and Sunday school printed on, or flashing across them. The church members already know that information. There is also (sometimes) the words, “Come worship with us”, or some other friendly invitation. So why then does the community have to read phrases like, “God likes knee mail” or “Keep it up and I’ll make rush hour longer – God”? Who are those messages for? Should we be trying to win souls with our wit and humor on a billboard? Are they posted to convict the backsliding Christians?

If you’re going to communicate a message using a huge sign that thousands of people are going to see each day, why not say something loving, encouraging, welcoming, and forgiving? Those signs are out there too. How about, “Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest – Jesus” (an actual sign) No sarcasm, nothing cutsie, just loving on whoever reads it, Christian or not. What a concept!

Another thing that cracks me up is our denomination’s big fat guide to all of our sister churches across the nation. It’s entitled “Where the Saints Meet” Funny, I’ve never met one that I know of. Cocky aren’t we? But that’s a blog for another day.