Pastors - 4 Easy Ways Your Church Lawn Sign Can Be Utilized to Help You Accompli

Posted by Kenneth Blair on May 13th, 2021

It is that time of year, when we reflect back on what has past and think about the New Year. We make resolutions, striving to improve on what we have been doing. Through my work, I often hear about new project undertakings and goals that churches are working towards, such as:

Reaching out and growing the congregation
Going green
Raising funds
Serving the community
Here are 4 ways that a church sign can be a valuable tool when working toward these common goals...

One of the national church sign suppliers refers to their changeable message signs as "roadside pulpits". Clever, and true. Your sign provides a real opportunity to invite, welcome, inform - to get your message out to everyone who passes by your church each day. Have you ever found yourself looking forward to reading a sign with a changeable message area (whether it has the traditional black changeable letters or a new LED electronic moving message display) that you drove by on a regular basis? If so, you have experienced their power to capture the attention and make an impact on those passing by. If your church has a changeable message sign, it provides a simple yet highly effective means to reach out to your community. 
Consider what kind of impression your exterior signage is making. Know more lawn signs 

Do you like what you see? 

Are your messages timely and relevant?  

Would they make you want to visit and learn more?  

  
If "Going Green" is one of your goals, consider that LED signage is increasingly being used by those seeking to leave less of a footprint on the Earth. Even the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lights were replaced, beginning in 2008, with new LED lights as part of the growing trend toward going green. Many churches have upgraded their existing lawn signs to include a new moving message LED signs. Not only are they proven to attract even more attention than a traditional/manual changeable message sign, they are also very user friendly and cost effective to operate. LED signs are an especially appealing option for those residing in northern areas as messages can be changed from the warmth and comfort of your desk via your computer. LED displays can even be incorporated into existing sign structures, saving you from replacing your entire existing sign.  

Is fundraising a priority? Properly used, an exterior lawn sign with a changeable message area, particularly an LED display, can reduce advertising costs and therefore, increase funds available for other projects.  
Here's how it works:

Messages placed on your exterior sign will be viewed by those most likely to attend your events: those who pass by your location on a regular basis. Those are the individuals who likely live and/or work in the vicinity and are therefore, what is considered your "target audience" from a marketing perspective.  
Studies indicate that exterior signage, particularly LED electronic moving message displays, are the most cost effective form of advertising available today. In fact, most churches are able to reduce the amount of money spent on traditional advertising, such as newspapers, radio, and television once they begin using LED signage. 

The money saved in advertising costs can then be used to pay for the sign (if a new one was purchased) or redirected toward other projects/goals.  

Another thought related to funding...While a dollar figure can certainly never be placed on the value of growing your congregation, you might be interested in the math if you are considering making a financial investment in new signage...if your church sign attracts 1 new family a month and that family contributes a month to the church, it will total 0,000 over ten years.

Using a church sign to serve your community is a unique and powerful means of reaching out. Think about announcing community events beyond those that are happening at your church, such as a neighborhood association meeting or charitable events. Let the community know about the organized activities offered by your church beyond weekly services too, such as day care and youth group events. 

New signage may not in your plans or your budget this year but it is worth evaluating the image your current sign is projecting to those who pass by each day. Drive by and take an unbiased look to make sure you like what you see. Consider refurbishing or cleaning the sign if needed. New changeable letters or attractive inspirational panels may help to spruce up an older sign. 

As you look ahead to the coming year, think of ways that you can utilize the valuable resource you have on the front lawn of your church or consider adding signage if needed. There are several national companies that specialize in working specifically with churches if you are in the market for new signage or to refurbish your existing sign. Either way, I hope you will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to utilize your church sign to positively impact those who pass by this year.