Do you notice church signs as you drive by? Almost every church has a permanent sign in front. These signs often give the church name, service times, maybe even the pastor’s name. Often, they have an area for personalized messages. Some pastors use this space to advertise the current sermon series or the next special event coming up. Sometimes a Bible verse is posted there. All advertising of a sort, and helpful to let passers-by learn a bit about the church itself.
And then there are the “clever” signs. We’ve all seen them. “Free trip to heaven! Details inside.” ” This is a ch—ch. What is missing?” “Searching for a new look? Have your faith lifted here!” The topper? During Thanksgiving season one year, I drove by a sign that said “Gobble up Jesus this season.” Really. I’m not making that up.
I wonder what kind of advertising these signs are for the church. I know the messages are meant to catch our attention – but once they’ve done that, do they really help a non-believer or non-churchgoer know more about the church and Christ followers? Or do they just make it easy for others to ignore the church and its serious message of repentance and salvation?
It makes me think about the messages I broadcast in my own life. Do my words and behavior send a true message of God’s grace and desire to have relationship with every one of us? Or do I allow people the option of ignoring God and His call on our lives because my “advertising” doesn’t offer anything substantial? There’s nothing wrong with being clever, but I want to be sure I’m living a message of significance to draw people to the true Jesus.
What’s the goofiest church sign you’ve seen? Share that and other thoughts by clicking on “comments” below.
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1 comment:
Good point, though sometimes it's hard to arrive to definite conclusions
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