As wend our way back from the recently opened shops, we may weave past the discarded fast food containers, glance up at the traffic as we cross the road and possibly see a Church building. For many of these have been closed for a long time, but now are emerging, re-opening. For many they are declaring that at Pentecost they are set anew, afresh : but what does this mean to those outside of the Church?
On a recent trip away from Glasgow we wandered the streets, taking that opportunity to ‘catch a breath’ and relax. Fortunately the sunshine briefly made an appearance, but as we walked we came across some churches with posters, some newly erected, some fraying at the edges.
What was their invitation?
Odd to see a pub asking people to pray. However, it made people smile, they were attracted by the message. Perhaps smoking’ might relate to Pentecost? 😉
Relevant to the Pandemic perhaps?
How do you feel after seeing this? Do you feel that you want to enter, expecting that welcome? Please say in the comments below.
We may want to consider who this sign was for: I’m concerned that those who have lost family, loved ones will might shudder at such invitational posters outside Church. What does this mean to those outside of the Church?
This message is one of condemnation, a binary choice, of judgement day : where is love?
Invitational?
Here we have a scriptural verse: John 10:9. It may require some context to fully understand its deeper metaphorical meaning. I need to enter via door to be saved. Given the possible understanding of salvation today, with the vast majority of folk not attending church, what does ‘saved’ really mean? Again, is it binary, and if so, how do they know? It would appear that the passer-by is left with many more questions than they might have started. Perhaps that was the reason for the poster? Here’s a link to some general Church posters – what do they mean to passers-by?
An offer of hope?
“There is Hope in Jesus“. Given that folk who do not attend Church may consider Jesus as a mythical character or a person of certain history but nothing more, what does the message here actually say? We have a sunset/sunrise, crashing waves and a rainbow. What hope does Jesus give for those struggling from the effects of this pandemic, of family breakdown or loss? What does this mean to those outside of the Church?
I wonder whether we are presuming too much, or hoping ourselves for a huge leap of faith?
A question?
This poster asks a question, somewhat innocuously. There’s no invitation to enter the Church, just ponder.
I wonder here whether faith is being re-kindled, a thought-train started. Perhaps here the poster needs to be changed periodically to keep the conversation going, even if the person doesn’t enter the building.
Is that it?
The Church is here to make disciples, not to extend their membership list.
There might be an invite to a meeting – no strings attached.
What does this mean?
If we may promote conversation, provoke thought about a God who has been pushed into the margins of life over many decades (some might want to use centuries here), perhaps our posters might offer that chance. But they need to offer that opportunity for conversation, not condemnation, not a binary choice of Heaven or Hell.
And so we come to Pentecost, the giving of the Holy Spirit – as was according to Acts, not the Gospel of John. Here the images of doves flying upwards or downwards, of flames leaping – also emanating from the tops of people’s heads – abound. What is the message here as understood by those who do not come to Church, have not ever heard of what the Church believe? In today’s world of soundbites or meme’s, what message is being understood?
We are not connected with the world? It’s all supernatural?
Is it time for a renewal of our way of relating to those outside of Church?
Interesting post. The second one reminds me of Jesus’ saying about the religious leaders tying heavy loads on the peoples’ backs….”what? So you think you have lockdown problems? Believe me that’s not the half of it! Wait till we tell you you’re also going to hell…” I can’t see past the exclusive language on the third one so a right turn off for me. Fourth one “looks” right but doubt it really makes an impression on people – I imagine it probably slides off the eyes. Last one would be best of the bunch for me but it’s not the best example of the genre. None are as attractive as the one outside the pub!
I agree; however most on sale are purely Scriptural verses. Perhaps churches need to acquire some advertising tips from such places as pubs!
I accept your comment that it is not the best example of the genre but it’s the one outside Partick. I wanted to make people stop and ponder. Perhaps the enthusiasm to get people into Church ‘immediately’ has lost the opportunity to allow those whom pass by to pause and think. They may well find God outside of the Church
Its interesting this link between church and God , often people come searching , hurting and afraid to church to ask God for help , expecting to be met with compassion but are often met with people see them as a statistic , one more person to build their church whatever that means . For me ive left the established church and am now a novice with the northumbria community , im sick of coffee mornings , bibles studies when there are people going hungry , , committing suicide . To look for God is not to look to find God in church but in the gutter
Hi, pleased to read that you are within the Northumbria Community.
I think historically the Church has been a place for the furtherance and development of faith. Within those monasteries there was a distinct place for service, helping in their community. As the Churches grew in stature they looked to support society in education and with the sick. The Govt took over that role and we have seen the Churches importance diminish in the eyes of society. Some churches do, as you say support people who are desperately hungry and ‘in the gutter’ – but they may not push this message outwardly. I do agree that the emphasis needs to be redirected. Hence to work in the community, to support everyone around us, is where we can find God.