Why Church Signs?

Church signs are the elevator speech of Christianity. Sometimes they can level us out, give us a new perspective, or just honestly slow us down on our progression past them if we are paying attention. And maybe that is the point. All of that. Slow down, level out, pay attention, and provide a new perspective. A hope.

Hope is what I need now more than ever, and what I want to share as I search for it. Through this blog, I will explore the words used in the signage, the message behind them, and the form of ministry that these signs in turn, create.

This is a project dedicated first to the Glory of God who nudges me toward everything— this project included. Sometimes a “God nudge” is more akin to a whisper than a nudge. Sometimes it is a full blown shove. Sometimes we are looking for it, and sometimes it catches us off guard. Very often, it seems to catch me off guard; in some cases through the canvas of a plastic and metal sign on a hill in front of a church. I have felt pulled to do this project for years, but didn’t. It came down to the fact that I didn’t take the time to pull over and stop. Then, while grieving, feeling completely lost and alone, I saw the sign below. That was my God shove.

This project is also dedicated to my husband Vince who, when I told him that I wanted to tour the country to photograph and write about church signs— he said “Let’s do it!” So, I’m going to pretend that he is still right here with me as I travel around. Telling me how to drive, and encouraging me on.