As a soon to be student at the seminary, I am encouraged by your philosophy and stance on the “bumper sticker theology.” Sadly, we have only ourselves to blame for this. Talk to the salespersons for the sign companies as their number one selling point for their signs – one-line sermon ministry. Go to the staff resources section of a local LifeWay store and look at how many one-line sermon books are on the shelf. While you are in there, take notice of two things. One, directly behind the registers is the mission statement that promises to provide christians and churches with the tools to spread the gospel. Secondly, take a walk around the store and look at all of the merchandise that has nothing to do with that mission – everything from your aforementiond bumper stickers and t-shirts to the flashing keychains similar to the ones in the novelty shops at the beach. Sadly, someone figured out that the gospel is profitable but not a profit maker. The scripture does say that we cannot serve God and mammon(money). I wonder what our christian stores and our churches would look like if our focus was on souls and not profits? I believe God is big enough to provide every single need, whether our sales experts say so or not. The truly sad part about the signs is that most of those churches do not believe they are doing anything harmful. They really do believe they are doing ministry. After all, that’s what the salesman said it would be used greatest for, that’s what the books on the shelves for staff resources provide assistance with, and that’s what the majority of products are in our “christian” stores.

“Wanted: Just one more soul”

that actually creeps me out a little.

It is a truism that we never teach children things that must be unlearned as they grow older, yet we tend to forget this principle when dealing with the seeking public. To place in the heart of people any thought or idea that makes them think that the gospel of Christ is simply a collection of jingles and platitudes will tend only to desensitize people to the gospel message.

Mark, as for your thumbs down on my point about “Do your best . . .”, of course I wouldn’t disagree that we are to work, heartily even, and that our efforts matter. But you and I understand important nuances related to that truth that the average passersby do not, and, therefore, it is too easily misunderstood with respect to the gospel (which was the point I was making). As well, that phrase implies that what is primary is me working, and then God picks up from there. At least I’ve seen a fair number of people (many) think that way, and I believe that’s a theological mistake. That, of course, is the trouble with “bumper sticker theology” – whatever it may get right, it often fails because it can’t communicate nuance or subtlety. But that is for the next post!

Thanks again, everyone.

posted some church signs on my blog last month from Mobile, AL.

http://timandlaurie.blogspot.com/2009/06/theological-gems-around-mobile.html

Are you following Jesus this close?

Thank you for this article. I did laugh while reading it, but the seriousness of what we say and how it effects people cannot be overlooked. Thank you for the reminder.

BTW – Jennifer saw a bumper sticker that read….”Do you follow JESUS this close?”

Rob