Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Stop Drop and Roll Doesn't Work in Hell

You've probably seen the title of this post as an evangelestic 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 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 compell 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"

1 comment:

Kelly Ashlyn. said...

I just now read this and I'm trying not to bust out laughing because I remember seeing "...the devil will get 'cha" sign coming home from Florida. My grandparents actually have a church sign book, and I laugh at them too.