Her life was unraveling as the woman drove along Route 39 South of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Overwhelmed by a bitter divorce and a broken family, she was consumed by a deep depression that seemed insurmountable. The weight of her pain led her to contemplate ending her life by driving her car into the path of an oncoming semi-trailer truck on the desolate two-lane highway. She believed this act would extinguish her existence without anyone knowing the truth. However, as she neared the town of Middleville, a small glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon. A church caught her attention on the right side of the road, adorned with a sign bearing a profound message.
The First Baptist Church of Middleville embraced displaying Christian messages, which the author aptly calls “sentence sermons,” on their prominent sign. Curiosity compelled the woman to read the message, prompting her to pull over and reconsider her devastating plan. At that moment, her perspective shifted, and she decided to rebuild her life. Time passed, and she eventually penned a heartfelt letter to the church, expressing her gratitude for the sign and its life-saving impact. Although the pastor could not recall the exact message displayed on the sign when the woman passed by, it is undeniable that God used the powerful simplicity of the “sentence sermon” to light up her path.
This poignant account raises essential questions about the significance of church signs. Can they genuinely make a difference? Do they possess the power to change lives? The answer is an emphatic yes. While they may not save a life every day, church signs have the capacity to minister to those who pass by, offering glimpses of hope and conveying messages of promise. They serve as beacons of light, reaching out to what the author aptly describes as the “Drive-by Congregation,” leaving an indelible impact on those who encounter them.
Ever Heard of Drive-By Congregations?
Churches have a unique opportunity to reach a broad audience through well-maintained backlit signs. With thousands of people passing by in a day, these signs can convey God’s truth 24/7 at a low cost. By faithfully presenting small “sentence sermons,” churches believe that the Holy Spirit can use these messages to touch hearts and make a meaningful impact.
Churches with well-planned sign ministry programs often have stories like the one mentioned earlier, highlighting the effectiveness of reaching the “Drive-by Congregation.” An impactful sign ministry can even prompt individuals to adjust their driving routes to see the displayed truth. People on their way to work may seek the daily “thought for the day,” leading to discussions and sharing these messages. The experience shows that when churches remain faithful in presenting God’s truth, the Holy Spirit can work unimaginably, influencing lives.
While some churches excel in their sign ministry, others perform reasonably well or don’t engage in it at all. This article aims to encourage and assist those who wish to embrace this form of ministry, emphasizing its potential for outreach and impact.
Why Not Serve Them?
Not all churches engage in serving their “Drive-by Congregations” with “sentence sermons” for various reasons. Some perceive it as unsophisticated or inappropriate for more formal church settings. Others prioritize highlighting their sermon topics on the sign or face limitations with small or unreadable signs. Adverse reactions to previous messages or difficulty finding someone to maintain the sign can deter churches. Additionally, some churches haven’t considered the outreach opportunities presented by those passing by every day. However, these reasons can be overcome when a church grasps the potential of effective sign ministry.
The churches that excel in sign ministry are typically the ones with an evangelistic nature and a passion for fulfilling the “Great Commission.” They view passers-by as both a mission field and a diverse group needing God’s truth. While not everyone may live in “quiet desperation,” as Thoreau suggested, many individuals experience deep struggles. A simple truth displayed on a church sign can reach out to these individuals, offering a message of hope to alleviate their desperation.
Requirements for Sign Ministry
To have an effective church sign ministry, certain elements are crucial. Consider the following suggestions:
1. Vision and Importance – The church and pastor should recognize the significance of the church’s sign ministry as an integral part of their overall ministry. It should be seen as a means to fulfill the “Great Commission” and bring hope and comfort to those passing by. The sign ministry must be regarded as a dedicated service to the “Drive-by Congregation” and deserving of the church’s time and resources.
2. Suitable Sign – The church should possess a sign suitable for presenting “sentence sermons.” An ideal sign would have at least four lines, 8-inch letters, and the capacity to accommodate 22-23 characters across. Backlighting is essential for nighttime visibility. While some churches opt for newer electronic signs with advantages and disadvantages, an excellent fixed letter sign meeting the specifications typically costs $5,000 to $7,000. According to the ShieldCo Art sign company, such a sign can pay for itself in 3-5 years through the contributions of new people drawn to the church because of the sign.
3. Thoughtful Policies – The church should establish policies governing the use of the church sign and apply them wisely. These policies should address matters such as message selection, message-changing responsibilities, frequency of changes, the use of the sign for advertisements or “sermons,” the conditions for such use, and the decision-making process. Consistency in changing messages is essential, as the “Drive-by Congregation” begins to anticipate the messages and may even alter their driving patterns to pass by the sign. The church sign effectively represents the church’s voice to those who pass by, so it requires prayer, thought, and careful execution. Sensitivities surrounding political and social issues should be considered to avoid potential problems.
Conclusion
Engaging in a church sign ministry can be a thrilling journey for churches aiming to connect with passersby and share the truth of God. Through a carefully planned and effective sign ministry, lives can be saved physically, as demonstrated in the earlier example, and, more significantly, spiritually, as the Holy Spirit utilizes the truth presented on our signs to transform individuals’ lives. While we may not fully grasp the extent of the impact in this lifetime, as many touched by the messages may not share their experiences, the actual value of a meaningful sign ministry will be realized in the future.
Photo by Sean Foster on Unsplash
