I got this picture recently from a member of my Senior Pastor Tele-Coaching Network of a sign he saw outside a restaurant:

It kinda makes you wonder if they want you around at all!  In fact, my favorite is where someone has remove a number so it says “Max stay 0 mins”

We got a great chuckle out of the pic (hope you enjoyed it too), but it reminds me of something that churches do ALL the time.

Churches will often attack a small problem with a negative sign like this and, in effect, alienate the very people they’re trying to reach.

• A skateboarding teenager scratches the paint on a rail so up goes the “No Skateboarding” sign.
• One of the elders hears an unchurched neighbor using bad language outside in the parking and the “No Swearing” sign is ordered.
• The neighborhood children hanging out on the steps make someone nervous and “No Loitering” appears.

Before you know it, this church has effectively told its unchurched neighbors that they’re not welcome here (especially if they like skateboarding or hanging out with their friends).

I’m reminded of Proverbs 14:4:

Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

In other words, the easiest, cleanest method of reaching your community for Christ is to just not reach out at all.

But if you’re serious about Kingdom results – lives transformed by Jesus – then maybe it’s time to take down the “No-No” signs and be willing to get a little messy.

P.S. Want to truly reach the people of your community with a Big Day this fall?  Check out The Ignite Seminar.