The phone rings at the church. I pick it up. A lady at the other end tells me her name and that she lives locally.
For the next few minutes, she politely tells me that we are wasting our church sign. That it would be more appropriate to put inspiring or encouraging statements rather than the witty remarks. She also informs me that she isn't the only one who thinks this, that there are others who agree with her.
Some of you who don't live in the area might be thinking right now, what did they put on the sign? Here are a couple of examples.
Now Serving Pumpkin Spice Communion. Just Kidding. A local pastor busted out laughing at that one. A missionary in the area also told me that he loved that sign.
When the local river was overcome by algae causing all sorts of problems we posted. Even Jesus Wouldn't Walk On Our River. Local politicians and environmentalists came to take a picture of that sign and post it on social media.
I politely told my caller that our decision how to use our sign didn't come lightly. First of all, we are trying to reach people who would never pay attention to our church. Secondly, we are trying to speak the language of a younger generation. Thirdly, marketing surveys have already informed us that people don't read the old worn out sayings that churches have been recycling for decades.
In her last attempt to sway me, she questioned whether or not it was wise to use marketing principles to justify how we use our church sign. I informed her that there was a book in the Bible named Numbers. That God measures success and that He would desire for us to be good stewards of what He has given us.
Rom 5:21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
For the next few minutes, she politely tells me that we are wasting our church sign. That it would be more appropriate to put inspiring or encouraging statements rather than the witty remarks. She also informs me that she isn't the only one who thinks this, that there are others who agree with her.
Some of you who don't live in the area might be thinking right now, what did they put on the sign? Here are a couple of examples.
Now Serving Pumpkin Spice Communion. Just Kidding. A local pastor busted out laughing at that one. A missionary in the area also told me that he loved that sign.
When the local river was overcome by algae causing all sorts of problems we posted. Even Jesus Wouldn't Walk On Our River. Local politicians and environmentalists came to take a picture of that sign and post it on social media.
I politely told my caller that our decision how to use our sign didn't come lightly. First of all, we are trying to reach people who would never pay attention to our church. Secondly, we are trying to speak the language of a younger generation. Thirdly, marketing surveys have already informed us that people don't read the old worn out sayings that churches have been recycling for decades.
In her last attempt to sway me, she questioned whether or not it was wise to use marketing principles to justify how we use our church sign. I informed her that there was a book in the Bible named Numbers. That God measures success and that He would desire for us to be good stewards of what He has given us.
Rom 5:21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our goal is this. We want to put a smile on someone's face. You will never change the world with "Love One Another" on a church sign. But you can change the world if you love people enough to brighten their day. You can change the world if you cause a generation that has written off the church to pay attention to one of those churches that will love them.
To end the conversation the lady and I agreed to disagree, but I did let her know this. "I'm not worried about your relationship with Jesus. I'm not posting the sayings on that sign for you. I'm trying to reach people who need Him."
PRAY: Dear Jesus, may people know that Jesus is in my heart. May they want what I have. May I help them discover You today. AMEN
PS - No nasty remarks on Facebook. This dear lady was sincere and polite. I don't hate her or her faith.
Comments