Post Info // super fun stuff.
Church Sign Sightings
In our driving yesterday evening, my wife and I came across two “wonderful” church signs:
Sign #1 - “Visitors Welcome. Members Expected.”
Ouch. Nothing like a little guilt tripping to get your members to get their butts in the pews.
Sign #2 - “Friends ask for your time. Not your money.
Wait a minute. Is that true? Really, I am wondering. Friends are not allowed to ask for help when it comes to finances? That’s off limits in true friendship? Oh, and does this mean it is not okay for churches to invite their members to take part in the mission of the church by financial giving? Maybe I am off here, but this sign really bothered me.
drew moser said...
105/5/07 3:50 PM | Comment Link |
I just saw one, referencing a new DQ franchise down the street: “Welcome Dairy Queen. Good food, but we have the best Sundays!” I threw up in my mouth a little bit.
Bryan L. Fordham said...
205/5/07 4:03 PM | Comment Link |
I think the reason most churches have “clever” sayings on their signs is that they have nothing else to offer.
wezlo said...
305/6/07 2:47 AM | Comment Link |
Sigh. “If we put a clever slogan out on the sign people will flock to us!”
Anyone remember this Jesus character I keep hearing about?
Jim Renaud said...
405/6/07 8:37 PM | Comment Link |
As far as friends go, I ask for both.
Jessie Robinson said...
505/8/07 10:35 AM | Comment Link |
As to the idea of friends and money, it’s true. We shouldn’t ask for money, although we don’t have to say no if it’s offered. On the flip-side, we should want to offer the money without being asked as a friend of someone in need.
As to the message regarding members, it’s a very harsh message, but I don’t think you can be a member of a church without participation, it doesn’t make sense. Kind of an oxymoron. I belong to a church whose paper and pen membership is at around 5000, but only 700 of those are “participating.” It’s hard to put out that message of what being a part of Jesus’s ever advancing army is with a bumper sticker like phrase. They definately need a dose of Holy Spirit to bring the message to the public and their congregation without the signs, but I think the signs made you think which is the point really, and they did start a dialog which isn’t all bad. :) Peace be with you!
Todd said...
605/9/07 8:42 AM | Comment Link |
Jessie, i hear what you are saying here. It obviosuly is important that members participate in the life of the community, or…well…there is no church.
however, my problem with the second sign is that they are preaching a message of law, not grace. there is in fact, very little grace coming forth with this. i can’t imagine how this could be compelling people to come into their community.
of course, there are greater things for me to worry about in this world than this church sign. but, as pastors and leaders, when we try and guilt and manipulate people into doing what we think is important (Even if it IS important) we only drive people further away and build resentment and hostility.
again, there are greater things to worry about! peace be with you as well :)
Bob said...
705/10/07 3:34 AM | Comment Link |
Seems to me there is something wrong putting either of these messages on the sign.
The first is just internal church business, hardly welcoming to someone outside the church (”Just how soon will those expectations start?”) and, most importantly, there’s no Gospel there.
The second is some conventional wisdom masquerading as moral pronouncement. Except, again, it’s not grace or the good news.
These might start conversation among church folks like us, but I doubt the average person driving by would think twice. And if they did start talking, it wouldn’t be about Jesus…
ryan said...
805/11/07 12:53 PM | Comment Link |
Hey, just wanted to add my two cents here… Don’t forget to “send an knee-mail to God” sometime soon because we all know “seven days without prayer makes one weak” and “a lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.” If you don’t want to pray then maybe you should remember that “Jesus died for ‘MySpace’ in heaven” and “stop drop and roll doesn’t work in hell.” Of course, if you don’t believe in Jesus it might mean you’re just too open minded. And we all know that “if you’re too open minded your brains fall out.” (all of the above quotes are from real church signs!)
Todd said...
905/11/07 8:47 PM | Comment Link |
Drew, i just re-read your first church sign. sigh…
Sophocles said...
1002/1/08 11:58 PM | Comment Link |
interesting