If I were ever going to resort to a life of crime (and I’m not but if I ever was) my crime would be most unusual. I would break into churches and steal that little book it seems most of them have, that are filled with “witty” sayings to place on their moveable letter signs. Yes I know they’d probably just get them from the net but I refuse to steal someone else’s computer, so bear with me.
Yesterday I met a pastor friend for breakfast and on my way to the restaurant, I passed a church that had not one, but two signs. The one informed me that God Answers “Knee Mail” and the other side let me know the church was “prayer conditioned.” I know it’s a pet peeve of mine but it gave me chills. It may give a chuckle to the long established believer (I thought they were slightly humorous the first time I saw them, about a million times ago.) but come on. What broken, hurting, direly in need of Jesus person is going to see that sign and think this may be the place to find the answers I’m looking for.
Yes I know someone is cringing and thinking it takes a lot more than a church sign to reach someone in need and you’re right, but shouldn’t we always put our collective “best foot forward.” I also know the church sign was the forerunner of Twitter, you know, say something meaningful in 140 characters or less, and that can be hard, but can’t we do better. Tell them what you’re doing, better yet, tell them what God is doing. Answer a question or ask a question. Pique their interest. Give them a compelling reason to walk through the door. If you’re not sure whether your sign works or not, call in a discerning teen or young adult who will tell you the truth and ask them what they think of your sign. Better yet, ask an unbeliever what they think. We are supposed to be getting to know them, you know. I’m not talking about dumbing down your message, I’m talking about making sure it doesn’t seem like your message is going to be dumb. I’m talking about looking at your first impression.
Church we are the children of the ultimate creator. We can come up with better stuff than this and we must. We have the message that changes lives, the message of the Gospel, the ministry of reconciliation. We’re here to introduce people to Jesus. You probably have great stuff going on inside your doors. The question is will they come and see if all they know is that you’re “prayer conditioned?” One of the things Jesus did was healed the lame maybe it’s time we ask Him to heal us from “lame” messages.
By the way, if you click the photo above it will take you to a site that allows you to generate your own “church signs.” Church signs have had this reputation for so long that someone has created a website about it. Something to consider. Maybe you can use the site to proof your signs before posting them for the world to see. Just a thought.
AMOKArts 