Church Signs and Signs

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise

PSALM 100:4

Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled

LUKE 14:23

On my way to church, I drive past a minimum of seven houses of worship, all adorned with various types of signage to draw people in. Some signs are planted close to the road, surrounded by a bed of colorful flowers; some are draped across the entryway, swaying in the breeze, simply proclaiming, “All Are Welcome”. Other signs are more captivating; “All are welcome. Seriously, we really mean it” and “Everyone’s Welcome, Because Nobody’s Perfect” and “Anything’s Possible”. Inside these beautiful houses of worship, we read scriptures, sing songs, teach and preach the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we pray and pray, and finally, encourage everyone to invite their family and friends. 

Our message is all are welcome, however, in some cases, all are not welcome because some are differently abled. It’s critically important for churches to be accessible to all of God’s people. No one should prepare for church and arrive only to realize there is not designated parking, or a wheelchair ramp, or an accessible restroom. I imagine this might make someone feel excluded. 

In some houses of worship, too much time and attention is focused on seating people of influence and position, while not enough thought is focused on whether people with varying levels of ability can simply enter the building. This is not a good sign. No person should ever hear these six words, this church is not wheelchair accessible; and no church sign should ever read, “Inaccessible” or “Some are Welcome”. This too, is not a good sign. God is for all and His command is for us to go out and compel them to come into His houses of worship. Therefore, accommodations must be in place to ensure every person’s ability to enter, to be comfortably seated, to be seen and heard, to have access to worship.  

When greeters and ushers are able to welcome and assist differently abled people, God will be pleased, and this will be a great sign. When a church sign reads All Are Welcome and it’s literally the truth, God will be pleased, and this will be a beautiful sign. 

Grace & Peace,

Teretha