Sign of the Times

By David Tonen • January 14th, 2009

Does your church have a sign? You know, one of those signs on the front lawn or along the curb of your church property that you change to put announcements and sayings on? Many churches have these and many try to be unique to capture the attention of the passerby. Umma has provided us with a few snapshots of Hilarious Church Signs.

I have mixed emotions about this marketing process. Does it work? When people who are not churched people, drive by and read these quippy statements, do you think it ever makes them want to visit your church? Sure, we who attend church laugh. We get it. But those who most need to be reached with the message of hope we bare…do they care? Do they get it? After all, if it doesn’t affect their behaviour, if it doesn’t motivate them to action, aren’t we wasting our time?

Is the church sign a cop-out for churches who would rather put a message on the board than get out into the community, build relationships with people, and show them genuine love and hope in action…and maybe invite them personally? I don’t know the answer, I am just asking the question. What do you think? Is the church sign an outdated church marketing tool?

Comments(16) Church Marketing, Marketing, Ministry

http://godspace.wordpress.com Christine Sine

I particularly hate neon signs that flash their messages outside megachurches (I suppose they are the only ones that can afford them). I can’t imagine them attracting anyone
http://godspace.wordpress.com Christine Sine

I particularly hate neon signs that flash their messages outside megachurches (I suppose they are the only ones that can afford them). I can’t imagine them attracting anyone
http://www.twitter.com/brandonacox Brandon Cox

Our own experience with the church sign has been fairly positive, but we take a slightly different approach. The couple that takes care of it draws significant points out of my previous week’s message and that’s what goes on the sign. We’re on a major highway, so sometimes in conversation with strangers they will say, “Oh yeah, you’re that church on the hill – I read your sign every week.” So for us, it’s a good conversation starter, but we avoid the oft-repeated old sayings you see everywhere.
http://www.twitter.com/brandonacox Brandon Cox

Our own experience with the church sign has been fairly positive, but we take a slightly different approach. The couple that takes care of it draws significant points out of my previous week’s message and that’s what goes on the sign. We’re on a major highway, so sometimes in conversation with strangers they will say, “Oh yeah, you’re that church on the hill – I read your sign every week.” So for us, it’s a good conversation starter, but we avoid the oft-repeated old sayings you see everywhere.
http://navigateyourmarketing.com/ David

Christine, thanks so much for sharing. Neon signs just take the sign to a different level…and maybe even a tackier one!

Brandon, I like the idea your church is implementing. It is much more strategic and relevant. I think today, it all comes back to connecting with people. If what we do does not connect or resonate with non-church people so they relate to it, then we are missing the boat. Keep up the good work and commend the couple that looks after your sign!
http://navigateyourmarketing.com/ David

Christine, thanks so much for sharing. Neon signs just take the sign to a different level…and maybe even a tackier one!

Brandon, I like the idea your church is implementing. It is much more strategic and relevant. I think today, it all comes back to connecting with people. If what we do does not connect or resonate with non-church people so they relate to it, then we are missing the boat. Keep up the good work and commend the couple that looks after your sign!
http://www.redletterbelievers.com david Rupert

our church has signs that advertise ‘community needs.” we have divorce recovery, financial classes, child rearing seminars and the like.

But i really dont think that having a weekly sermon title does anyone any good.
http://www.redletterbelievers.com david Rupert

our church has signs that advertise ‘community needs.” we have divorce recovery, financial classes, child rearing seminars and the like.

But i really dont think that having a weekly sermon title does anyone any good.
http://navigateyourmarketing.com/ David

Thanks David, your church is on the right track if they are posting announcements that are relevant to the community. That’s where the value is!
http://navigateyourmarketing.com/ David

Thanks David, your church is on the right track if they are posting announcements that are relevant to the community. That’s where the value is!
http://bryanwiens.wordpress.com Bryan Wiens

I think the church wittyisms usually end up being church speak; funny to church people.

I was trying to describe a church to a friend one day. I described the local landmarks and finally he caught on to the one I was describing. He said “Oh yeah, the one with the creepy messages on the sign.”

My thoughts on church signs – don’t try to be cute. Just keep relevant messages up there that make saying yes to whatever you’re calling people to do really easy and as comfortable for them as possible.

Save the moral challenges for when they want to hear about it.
http://bryanwiens.wordpress.com Bryan Wiens

I think the church wittyisms usually end up being church speak; funny to church people.

I was trying to describe a church to a friend one day. I described the local landmarks and finally he caught on to the one I was describing. He said “Oh yeah, the one with the creepy messages on the sign.”

My thoughts on church signs – don’t try to be cute. Just keep relevant messages up there that make saying yes to whatever you’re calling people to do really easy and as comfortable for them as possible.

Save the moral challenges for when they want to hear about it.
http://navigateyourmarketing.com/ David

That is the extent of it Bryan! The whittyisms are only funny to church people and offensive to the unchurched. I am sure that is not the intent when these churches do it, but sadly, that is the result!
http://navigateyourmarketing.com/ David

That is the extent of it Bryan! The whittyisms are only funny to church people and offensive to the unchurched. I am sure that is not the intent when these churches do it, but sadly, that is the result!
http://www.blackcupofcoffee.com Robert Sager

OHH don’t get me started… While I think the church sign sayings come from a genuine heart, their perception in the outside world is KILLING us marketing wise. Not only that I have seen SOOOOOOO many that are simply a cop out for true outreach. One sign I saw that horrified me,and I quote verbatim what the sign said:
“Want to know about the Great Commission, Come on in and ask!”
What!?!?! I thought the Great Commission was about us going OUT not inviting in…
http://www.blackcupofcoffee.com Robert Sager

OHH don’t get me started… While I think the church sign sayings come from a genuine heart, their perception in the outside world is KILLING us marketing wise. Not only that I have seen SOOOOOOO many that are simply a cop out for true outreach. One sign I saw that horrified me,and I quote verbatim what the sign said:
“Want to know about the Great Commission, Come on in and ask!”
What!?!?! I thought the Great Commission was about us going OUT not inviting in…

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