Signs of the Times: Funny Churches
70Laughing at church signs
How many times have you passed by a church on your way to work and wished you had a camera? You are in luck as I found the guy who did.
Sometimes, they are laugh out loud funny; other times they are too preachy and a turn-off. Anyway you look at it those signs are designed to attract attention, get their message out and market that church group of people seeking new members.
Well, today I was in luck! As I was wandering through flickr on my many searches I happened upon this photographer who did just what I and a whole lot of other people have been meaning to do but didn’t: photograph those crazy funny signs!
New Style of Pastors
It really is a “sign of the times” that a new breed of pastors are taking over the pulpit. Many of these guys have a real sense of humor and a handle on the newer technology. Many are determined that the church environment won’t be left behind, and we aren’t talking about The Rapture, folks.
Take a look and get a grin today! Lord knows we all could use as many funnies as we can get right now in these uncertain times. Who would have ever thought The Church could be so funny? In some cases I’m sure they were deadly serious but somehow came off humorous anyway. You decide. The first photo is in honor of our parent company Google. Look, free advertising!
Does Life stink? well...
Now here's a new twist on fussing at people not coming to Mass who decided driving all that way for 45 minutes wasn't worth it.
From fussing at you to the very helpful for your health approach
Bribe 'em; now that works with the younger generation!
Bald-faced truth with a sense of humor
From Amazon.com
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So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore
Price: $6.15
List Price: $11.99 |
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Deep Church: A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional
Price: $10.37
List Price: $17.00 |
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Simple Church: Returning to God's Process for Making Disciples
Price: $11.23
List Price: $19.99 |
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Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture
Price: $10.94
List Price: $17.00 |
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Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing: How Leaders Can Overcome Costly Mistakes
Price: $10.67
List Price: $18.99 |
Talk about the-get-your-money-back guarantee!
The how-dense-are-you approach
Now here's a hip pastor who's figured it out
"Do ya think?" these guys are not happy with technology or just natural philosophers?
A bit weird but trying to be encouraging to others
A rap against us open-minded types
From Amazon.com
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The Big Book of Church Humor: More Fun Than Having the Preacher Over!
Price: $17.15
List Price: $19.95 |
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Church Chuckles (Monarch Humor Books)
Price: $3.59
List Price: $3.99 |
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Did You Read That? Bulletin Bloopers & Church Funnies
Price: $6.97
List Price: $7.99 |
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Choir Crackups: The Church Musician's Book of Humor
Price: $7.00
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It Happened in Church: Stories of Humor from the Pulpit to the Pews (Thorndike Large Print Laugh Lines)
Price: $763.99
List Price: $30.95 |
The ongoing war of the fundamentalists vs. the atheists: sigh...
The Baptists seem to really like this saying
It's all about ATM convenience
Blatantly obvious, no sense beating around the flaming bush.
Your pet knows best; show the world the same! approach
Warning sign and complete with flashing lights of "God will get you for that!"
We had a good time, didn't we?! Until the next time on a Thursday I'm so bored I start writing crazy stuff...
Another great link to religious humor
Update: Found this little gem from a fellow writer at HubPages you will enjoy! I've long known and observed over time that Abba Elohe (Father God) has always had a great sense of humor. He tends to specialize in decades long jokes and the irony of life. Jesus is the dry wit guy; more about Him later.
Here's Peter's link which is worth the read:
Heavenly Humor Irony From Above by Peter M. Lopez
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Comments are always welcome!
Thanks for stopping by "Jesus" - how perfectly appropriate you were the first to comment. :) Ain't Life grand?!
Denny..... you have got to be kidding me!!! This is hysterical, I'm .... I'm.... I'm..... SPEECHLESS!!! Plus rolling on the floor, my sides hurt from laughing!!!
The one about google, or the one about artificial intelligence, or the one about shouting 'oh god' in bed, or .... geeeeez wheeez, they are incredible!!
What a hub for a first morning read, dang, I don't think I need more coffee, this woke me the heck up ... I woke the rest of the house up with my guffaws! Thank you, thank you!!
Hi, Elena., now you see why I wanted to slap myself every time I was without my camera! I LOVE real life humor. The Catholic one is from Texas. Usually the priests are not so stern but more people-friendly which is why that sign surprised me. Guess that pastor is some annoyed with a lot of his flock for not attending his sermons.
The Church system is a lot different here in America than in Europe where there is more decorum, shall we say? The Protestants sure keep things lively here, especially the independent churches who are not part of a huge national group. I guess you could say they are pretty plucky! Glad you enjoyed an LOL moment so early in your day! :) Thanks for visiting!
The ones you mentioned were all my favorites too - and the rush hour one. When I was a kid I was always hearing from the general American culture about how God was going to get me for this or that imagined wrong. Geesh! Nothing could be further from the Truth. Just goes to show how the culture surrounding a religion takes over and becomes the religion, distorting the original values.
Fantabulous! Every time I thought I had a favorite, I'd read another. I'm passing this on! Great hub!
Hi, Frieda, thanks for stopping by! These signs are hilarious and more so because they are real. I couldn't make up this stuff it's so good. And hey! Welcome to HubPages, like the funny avatar too.
This was really great Denny! I think I would love to set foot in everyone of those churches!
Denney, these are wonderful. My favorite is "prayer, the wireless connection. Now everytime I drive past a church, I'll have to take a second look at their boards.
Hi, DarleneMarie, it does make a person curious as to who are these people with these lively signs! :) Thanks for stopping by for a visit.
I am cracking up. I see signs like these every day during my goings here and there. To the point where I really fear I'm going to crack up the car for looking at the signs.
My cousin is a pastor, and he's among the new technically astute, marketing-aware, and he has the gift of punning language...the signs for his church are something to behold. I never thought of documenting these calls to worship until I read your Hub.
Oh, my, thumbs up in every way. I have work to do, without cracking up the car.
Hi, Sally, oh, please, oh, please take photos of your clever cousin's signs! What a treat! There is definitely a change afoot in the religious environment - finally people have a sense of humor rather than severity as the generations of old. Thanks for visiting, look forward to hearing more from you!
Hi, laringo, I agree, I thought the prayer as a wireless connection was very astute. I love it when people rephrase things in current culture or technology, somehow, it brings home the concept adeptly. Thanks for visiting!
I loved the whole hub but the best thing was your line: "Just goes to show how the culture surrounding a religion takes over and becomes the religion, distorting the original values." It's so true - and such a shame.
By the way, I don't think you give the Catholic priest enough credit. I think he's a sly old fox and there's a sexual component to that sign. Many (but not all) of the priests I've known have been funny as h..., whoops, heaven!
And, finally, you are a Cat Whisperer. I've never read anything better about cats then you write about your own. That's a book, girl, waiting to be born. Don't let me down!
ROFL! That was fun Denny. I am so serious today... I had a grand time smiling and chuckling all by myself. :-)
Hi, ripplemaker, thanks for the visit! We deep thinking types get mighty serious some days and can use an LOL moment or two from time to time, glad to oblige you! It's interesting to note how much attention this hub is getting and all from when I was bored one day and got a silly notion and wrote it, who knew? :)
You are right about that! Sometimes one needs to slip into silly and wacky shoes and dance and be merry. As for getting the attention, I guess people like to be inspired or wants a good hearty laugh! Hmmm so that means more fun hubs coming huh? *wink*
Hi, ripplemaker, hmmm... looks like I've finally found a place where they will let me do my Happy Dance, cool! Move over, Elmo, there's a new game in town!
I've never actually seen one in person, but reading about them is very funny!
Hi, Laughing Mom, thanks for visiting with a few giggles!
Those are so funny and you have enlightened my heart and spirit. :)
Hi, AEvans, thanks for visiting! The truth can often be so very funny!
This is too funny, love it...thanks for sharing!!
Hi, Madison22, thanks for visiting and laughing along with the rest of us! Who says being spiritual means you have to lose your sense of humor? These guys sure didn't! :)
Photo Credits from flickr Creative Commons
Jesus_saves_us_7 says:
10 months ago
Awesome Denny, absolutely loved it!