My first concern if I were a member of that church is that such proclamations might cause violence against the church or its members.
I don’t support the gay lifestyle but I’m not going to wear a sign saying so.
“I don’t support the gay lifestyle but I’m not going to wear a sign saying so.”
Would you wear a MAGA hat?
You are closer to the real likelihood than the posters insisting the congregation is full of evil satanist.
My guess is the congregation simply did not want to become the center of attention ala Baptist Church of Westboro. They had no problem with the sign until the response was a protest. Which means they agreed with the sentiments of the sign.
It’s a small town and people did not want to be caught in the middle of a Controversy just because their pastor wants to be provocative. This reaction is not unreasonable and says nothing about their Biblical beliefs. Many people don’t think their beliefs should be shoved down the throats of others.