Signs & Wonders

I hate to ask for directions. I guess in that respect (and probably many others), I am a stereotypical man. It doesn't matter if I'm driving to an unfamiliar location or in a new building, I will only ask for directions if I have exhausted absolutely every other resource. (True confession: I often lie to store clerks who want to be helpful by asking, "Are you finding everything?" Even if I am not, I will say that I am. Whew. I feel better getting that off my chest.)

Not only am I stereotypical male, I would also be a stereotypical guest in a new church. Most guests do not want to stand out or be noticed. They don't want to appear lost. For many, "get in and get out" is the strategy. But church buildings are not like McDonald's or Wal-Mart. They are not all the same. When I walk into a Wal-Mart or a McDonald's or a Starbucks in nearly any town, I can find what I want because they are all pretty much laid out the same. (Just listen to people complain when Wal-Mart moves everything around...because they can't find what they want anymore!) But churches are all different. No two buildings are alike. The location of things like restrooms, the nursery, children's and adult classrooms, and even the main worship center are all mysteries to someone who has not been in our buildings before.

Sometimes we hesitate to put up signs because, we think, "everyone knows where the bathroom is." Well, sure, everyone who has been attending the church for a while does. But someone who has not been in your building does not. Signs, says Thom Rainer, show that your church is expecting visitors. You're not assuming everyone is familiar with the building and you're planning for those who don't. You don't just want guests, you assume that there will be some there every week.

Of course, there is nothing better than human contact, people helping people find what they want. (That's what those store clerks are trying to do...if I would let them!) But in the church, it must be a "both...and." Good signs, good people, a welcoming atmosphere....we can't do without any of those.

What do you think?