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 follows, then, is a Top Ten List (of sorts) that outlines when church signs suck.
1. When a church sign makes its author seem smarter than or superior to the reader, it sucks. What potentially new parishioner wants to attend a church that humiliates those that read its sign? Example: “It’s a new year, why don’t you do something new: go to church.”
2. When a church sign contains poor theology, it sucks. Let’s do give the world something different to look to, rather than the proverbial same old, same old. We do believe that Christianity is something radically different, right? Example: “Faith in yourself has won many a race: never quit trying.”
3. When a church sign tells a joke that isn’t funny, it sucks. The world already thinks the church is out of touch with our culture’s realities. How exactly are lame jokes helping change that idea? A good rule of thumb is that if you have to question whether a joke is funny or not–it isn’t. Example: “Seven days without prayer makes one weak.”
4. When a church sign tries to sound “deep” but just ends up being confusing, it sucks. Often these church signs fall under the category of what I call “Fortune Cookie Church Signs”. Example: “He who rows the boat doesn’t have time to rock it.”
5. When a church sign makes light of hell, it sucks. Today’s culture doesn’t take the idea of hell seriously at all. Churches who make jokes about it on their sign only make it worse. Example: “Stop, drop, and roll doesn’t work in hell!”
6. When a church sign contains poor grammar and/or spelling, it sucks. A rather sad, new phenomenon (within the last few dozen years or so) that churches are dealing with is the often mistaken idea that the general populace is more intelligent than those involved in the ministry. In older days, priests and pastors were some of the most well respected academics, and I feel that should be the case now. That is sadly no longer true in many parts of the country and world. Poor grammar and spelling on a church sign only proves this point for those that believe it. Example: “Will the road your on get to my place? -God”
7. That last sign reminds me: Church signs that purport to quote God suck. The Bible does such a good job quoting God, do we really want to try and top it?
8. Church signs that ask questions without providing answers? They suck. A common misconception is that a question on a church sign will persuade someone to attend the church in order to find the answer. I have found that it is far too easy for a passer-by to simply turn the question into a rhetorical one, and consequently it can be ignored. Example: “Whose child are you?”
9. Church signs that use outdated pop-culture references suck. This is actually a great way to get a youth group involved (in a small way) in the ministry of the church. If you are wondering if a pop-culture reference is outdated, simply ask the youth group. It will show that the church is not only eager to connect with them on their level, but it is eager to seek their opinion on matters as well. Example: “Walmart is not the only savings place.”
10. Church signs that use homophones in an attempt to appear clever suck. This goes for rhymes, homonyms, alliteration, assonance and all those other fun devices from freshman English class. They are generally not very clever, funny or profound. Example: “No time to pray makes easy prey.”
Most churches would admit that their church signs serve one of four purposes. First, the church sign can encourage current members to attend. Second, it can encourage non-believers or those who currently do not attend church to attend. Third, a church sign may improve the church’s image in the community. Fourth, a church sign can be another outlet for a church to glorify Christ and make Him known. Church signs from the above ten categories do none of those, so why use slogans and sayings like them?
I am often asked, “What then should we put on a church sign?” I have found that the following ideas work very well:
- Bible verses. (Note: Please choose Bible verses that make sense on their own and do not require a theology degree and three chapters of context.)
- Service times.
- News of how the church is working in and with the community. As a special bonus, not taking the time to think up these slogans actually leaves time for a church to work in and with the community.
- General church news (new pastors, exciting growth, new programs, new buildings, etc.)
- Upcoming sermon titles, provided they do not breach any of the above 10 categories.
For a rather extensive archive of church signs that suck and reasons why they suck, you can visit Crummy Church Signs. You may also want to check out church sign trivia, the church sign generator, a really sucky church sign and our very own church signs poll.
Vinny
September 14, 2006
Nice list. I would add that if your church sign looks junky (faded letters, hasn’t been painted since Noah got off the ark, night light is broken), it definitely sucks.
Also, not to be picky, but since you brought up spelling and grammar, the word you want is populace, not populous. Populace is a noun, while populous is an adjective.
Joel Bezaire
September 14, 2006
Re: Populace v. Populous…
Exactly why I am not in favor (nor am I in charge) of any church signs!!
:)
Thanks.
todd
September 14, 2006
so, this is the best post i’ve seen for a while. so funny, and so true and so sad all at the same time…
Jonathan
September 14, 2006
Thanks for a timely post! We’re a church plant that just launched this past Sunday night. The church building we meet in has a road sign that literally had the example from #5 on it – we were offended by it… and we’re Christians! (imagine how non-Christians must feel seeing it everyday on the way to work…).
LJ Scott
September 14, 2006
I’m a Christian looking for a church and have disqualified any church with lame marquees as it shows how out of touch they are.
Sr. Mary Hasta
September 14, 2006
I tried very hard to get a photo of a church sign I saw in Centralia, WA on a trip the other day, but I didn’t want to offend the people who were out there mowing the lawn.
Painted on their church sign (so they were stuck with it for a while) was, “We’re teeming with life!”
My first thought was, “A good dose of antibiotics will clear that right up.”
Cory
September 14, 2006
My recent favorite:
“Prevent Truth Decay… Brush Up On Your Bible!”
Kevin D. Hendricks
September 14, 2006
Re: Populace vs. Populous, that’s been corrected. You can pretty much be sure that any spelling mistakes around here are my fault (except for in the comments of course).
Bob Brown
September 14, 2006
I hated maintaining the church sign.
Everybody would offer clever phrases and I had a stack of books, but I would typically prefer to post points from last week’s sermon up there.
I prefer useful over clever any day.
David Springstead
September 14, 2006
Our church has a new sign which faces the intersection where the building is located. They are using the sermon titles each week which, while safe, are quite boring. I’ve made suggestions of doing other things, but have been “outvoted” by the Sr. Pastor.
Matt Farrand
September 14, 2006
“Life stink? Try our pews.”
Really. I’m not making it up.
Tim
September 14, 2006
Our church sign is guilty of almost all of these and it irritates me every time I see it. My wife and I kinda laugh at how corny our reader board is at times. But how can I show a list like this to the lady who updates the board without totally offending her?
Joel Bezaire
September 14, 2006
Tim…
I wouldn’t show her this list, to be honest. Possibly suggesting some of the positive alternatives (towards the bottom) is a better way to go, rather than showing her what is wrong with the current slate of sayings that are posted.
Jeff
September 14, 2006
Amen!
I was on a youth ministry discussion board once and the youth workers were literally in competition in trying to out-cute each other on their church signs.
I suggested that they simply post the service times and that they had great childcare during the service. I might as well of suggested that Jesus was just a good teacher for the grief I got.
Keep rattling the chains of the greeting card crowd!
Katrina
September 14, 2006
This is perfect. Our church sign is reserved for functional purposes only (website, service times. upcoming events) and I am so glad for it.
Another category: Church signs that are smugly superior or dogmatic (not to mention assumptive) suck.
Real Example: “They Are Not Called The Ten ‘Suggestions'”
True as it may be, it’s not exactly a way to warmly invite people in.
Benjamin Sternke
September 14, 2006
Great article. I’d add to #1 that signs that take an adversarial stance with the reader are not likely to gain many visitors. An example I saw once: “Without Christ life is all fun and games until you die and go to hell.” I thought, why not just throw rotten tomatoes at cars that pass by? That’ll have the same affect.
I posted a few pictures (some real, some fake) of bad church signs in a post on how not to do a church sign a few weeks ago.
Perry
September 14, 2006
This is one of the BEST posts on this site I have ever seen!!! My two pet peeves are church signs and Christian bumper stickers (maybe another post idea there!)
Christians have SO MUCH to say…but so many times the way we say it “sucks” & so the world thinks we are a joke.
Keep up the awesome work–you guys are doing a great job!
kelly
September 14, 2006
“Weather Forecast: Reign Forever”
and
“Come on in! We’re prayer conditioned!”
No joke.
Thank God our church always has upcoming events or service times on our sign.
Ethan
September 14, 2006
How about church signs printed on paper – like a yard sale sign.
Rain and ink mix all too well.
Cory Miller
September 14, 2006
My church is in the process of constructing an electronic sign in front of our church right now. And we’re on a busy street next to a mall. The tips were very helpful in thinking this through for me as I’ll be the one maintaining it. Thanks, Joel.
Johnny Leckie
September 14, 2006
Thanks for posting this!
I did a similar post in two parts on my blog earlier this year, and the highest number of hits I receive to them are from people searching for “clever sayings for church signs.” Ugh.
(Find them here: Here’s Your Church Sign and Suggestions For Better Church Signs)
There’s definitely too much “marquee madness” out there…
Daniel Miller
September 15, 2006
Ha, that was a great read. My favorite (from a few years back) “God can mend your achy breaky heart”. I kid you not.
On a funny note the “Stop, Drop, and roll doesn’t work in hell” has been made into a t-shirt by threadless:
http://www.threadless.com/product/535/Stop_drop_and_roll_doesn_t_work_in_hell
flod logic
September 15, 2006
Not only does this one fall under the stupid joke/pun category, but the potentially condescending category as well. I saw the following on a local baptist church’s sign:
“Prevent truth decay – read the AV 1611 KJV Bible”.
A sign is most likely not going to convince many people to want to read the Bible as it is, much less seek out a specific translation that a lot of people will have a hard time understanding! Ugh.
Walt
September 16, 2006
I’m embarrassed to admit it here, but I thought “Seven days without prayer makes one weak” was funny.
Billy
September 18, 2006
I have to laugh at a few of the comments. Some folks don’t like Christian bumper stickers, but it’s ok with cars riding around town with stickers on the back promoting their church (aren’t those considered “Christian bumper stickers”)? What’s the difference? Some folks don’t like signs that make lite of the severity of Hell, but yet they infuse humor into their message. I’m not trying to argue for or against the points in the article, but I think it’s kind of hypocritical of some individual’s attitude towards it. As I’ve heard someone say before, “Of course that’s your opinion and you have a right, but you’d be wrong”. Just a thought.
Perry
September 18, 2006
Hey “Billy” (wink-wink), I would say you missed the point of the article dude. :-)
Bumper stickers advertising the church name is NOT BAD MARKETING…IF the church does church with excellence. However, bumper stickers with phrases like, “Get saved or microwaved” are ridiculous. One must ask the question, “What is the point of the message?” Like Mark Batterson says, “The best message deserves the best marketing.”
Also–making fun of hell and using humor in a message…yep, you missed the point of the article not once, but twice my friend. I myself use humor in messages…as well as many other speakers. It’s not that we have a problem with humor…it’s that we have a problem with the stupidity that some churches show in their marketing. I would say telling a well placed joke is a good thing…saying that reading you Bible will prevent “truth decay” is flat out cheesy.
Matt Holley
September 18, 2006
Ah, the church sign. Growing up as a P.K., my dad would always enjoy coming up with clever sayings for the church sign. He was a very punny and witty person, so they were cute to some, funny to few. I can relate to this blog so well. People who put up the signs need to remember that it is the same as sending an e-mail. Emotion, inflection, and facial expression are not part of the experience.
Lynn
September 18, 2006
I pass a local church in our community 4 times each day. I wanted so badly to call the church office and plead with them to correct their sign which read…
“The Ten Commandants are not multiple choice”
Jenn
September 26, 2006
Two signs I saw today:
“Be an organ donor, give your heart to Jesus”
“A day without prayer is like lungs with no air”
Makes me ill just thinking about it…
chuck
September 28, 2006
We recently purchased an electronic sign. It has generated both positive and negative comments, but it has been noticed. We have had several people say that they started coming to church because they saw the sign.
We stay away from cute slogans, we don’t even include Bible verses (which I think shouldn’t be on the sign). We do a Welcome, the time, sermon title, weekly events, and more importantly we list other community events, including other churches on a regular basis. It has become more of a “community sign” as opposed to our church sign.
Kenny (blaqenedwyte blog)
October 7, 2006
Just saw one yesterday:
GOD LISTENS TO
“KNEE-MAIL”
I almost drove off the road.
lukas
October 9, 2006
One church sign near us read “Hot and Bothered? Its cool inside.” I don’t think they knew what they were saying.
I blogged a couple of entries from ChurchSignGenerator.com last month, what do you think of these for sign ideas?
http://luke.updraftsolutions.com/?p=238
http://luke.updraftsolutions.com/?p=251
Gigi
October 24, 2006
I have performed google searches in the past on several topics and your website comes up, but I’ve never taken the time to look at it because of your websit name “Church Marketing Sucks”. the word ‘suck’ is repulsive to me and just doesn’t sound like a word a Christian based site would use. So . . . why do you use it?
Robyn Tippins
October 24, 2006
So many times in our attempt at humor we alienate those who we most want to reach, whether it be on church signs, bumper stickers or Ts.
Laughing at yourself is ok, but laughing at others, via your holier than thou sign is sad.
I hope that many people read this post. For what’s funny to us just may result in some real change in the hearts of those attempting to reach the unchurched.
Thanks for this. I love this blog :)
kristen
November 7, 2006
OK I confess – I stumbled upon this site because I am in charge of our church sign and was looking for ideas on what to change it to! A few months ago I volunteered to be responsible for changing the sign (what was I thinking??) because I saw it was unattended and now I understand why it was not being updated regulary. It’s not as easy as I thought! After reading this blog I literally ran to church to change the cheesy message that I put up 2 months ago (yep uh huh it sucked). Great blog, helpful info, I’ll be sure to visit again…if I’m not too busy coming up with appropriate, relevant, unoffensive yet meaningful church sign messages.
Kayt
December 2, 2006
You are the perfect example of the human race: completely ignorant and stupid!
Justin McGee
December 17, 2006
Church signs are one of my biggest frustrations. I see these all over the place! people have to have the cheeziest sayings on their sign, and for what? To make sure they are the dumbest looking church in town? I actually read this article a couple of months ago, but as I was browsing thru the pages, I had to come check it out again. from what i got from the article, cheeze sayings aren’t necessary at all! i agree!
Julie
January 17, 2007
Thankyou!!!! I thought I was the only one who 1. hated doing the church sign, 2. after hours of searching through web sites and books to find “clever” one liners could only find cheesy christian sayings I cringed at – thanks for providing a positive alternative. I also thought though that your web site from the title was going to be a “christian bashing” – but I was so desparate to find something decent to put on the sign I thought why not …
Matt
February 23, 2007
This is in response to the comment that signs with poor grammar “suck”
1) Writing on a sign needs to be understandable. This is true.
2)Spelling errors can’t be up there.
Following these two guidlines though, abbreviated spellings, alternative punctuations, and sentence fragments are ok on a church board. Remember that they are only about 5 lines, or 23 syllables, of space in most cases.
Besides this, it is much better to have what you say on your board be as short as possible. This allows for reading it by at 40 miles per hour! The shorter the better!
Another thing to remember is that many signs don’t have every possible punctuation mark. Periods, dashes, elipses, quotation marks, and apostrophes are not found in many sets. Dashes are easy to “make” using white paper and tape and an F. The rest, you can’t. Is it possible to understand the saying perfectly without these? Yes.
Is it bad grammar? Probably. Remember though, the idea of register. We don’t use the same grammatical conventions, for example when communicating by AOL IM, that we do when writing an essay or a business letter.
One other thing I’d like to mention is the criticism on “old looking” letters. They are very expensive. It’s not easy to get replacement letter in the budget.
Of all the things that need doing in a church?! For many congrgations, I’m not sure it is good stewardship.
I’m sure any church, whose ratty church sign letters that offend you
would be glad to have you as an anonomous donor to replace them.
Donald
April 1, 2007
I disagree I feel that anything within the perameters of the Holy Spirit and our Fathers guidance that we should use whatever possible to get an unbeliever to notice God in some way. Jesus Himself used the tools of the day to make his points..like oil, money, lampstands…and so on. “Marketing” in the right spirit is not “sucky”
tyty
April 9, 2007
I agree with lukas. The word “sucks” is repulsive to me too. It does not sound like a word that Christians should be using. I was not allowed to say this as a child, nor do I still use this word. My children are also not allowed to say this. There could be a better choice of words.
Laura
July 3, 2007
As I was looking through this page I was amazed to see how much this topic bothers people. It really amazed me. I mean, I always saw the church sign to be a quick little pick me up as you drive by. Granted, I agree about the holier than thou messages, and the ones about hell. But I kinda like the cheesy one liners. I think that all marketing works that way??….I’m just saying this as a minister and as a p.k. I have grown up with this stuff. I always get more positive comments from the cheesy signs (our sundays are better than baskin robbins) than the ones that have scripture or things on it. I don’t feel that churches mean to offend anyone with the cheesy signs. I just think it is something light hearted and is supposed to be fun. I mean I don’t get mad every time I pass a billboard on the highway. Just thought I would throw my two cents out there.
Len McLaughlin
December 27, 2011
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.
Jon
August 14, 2007
I would just like to say I love the cheesy Church signs I see and I have to laugh out loud at those of you who are so offended by them. If you don’t like them that’s fine, but I know plenty of people that do and enjoy reading them, and to dedicate a website to making fun of them and saying they suck doesn’t seem right. You want to talk about our Christian witness, I wonder what non-Christians who stumble on this sight think of you making fun of other Christians and their ideas they put on signs. Some of you (Christians) say the cheesy signs you see make you sick, lol, give me a break. Is all this complaining and making fun of Church signs suppose to help build the unity of Jesus’ body the Church? I think not.
Jeanne
August 20, 2007
Interesting site. I’m among those who find the “sucky” characterization offensive, but decided to read the entries since I recently volunteered to put sayings up on the church sign…based on the fact that I enjoy seeing them as we ride along in the car. True, some are better left unsaid. Others are food for thought. I am glad I read your site though because it will cause me to be more discerning in what I choose to use on the board. Since we live in a vacation destination spot, for this month ours says “Awesome creation – Awesome Creator!
susan
August 23, 2007
Hi! I have found this site helpful, by finding out how others feel about church signs. And I will also be more careful choosing when we decide on our new church signs.I will try to be positive,encouraging, & uplifting on it. But, I am one of those that look for and enjoy Church signs. I agree that some are too long,boring, or not that funny. Church should look exciting and inviting. The sign should not remain the same all the time – for too long. When I see a sign changing from time to time…I think “Wow, they are with it.” There is something going on there at that church…they are alive!! Thanks for the info.!
ian docker
September 17, 2007
We are in the process of installing a new electronic sign so I found the site to be helpful. I agree somewhat with the advice and general responses that people have made for I too get miffed at religious cliches and judgemental statements. Having said that, I’m still amazed what many people find interesting and informative. Therefore, lets not be so overly cautious to the point that nothing creative is evey said or done. Thanks
Craig
September 25, 2007
ohhh get a life… If church signs suck so much why don’t you do something positive about it. It sucks that you have put all this effort into being negative about church signs
Joel
September 27, 2007
Heh. Craig is funny.
“Why don’t you do something about it…”
What a riot! Thanks, Craig!
Trina
September 27, 2007
I too have made it my business to update our billboard, and stumbled on this page looking for ideas. Quite honestly, I found this page to be quite discouraging. After reading most everyone’s comments, I’ve decided that I will allow GOD to use me as I decide what to post on the board. Just as in life, I will NEVER be able to satisfy EVERYONE. Even today, I am learning not to depend on other folks opinion as I make decisions for myself. I appreciate everyone’s comments and opinions, but when it’s all said and done…it’s like this…Thanks but no thanks! I got this!
Be blessed all!
Memphis
December 27, 2007
As someone who is in charge of our church’s sign and trying to
constantly come up with witty things to put on the sign:
YOU SUCK!
Besides that anything you can do to help introduce people to God is good.
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.
Steph
December 15, 2013
” (church name), A church for Real People”
So I’m what? A fake person because I don’t attend your church in particular? Seriously, some of these signs are getting ridiculous.
Bill Thistlewood
June 2, 2014
This site sucks! Why waste such a valuable tool such as an outdoor Church Sign. Events and items better suited for a church bulletin or newsletter should stay THERE. One liner SENTENCE SERMONS should always be used on the drive-by congregation of thousands. Why waste the sign on the disinterested public that will nver attend “in-house events” but yet the Sentence Sermons are read and retained by EVERYONE! That’s why I change our Church Sign RELIGIOUSLY EVERY WEEK. For those outside the congregation to be ministered to, hopefully, and if not this week, maybe next week. Your site was to hopefully give me more sentence sermons but instead is very discouraging.