Unfortunately, it is easy to fall into the trap of ‘groupspeak’. As Christians, we believe certain things and amongst ourselves, we often communicate using certain Christian ‘lingo’ that others do not use and often do not understand or misunderstand. When we use this lingo on others, it can cause confusion.
Q: “Are you saved?”
A1 (Christian): “Yes, praise God!”
A2 (non-Christian): “Saved from what?”
The problem is, how to communicate Jesus to people who are three or four generations removed from having attended church or, who’s ancestors are from another faith (or non-faith) group. The difficulty is the fact that you have only 2-5 seconds to arouse their curiosity, especially if you are using a billboard.
A five second look at a billboard cannot explain our sinfull nature, the need for a Saviour, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, His resurrection and our Hope for Eternity to someone who is looking for answers, but a brief slogan can be a ‘spark’ to start something.
I believe that the billboard is designed to pique people’s interest to ‘check out’ a church. As we are called to be Jesus ‘hands and feet’, it is up to us in the church, to represent Him, be the ‘aroma’ of Christ to those who are seeking. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to ‘convert’ a person’s heart but it is our ‘job’ to reflect Jesus in our words and actions. Do I fail at this? Quite often, though I hope that Jesus living in me is often reflected through my actions and words.
I have seen a work truck in my neighbourhood with the following phrase (in addition to the business name and cell nuumber): “Know God, know Life... No God, no Life”. That will not bring anyone to Christ, but it may be a conversation starter, allowing him to discuss Jesus and our need for Him.
Good points.
But the sloganeering is a put-off for many more people, in my opinion. It suggests an avoidance of face-to-face witnessing.