Sep 19 2008
“Every preacher or priest in Memphis deserves to be in Hell?
A recent signboard on the front lawn of the First Baptist Church on Main Street in Memphis is sparking controversy around the community.
While one side of the board declared, “Only a few people will find Heaven, the rest will find Hell”; the other side proclaimed in bold uppercase letters, “Every preacher or priest in Memphis deserves to be in Hell!” And that is the message that has folks talking.
The signboard messages, contrived by The Rev. Greg Ross, pastor of First Baptist, are changed at will. For years they have been used by the minister as a communication tool.
Whether or not one agrees with the message, there can be little doubt that they create conversation.
Read more here.
[From me]
It isn’t a matter if the pastor can do these signs or if they are even accurate. Romans 3:23 says we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The question is this–Is it wise to use your church sign to alienate people on purpose? Does that sign bring unchurched people into their church in order to hear the life changing story of Jesus and salvation? I doubt it. Most church signs try to be cute and controversial but they usually only speak to Christians.
Why not use the signs to advertise ministries and offer hope instead of being witty and mean spirited.
What do you think?
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11 responses so far
With all of the issues in the world today…I’m sure the church should be a voice for God–and not just some cute sign board to gain press…
What a shame…
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Ever Get Tired Just Thinking About Something?
Waste of good space. Sort of like that “kissed a girl” one a few weeks ago. I am sure he went for the jugular (we all deserve hell) but this is the wrong way to get a point across.
bill (cycleguy)’s last blog post..Prayers for the Weekend
The first real mentor I had once told me “If you would win some, be winsome.” This sign sure ain’t THAT.
When I look at the story of Jesus and the unfaithful manager, and the real meaning of the words in “He that winneth souls is wise”, I have to believe this sort of sign is ‘way out of line.
Bob Cleveland’s last blog post..I Went For Lunch; What I Had Was Church
My favorite church sign says:
“God loves everyone, even you Jarrod!”
jonathan’s last blog post..Friday apology??wooden chair?
Sigh. This doesn’t help anyone. Much as the people who were yelling about Jesus at me and the other students crossing the street by our campus today don’t help those of us who try to be a daily witness on this campus. In fact, they actually make our task harder.
As for the sign, I was mostly distracted by the bad usage. Clearly, he meant that, “Every preacher AND priest in Memphis deserves to be in hell.”
Texas in Africa’s last blog post..a day in the life
Well, while I agree with most of your thoughts about this being unwise and such, as christians, shouldn’t we be using this as an opportunity to explain to those who are griping about it what the message actually means. It has created the opportunity to minister and witness to people because those people who would normally not be interested are now asking questions. While a lot of people see this as a bad move on the preacher’s part, I think this is a great opportunity to share the message with that lost world who is crying out against this preacher. So, while I agree with all of you and I am talking to myself as much as anyone, what are we doing to convey the message properly?
John,
Of course it is. 09/11 was a pretty good opportunity to witness to people, but I wouldn’t want to go around replicating it just to witness.
Outrageous things which give rise to some opportunities for witnessing simply aren’t wise, and simply ought to be done some other way.
Bob Cleveland’s last blog post..I Went For Lunch; What I Had Was Church
Reminds me of the Crummy Church Sign blog.
If I had a guess, this is probably the same church that is hosting the “Fred Phelps Conference on Preaching and Proclamation”.
BTW Kevin, I lived in Memphis, TN for 4 years while I received my seminary degree at Mid-America and then I taught at Crichton College for two years. I don’t believe this is the right First Baptist Church of Memphis unless there is another community or city with the same name. The First Baptist Church of Memphis, TN that I am familiar with is located on the corner of Poplar and East Parkway.
Methinks some persons have been reading the WBC site faaaaaar too much! If newborn babies are fit for eternal barbecuing, why not priests, pastors, et al?
There is some ambiguity here. Does the sign imply that preachers in all other places will get to Heaven? Does it mean that the non-sacerdotal classes of Memphis will enjoy eternal bliss, whilst their pastors sizzle like sausages for ever and ever? Hilarious stuff.
[...] wrong messages and incited nasty reactions. I wrote about one here. Kevin talked about another one here. David Foster wrote the following post on his blog about signs. For those who prefer not to link [...]