I find the ever-increasing number of information signs around church buildings to be very interesting. They range from notices relative to times of services, to insider information such as birthdays and anniversaries, to very clever (and not so clever) sermon titles, to pithy quotes.

Recently I passed two very interesting such signs. One relayed, “Members Expected, Visitors Welcome.” Now, I am sure that was a well-intended message, although I must admit that it made me wonder if members are welcome. Certainly, if you join an organization, there are membership requirements and expectations. But this sign seems to imply that members have a duty to be present at all times and at all costs. Never-mind that they have a sick mother to visit, or a child to get to soccer practice, or a need to go home, kick off their shoes and regroup from a horribly stressful day. It made me think, if I ever attended this church, I would never want to become a member, because I like being welcome and not having to meet a list of expectations of someone else’s making.

The other sign stated, “If you are looking for a perfect church, keep driving” What refreshing honesty! It actually made me want to stop and search this place out, even though it was a Monday afternoon and did not look like anyone was around. This group recognizes that as hard as we try, we are going to make mistakes. In fact, I bet (just a figure of speech, of course) these folks even experience conflict – and not only admit it, but take time to work through it.

I guess the lesson for me is: the written word does not always communicate exactly what we intend – including blogs! Happy New Year. 

Les Robinson, January 2012