Have you ever really noticed church signs? Some have a painted sign with the church name and service times, then down at the bottom is the pastor’s name in stick on letters! That sign is really saying, “He won’t be here long!”

There are also church signs that you read in the way the the people do things. In other words, it’s not a sign that they have bought, or that someone made, but it’s their attitude and actions that can be read loudly and clearly.

Churches where there’s no visitor parking, no one to greet you, no instructions on where to go, no open seating near the back, no extra room in an age appropriate class, are all tell-tale signs that there really isn’t room for new people. On the other hand, churches that provide these things are communicating that they have planned for guests to come, and that they want them there.

The way people listen, and they way they sing are tell-tale signs. There is something almost electrifying about a congregation who participates and doesn’t just spectate. A church where people are obviously enjoying their worship is like hanging out a sign that reads, “The joy of the Lord is in this place.”