Last week I walked past a shop that, I assume proudly, displayed a sign saying that they were open six days a week.
All that went through my mind was that they were closed for one.
Immediately, and I'm prepared to admit that this could be a fault in my psyche, my mind jumped to the unadvertised part which was missing.
I wonder, does the church have a similar communication problem?
Do we advertise messages, which might be well intentioned and useful, but additionally send an unintended message?
For example?
Family Service this Sunday.
Couples Club on Tuesday night.
Men's Bible Study this Wednesday.
While all these are good worthwhile ministries, which many churches can and should have, they can also send the message...
Our family service is not for you unless you have kids.
You're not welcome on a Tuesday night unless you're married.
It's only "once you're a man" that you'll fit in on a Wednesday.
And, thus, our advertising can create a lot of confusion...
What if define a family differently? Will I still be welcomed if my kids are away or with their "other parent"?
Am I still included at couples club if my spouse has died, or do I need to stop coming?
Am I "man enough" aged 18 and too old for the youth group?
I don't think there's a solution, but I did wonder as I strolled past that furniture store, what day are they NOT open?
And, would I go to that store, risking that I'll arrive on the day when they are shut?
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