Recently our church approved the purchase of new signs, with the hope that they will help us share more about who we are as a body of believers. If things go well, many of those passing by will come to understand that we are a “Christ-centered”, “Bible based” church whose long-standing desire has been to help missionaries share the gospel.
We are also excited about the prospect of letting people know of special events that we are hosting, and that we are a welcoming church.
Yet, as much as our new signs can help to accomplish these things, they do have their limitations. After all, people can just drive by and not look at them. Or they may read the message, and then return to the text they are trying to send before the light turns green! And of course, some may just have hardened hearts towards anything “churchy” and will dismiss the signs because they simply loathe the “religious”.
So, if our church signs have their shortfalls, how can we increase the chances that we get our message out? Well, this is where we all come in. You see, we are “walking signs”. And each week we are presented with various opportunities to let people know what church we attend, what it is about, and the wonderful things that happen there.
For example, you can be a “sign” that advertises our splendid First Sunday gatherings, the interesting Bible studies we offer, our outreach to CityTeam Ministries, the fun children’s gatherings that are available, or the Christ-centered, Bible-based sermons that can be heard each Sunday.
Or perhaps you can be a “sign” that lets people know how Christ changes people’s lives. And maybe you have a favorite Bible verse that you can put on your “sign” during that conversation! Or some of you might like to be a wayfinding “sign” that points people to the One who can forgive them of all their sins.
So, we can truly be walking signs for God, and this is really His plan. Because unlike signs on a church property, we can stare people in the eye while listening to them and sharing great truths about God. And as the Holy Spirit works, He can use us to bring people under the conviction that they need a savior.
I can’t wait to see how God will use our new signs. I think they are beautiful and will bear beautiful messages. But we are God’s creation, and His image-bearers. And He would much rather use us than a church sign to get His message out.
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, inasmuch as God is making an appeal through us. We urge you, on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV