Step #1: Inventory your negative messages.
List every one, walking from the entrance of your church to the worship center or sanctuary.
Step #2: Ask how important the prohibition message really is.
I once worked with a church that prohibited the use of the ball field on their campus. Is that really worth it?
Step #3: Consider a positive message instead.
This might not be obvious at first glance, but explore options as a team. Can a “No parking along curb” sign be replaced with a “Please keep traffic flowing” sign?
Step #4: Use your negative message with a point of humor.
Why not have fun if you must communicate a negative message? The classic illustration is the “Thou shalt not park here” sign. What other ideas have you seen?
And, if you have any other funny negative messages, please share!
