One of the first impressions that a church gives a passer-by is its church sign or marquee. In recent years, it has become chic for churches to quote presumably pithy sayings on these church signs. It is my assessment that most of these church signs “suck” (by CMS’ definition of the word), especially when taking the “Church Marketing” perspective. What…
When Church Signs Suck
Joel
December 27, 2007
Thanks Memphis.
Can’t seem to find where we disagree, but thanks all the same.
Cheryl
August 31, 2010
Unfortunately you’ve used bad language in your web site – do you have any idea what “sucks” means, where this phrase came from? Its offensive, crude and not at all a Christian image.
Kevin D. Hendricks
August 31, 2010
Cheryl, you can read more about why we use the word ‘sucks’ over here.
Walt
January 5, 2011
Yeah, it used to be; but not anymore. Now it is common. Unfortunately, language evolves. 20 years ago, I would never have thought of using the word “sucks”; now, it is just a term that means something akin to “is not good.”
Pastor Steve
January 23, 2008
I think you made some good points, however, in total your post violates its first principle. Who are you to say what is funny and not? Who are you to say what sucks and what doesn’t?
Abe
February 5, 2008
Church signs shouldn’t get people to go to church, people should get people to go to church. We as Christians like to wear “Christian” messages on our clothes. Our life should speak Christ, not our t-shirt. Same with our church. We like advertising God with signs and attire, instead of advertising God with our own life. Jesus didn’t need a neon sign to tell people how much He loved them, He did that with His life and death. Don’t advertise love, just love.
Theresa
March 27, 2008
I think the advertisements on our churches, T-shirts, cars and etc. always gives someone a chance to witness, regardless of what they say. I have a T-shirt that says “Forgiven” like a name tag, and I used to wear it at the gas station where I worked, and let me tell you I was able to witness more with that T-shirt than I would have ever done without it. Someone would read it even when I wasn’t paying attention or was really busy and it gave me the opportunity to explain how and why I was forgiven. I think these signs are not just to get people into the churches, but to get people talking about God! Remember, God can use even the suckiest thing to reach the person(s) with a ready heart!
Amber
June 3, 2008
I saw one that said “Don’t be so open minded that your brains fall out.”
Yeah be prejudges.
nikki
June 25, 2008
i saw one in alliance ohio that said “Happy Athiest’s Day: April 1, 2008.”
i’m still speachless.
Darrin
June 30, 2008
I saw one at the church close to my home that said “Dusty Bibles lead to dirty lives”. That surely doesn’t make me want to attend that church.
I considered calling and asking why they would put up such a judgemental sign, but I was scared of what the answer might be. Their other “inspirational” quotes are just as judgemental and corny as that one, but their parking lot is full every Wednesday and Sunday.
I still love my friends that have joined that church so their kids can play “Upwards” basketball.
Nicole Jackson
September 3, 2008
I am sorry for your bad sign experiences in the church industry. We are part of a church plant in San Antonio TX, and we own a sign company! We are trying to market to churches for this VERY reason. So many times churches don’t get the design or quailty they need, when a sign can make the first impression. We have gone above and beyond to provide excellent signs to churches that have high quality, and a huge impact! Give us a call, we may just change your mind about how signs can make a great impression for your church—and not create a “sucky” one!
~Nicole
Cold Fire Signs
210-694-6013
http://www.coldfiresigns.com
Roger W Hancock, PoetPatriot
January 28, 2009
This is an interesting and useful article. I agree on most however the example used for the Joke message I did not take as a joke. “Seven days without prayer makes one weak.” is not funny because frankly its not funny. I take as a statement to make one think about their prayer life.
I do wish I had read this before I wrote nearly 1000 Church Sing messages myself. (www.Messages.PoetPatriot.com) However, I think I did a pretty good job, overall. I scanned through and did not catch any presuming to quote God. That’s good.
I have few questions that I believe work. They either include multiple choice answers or require just a little inward reflection, often with a simple yes or no answer. If you need a list of Sayings check out mine at http://www.Messages.PoetPatriot.com.
Jeff
January 29, 2009
There are so many comments on this post that I doubt anyone will get to me but I’ll share my thought as well.
Regardless of the emotional comments going back and forth between both sides of this issue, the fact is, the Church (universal) represents Christ to the world. I think we need to be careful in all things, including but not limited to signs, we represent him well. Considering the excellence with which God has done all things, we have the responsibility to make sure something as visible as our church signs display the excellence of our God. If you can’t think of excellent things to put up on the sign, perhaps you should consider simply putting the words of God up there. Pick out a significant verse from a past or future sermon and put it up there. After all, it is the understanding and embracing of the Word that ultimately draws men to Christ, not our clever comments. Just a thought…
Solomon Shaffer
November 2, 2009
Repeated use of the word “sucks” is a far greater error than “Walmart isn’t the only saving place.” Otherwise, your points are somewhat helpful.
RM
December 28, 2009
To the writers, I’d like to add one to your list: Those that use the word “suck” too much, well, they suck! LOL! LOL! My kids aren’t allowed to say this either nor would I use the word, but, I have to admit…I found this article to be very funny. I disagree with many of the points, but, hey, I had fun reading them. If you like boring, go for your boring signs. If you like funny or cheezy, go for it. Let’s band together against the devil and not each other! I wish there was a blog called Billboard Marketing Sucks. Anything goes on a billboard – alcohol, profanity, nudity, gambling, etc., and nobody says anything about that! I wonder what heaven’s “church sign” says?
RM
December 28, 2009
To the writers, I’d like to add one to your list: Those that use the word “suck” too much, well, they suck! LOL! LOL! My kids aren’t allowed to say this either nor would I use the word, but, I have to admit…I found this article to be very funny. I disagree with many of the points, but, hey, I had fun reading them. If you like boring, go for your boring signs. If you like funny or cheezy, go for it. Let’s band together against the devil and not each other! I wish there was a blog called Billboard Marketing Sucks. Anything goes on a billboard – alcohol, profanity, nudity, gambling, etc., and nobody says anything about that! I wonder what heaven’s “church sign” says?
Mark Houvenagle
December 30, 2010
Matthew 7:5 says, “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (NASB)
Many people feel better about their own low self-esteem when they put down others. Here I think I see a multiple layer effect happening. We’re all just needy people and need to give grace to the weaker brother.
Walt
January 5, 2011
Do you actually have experience with this? While your list of 10 things to avoid is generally true, your suggestions are HORRIBLE. Bible verses require context that a sign does not permit. Service times are helpful, but waste valuable sign space. Using the church as an extension of your Sunday bulletin (news, programs, etc.) is nice…if you’re trying to communicate with church members. Sermon titles are worthless. Nobody comes to church to hear the sermon (which doesn’t alleviate us pastors from delivering a good one that mind encourage them to come back!).
I have been a pastor for 25+ years, and have effectively used signs to attract newcomers. If that is one’s goal, here’s what I recommend (besides observing your 10 guidelines):
* Don’t be preachy
* Make sure your letter size is compatible with the speed of the road, and keep you messages short, i.e. readable at 35 mph
* It’s O.K. to be “serious” but don’t be “grave” – e.g. “Life is short” is good; “You could die today” is not
* Connect with your community – e.g. the message that got the most attention recently was in the week leading up to the Ravens vs. Steelers (NFL) game. We are located literally on the border of Maryland and Pennsylvania. One side of the sign said, “Go Steelers”; the other side said, “Go Ravens.” I still get comments, both in the church and in the community
* Don’t try to hard – the purpose of the sign is to advertise, i.e. attract POSITIVE attention/response. It is not a sermon board.
* Change your sign regularly – at least once a week. It takes people a few days to notice it, but they will soon stop looking if it always says the same thing (like service times, etc.)
Anonymous
January 24, 2011
This is the best list of what not to put on church signs that I have ever come across in my short life. I am greatly touched by this. May god bless you and love you.
George
May 25, 2011
This is probably the worst advice for using a church sign to attract visitors that I’ve ever read. Why not just sum it up with, “If you aren’t already a member here, we don’t want to get your attention anyway.”
Marty Dunn
October 4, 2011
If one attempted to follow your great knowledge of church signs, there would not be much on them…..Now I understand that some people go to far with their quotes but you seem to be against everything. A statement that leads one to think is the intention…..Sometimes they are warm….sometimes they cut a little…Either way, they can be a message that speaks to those that are in need. And just look at all those that pass by churches every day that never darken the door. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to say that a message on the sign out front led them to visit and get saved or get back in church…See, I am one of those people….So I do not agree with your philosophy at all….
Terry
December 3, 2011
Certainly, we need to be concerned about the impact of church signs on potential readers. The summary of the purposes of these messages was excellent. Everyone responsible for maintaining reader boards should give careful, thoughtful consideration to what they post.
All the criticism leveled at the signs in this article (and in some of the comments) falls flat on its face when you consider what the critics suggest as an alternative. The best signs include service times, bible verses, news and sermon titles BUT those things are BORING! They do nothing to accomplish the goals you listed. I would choose to follow your guidelines only if I wanted to attract nobody’s attention. How does that help?
Rose Coward
December 10, 2011
I think that a Church sign like many other things should be used as an evangelism tool. Or perhaps more precisely as something that can help till the hard soil of the heart to make it ready for the seed of the Gospel. The Church service is NOT the evangelism tool, it is the place where the saints are taught, corrected, and trained for service to their Lord. So, if a Church sign doesn’t attract someone to come to Church that is okay. It is best if it sticks like a burr under his saddle and leads him to seek relief. IE. peace with God through repentance and faith.
A good saying in this case might be a quote by Jonathan Edwards: Almost every natural man that hears of hell, flatters himself that he shall escape it.