This was the second highest read post on my old site. Thought I’d share with my new friends..
You’ve probably seen the title of this post as an evangelistic message on a church sign as you passed by. What were your first thoughts?
You’ve probably seen these too….
– Don’t make me come down there! ~ God (I’m actually looking forward to this)
-God answers knee mail. (really?)
– Salvation: so easy a caveman could do it. (theologically jacked )
– Go to church or the devil will get you. (this is actually a HUGE billboard off of I65N driving from FL…and why would the devil try to attack if you are already doing what he wants you to)
And there are a couple of local ones that are trying to be relevant in incorporating current radio friendly songs. To be completely HONEST, I HATE church signs…. with the exception of service times. They are often cheesy, insulting, embarrassing, or embarrassing (I know I said it twice…because it is). If you only had one thing to say to someone who is lost without Christ and they just happen to drive by…is the message on that sign what we’d want conveyed about the God we serve? I know it’s not for me. I cringe (okay maybe I laugh a little) at most of the signs I see and wonder if non-believers feel the same way. Probably so. If you have or have had one of these phrases or something similar…change it. The greatest thing that they could read would be God’s word followed by service times. Let’s give them just a taste of what they need plus the times they can get more of it when they choose to do so.
I wonder how much time, energy, and creativity goes into changing those signs out. How many people have spun into a church parking lot because a church sign “compelled” them to come? Could those resources be used to better serve the community and share Christ in a more influential and lasting way? You may be getting defensive thinking they’re cute and harmless and they may be to those already inside…but what about those who are on the outside? I think we were the ones who were meant to compel them to come in (Luke 14:23). Let THE CHURCH be known for what we show (John 13:35)…not what we say on a sign
In the great words of theologian Bill Engall…..”Here’s your sign”
