Comments on: When Church Signs Suck

By: Len McLaughlin

Len McLaughlin — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:25:36 +0000

I agree with a couple of comments. The word “sucks”, had a very sexual and repulsive reference when I was growing up, and I gringe at the use of it in this web site. It seems almost comical to me to read all the criticism of “cheesy” and tasteless signs when the most offensive language is on the actual web site?? Also, I too am amazed at the level of negative response to light and humorous sayings. I guess some folks just seem to always have an offended spirit or attitude. So a funny or cute saying is tasteless on a church sign, while our culture embraces “suck”, “sucks” or “sucky” as just fine? Really? Paleeeeeeze.

By: Rose Coward

Rose Coward — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:26:18 +0000

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.

By: Terry

Terry — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:08:53 +0000

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?

By: Marty Dunn

Marty Dunn — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:58:39 +0000

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….

By: George

George — Wed, 25 May 2011 18:23:19 +0000

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.”

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:04:19 +0000

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.

By: Walt

Walt — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:01:25 +0000

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.”

By: Walt

Walt — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:54:53 +0000

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.)

By: Mark Houvenagle

Mark Houvenagle — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:51:36 +0000

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.

By: Kevin D. Hendricks

Kevin D. Hendricks — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:38:25 +0000

Cheryl, you can read more about why we use the word 'sucks' over here.