Posted on 07/27/2007 9:54:17 AM PDT by xzins
While more churches adopt large projection screens and multimedia technology to draw new believers and the unchurched, one church communications specialist points back to the traditional church signs that stand outside sanctuaries for more effective outreach.
Related To Hell and Back "It may sound like a line from the 70s, but people will ask, 'What's your sign?' A sign should be a primary ministry touch-point that encourages people to visit your church," said Woody Murray, who has worked for 30 years in communications and marketing in advertising agencies and at a major Christian organization.
Bottom line is either get a church message sign if you don't have one or keep your current one fresh and updated, and maybe even assign someone to make church signs their ministry, Murray suggested.
Why the emphasis on marquees?
"Your best prospects probably live close to the church," said Murray. "They very likely pass by it every day. They're on the way to and from work, going to the grocery store, or running other errands. Many of these folks probably go by your church more than once a day."
And a marquee message as simple as "Join us this Sunday for Worship 11 AM" can help draw those passer-bys.
"People respond to invitations," Murray stressed. "Make your message an invitation as often as possible."
Whether the sign has to be changed by hand or electronically, Murray recommends changing the message frequently to catch the eye of prospects, especially if there are special services and events happening at the church.
Earlier this year, more churches across the nation used their church signs to advertise their big-screen Super Bowl gatherings to attract crowds that may otherwise huddle at bars or places inappropriate for children to watch the big game.
When it comes to clever messages, however, Murray offers caution.
"I feel a little uncomfortable saying this, but be cautious in how you use Scripture on your sign," he noted, warning against churches that opt to choose "fire and brimstone" messages with the intention of frightening people into coming to church.
Such message signs run a greater risk of turning off people to your church, he said.
As Joel Bezaire, an attendant of West End Community Church who runs the website CrummyChurchSigns.com, stated, "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!'"
Another piece of advice Murray gave is: "Think twice about humorous signs, too."
"The world already thinks the church is out of touch with our culture’s realities," said Bezaire. "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."
Also, be brief, said Murray.
"People can't read a long message in the second or two it takes to pass the church," he noted. "Put too many words on your sign, and folks won't even take a look."
The rule of thumb is seven to 10 words.
Some ideas Bezaire suggests for church signs include service times, news of how the church is working in and with the community, general church news, upcoming sermon titles, or Bible verses that make sense on their own.
ESPRESSO, Achieve that euphoric feeling without the embarrassing track marks!
????
I can’t see them either.
Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
When I worked in DC, we once got a resume from an intern prospect who said she had experiend in “profreading.”
Hey....how come yours show up?
Must’ve worked at a university.
“Hey....how come yours show up?”
‘cause I didn’t steal them!!
A certain little girl, when asked her name, would reply, “I’m Mr. Sugarbrown’s daughter.” Her mother told her this was wrong, she must say, “I’m Jan Sugarbrown.” The Vicar spoke to her in Sunday School, and said, “Aren’t you Mr. Sugarbrown’s daughter?” She replied, “I thought I was, but mother says I’m not.”
Backatcha...
An elderly patient needed a heart transplant and discussed his options with his doctor. The doctor said, "We have three possible donors; tell me which one you want to use. One is a young, healthy athlete who died in an automobile accident. The second is a middle-aged businessman who never drank or smoked and who died in his private plane. The third is an attorney who just died after practicing law for 30 years."
"I'll take the lawyer's heart," said the patient.
After a successful transplant, the doctor asked the patient why he had chosen the donor he did.
"It was easy," the patient replied. "I wanted a heart that hadn't been used."
Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.
That way, when you criticize them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes.
Sign at a local airport:
If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you!!
True story...
General George Casey, currently the Army Chief of Staff and recently the CincIraq....
I used that “mile in their shoes” line when giving my daily devotional to him and his staff some 7 years ago now. He insisted on the Chaplain daily coupla minute devotional at the staff meetings when in the field. He was a good guy.
I re-uploaded them for you.
Thanks, Titan. :>)
You’re OK.
” Doctor, Doctor, my leg hurts. What can I do?” The doctor says.........,”Limp!”
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