For some of you this word might bring words of comfort: holy, family, home, grace, love, peace. For many others words of pain: rejection, hate, judgement, abuse. If you are like me, there may be a mix of both.
And I think a look at the church sign, might give us part of the story. For many people who never step foot in a church, the sign might be the only thing they see representing the church. What kind of message is the church sign spreading? Is their intent to welcome or condemn. Here are a few common church sign examples:
The Funny Sign
This church wants you to think that church is hilarious. Come on in, you'll love it here they say.
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| This is only funny if you were in high school in the early 90's. So I died. |
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| I'm not catholic, but this is funny. |
The Cool Sign
This church wants you to know they are modern, relevant and cool.
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| A PSA? |
The Political Signs
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| Really? |
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| Alrighty then. |
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| What?! |
The Hate & Hell Signs
We think the only reason you should come to church is you will burn in hell if you don't. We obviously have spent little to no time reading about Jesus.
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| We actually passed this on the way to the beach once. True story. |
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| Oh, I do. I do feel welcome. The love is pouring out. |
So why all this sarcasm and church sign hate on a Sunday morning. I guess I want people to hear a different message about the church. One that often isn't as loud.
I believe Jesus asked us to be a church of welcome. Of Love. Of Refuge. When I read "Love your neighbor as yourself.", I think he actually means to LOVE them.
So if you have been burned by the church or people using the church to spread hate, I am sorry. My hope is you might start to see more signs like this:
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| I don't think this is a real sign. But maybe it should be. |
. And maybe all we need to see is this:
