I’ve seen (or been shown) some strange church signs and billboards in my time but this one strikes a unique chord with me.
I’ll hold my thoughts on this one; I know there are a few other readers out there that probably won’t hold theirs…
Whether or not it’s real, what do you think? Is this strategic? Is this relevant?
Say your peace in the comments.
***UPDATE***
Apparently there just isn’t a lack of blessed creativity out there… Here’s another great shot:
[HT: @ChuckSelf]
markalves says
I'll give St. Giles credit for trying to be topical and clever. The real question is whether the community can back it up with a spirit of sharing and connectivity that a newcomer would associate with Facebook. I hope they pull it off in person. Their website (also listed on the sign) has an updated announcement on the home page, but not a lot of other content.
stephenbateman says
I hate clever church signs, just like everyone else.
It isn't relevant, or cute, but I won't preach to the choir.
klreed189 says
I will not state the obvious or the typical response of how stupid this is.
I do find it interesting the idea of trying to market people seeing these signs. But I wonder if the church is actually using facebook or twitter to get the word out about their church? To me, signage is kind of a thing in the past that I don't really pay attention to or follow. I get where they are trying to come from, but what is the point?
But I will go back to my question, is this their only way of asking "tough" "life changing" questions or do they use other tools to help get the word out?
Eric Frisch says
Not necessarily on point with the sign, specifically, but one of the churches I used to play at just did an entire Facebook themed Lenten series. They presented different "profiles" for several weeks leading up to an Easter Sunday message called "You've Got a Friend Request". I didn't get to see or hear any of the series, but I can say that this church has always been a very relevant, connected place, so I'm guessing it went over very well there.
@dannyjbixby says
The comments on the Digg article are far greater than the actual picture: http://digg.com/comedy/Look_Who_Has_Sent_You_a_Fa…
benjizimmerman says
hilarious. Thanks for the link!
dewde says
Wow. Those comments are terrific! Some of my favorites:
"Keep in mind that if you do friend him, he's one of those guys that keeps inviting you to join his 'causes.'"
"Love the guy, but not sure I want him seeing what's on my Facebook page. Especially the pictures."
"Add to Limited Profile"
"Report as a fake profile"
"Confirmed. He hangs out with whores. Bound to be some epic pics in his profile."
"i want to hit ignore but i dont want to be a douche so ill just leave the request in my inbox."
"I'm more impressed the church has a touch screen sign board that logs you into facebook."
"Jesus is now a Fan of you."
peace | dewde
benjizimmerman says
I get agitated when churches follow trends and try to imitate something. But we are all guilty of it on some levels, whether a blog that is similar to a secular one or a sermon series called "Lost" or a junior high retreat called "Fear Factor" we have all imitated something.
Thanks for the reminder that I need to do a better job of leading rather than imitating.
@phillipgibb says
hmmm, I choose cheesy.
u know
the kind of comment u might make online to appear cool to your child's friends
and does not work
hsojeel says
I think that they are trying really hard to be "cool" or "in the know" but they are missing the mark.
Like @lensweet said, "Be who you are, if you are traditional, be more traditional. If you are post modern, be more post modern." He said more but the idea is the same, do not try and be something that you are not. UnChurched people will smell that crap from a mile away, and then what you thought would make you "Relevant" ends up driving the very people you want to reach away.
klreed189 says
I don't know if they are trying to be cool, I feel like they are trying to make a point in saying that this stuff is stupid and you should care about Jesus. It just really seems to be a complete misconception of social media and networking on their part. Maybe they are trying to be cool with the kids, but that is definitely not the way to do it.
jhall987 says
I think this is right on. If the sign reflects the spirit of the church, this makes a lot of sense to me. If it's simply an effort to post a catchy sign and downplay a social media tool, it doesn't much work for me. There are plenty of things out there that churches can promote.
@commentingninja says
there are a lot of churches that have signs and maybe they work in a small town…but i don't really read a lot of billboards like i used to…social media seems to be much more effective
Brent says
I enjoyed seeing the pic, kind of silly. It is sad to see how negative and judgmental most the replies were but I do empathize with others posters points of view. What would it look like if we gave grace and showed unconditional love to churches that were lost and unable to reach people?
Adam_S says
I think we need to remember that no one tries to intentionally do bad evangelism. That doesn't mean that we can't help people do better evangelism, but still at least people are trying to do something.
Duong Sheahan says
If we are going to reach this generation…I believe that you do need to speak their language. Their is nothing wrong with being creative to reach people. The point is reaching people and bringing them into the kingdom…before Jesus returns, and today we may have to use various strategies, channels. I wrote a post on What Would Jesus Tweet and I'm sure some found that ridiculous. But seriously, if Jesus was here today…would he use social network, social media outlets to reach the masses? (Our kids are growing up online, wouldn't we want to go where they are to reach out to them?)
joannamuses says
I'm beginning to think we Christians/churches need to drop trying to be cool. What's cool in this moment will be dated by the time the sign goes up/song goes out/shirt goes on sale ect. Secondly, they can get cool by the bucket from the world, they really have no need of more from us. And most importantly- Jesus saves, not our efforts at being cool. There's a big risk that the important message will get hidden under our efforts to be cool and likable.
klreed189 says
Great point here on stop trying to be cool.
Going back to Jesus way of "marketing" I will tell you the truth and tell you to repent. No facebook gimmick needed.
Kevin_Ring says
It might work with the "de-churched" in the same way Facebook helps you connect with people you knew in your past.
"Ooh, Jesus. I remember him. We used to be tight in middle school, but sort of went our separate ways. I wonder whatever happened to him?
I'll write on his wall! 'Hey Jesus! Great to see you on here. I love your profile pic. How's your dad, God, doing? Anyway, thanks for connecting. Take care!'
Ooh, John just took the "How well do you know Dewde?" quiz and scored 125%. Compare results."