So, I am going to start a new recurring theme on my blog which is one of my obsessions – bad church signs. Every once in a while, when I come across one, I will post it and say why some of them are the bane of my existence and do more to hinder the expansion of the gospel than actually advance it. Here’s the first one:
There’s so much I can say here. First, this type of sign confirms what many unchurched people believe – “we don’t care about you and frankly, we are better than you.” Now, I believe in hell. I believe that people who don’t know Jesus will go to a literal hell. But I’m not happy about it. I’m not arrogant about it. That sign is an appeal in some way for people to turn their lives over to Jesus. But is their any sympathy there? Is there any compassion? No, its rude, sarcastic, and condemning. And Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17 – very important verse after verse 16).
Next on the list – check out their actual name of their church/ministry – “Stewards of GRACE!” Grace is wanting to give someone what they don’t deserve, not giving them what they deserve (a.k.a hell). In fact Romans 2:4 is very important to this because it says that Christ’s kindness is what leads to repentance. Not judgment, not wrath, not threats, but his kindness is what changes hearts.
Maybe one day churches will start using their signs as I don’t know…”services at 11:00…telephone number…website address…”
Until then, I’ll keep posting.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.