Billboarding Our Faith
Scripture tells us to boldly proclaim our faith. It makes no mention of putting it on a billboard because, well, to the best of our knowledge, billboards did not exist in Biblical times. Still, we thought, “Why Not?” so we are moving forward with the project, planting the seed and waiting patiently and faithfully to see what develops.
Beginning on Saturday (Jan. 30), the world (or at least those traveling on Route 30 West from Wooster) will see our church in lights.
Thanks to a very generous donor, we will be promoting Oak Chapel to all who drive by — eight seconds every minute, 24 hours a day, for seven days — on the new electronic billboard located on the site of RES Auction Services, just west of Church of the Savior.
Why not more? Well, that’s all we can afford right now. Plus, we hope to assess the effectiveness of our exposure before moving further. We know that we will increase awareness, but will we attract more people to Oak Chapel? We’ll have to see, but we believe it is worth the effort.
The sign will identify us as the “Kind, Caring, Compassionate Church in the Country” and list our address as well as our website. In addition, it will feature our stained glass windows in the sanctuary, so you will recognize it as soon as you see it. We’re hopeful that those who drive by, especially those who are looking for a church home, will be struck by it, and consider visiting us some Sunday.
In the 16th chapter of the Gospel of Mark, we are encouraged to “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” This is one way we can do that. It’s not a direct proclamation of the gospel, but it is an invitation to hear the Good News.
Other Scriptural references to spreading the Word include this passage from II Timothy, which exhorts us to “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” What I like about the billboard is that even though it will only carry our message for one week, it will do so all hours of the day and night, So perhaps someone driving at 4 a.m. will be attracted to it, and give further consideration to their personal faith journey. Even if it doesn’t bring them to Oak Chapel, perhaps it will bring them out of the wilderness if they are wandering and into the light.
There are many other Biblical references to spreading the Word, but I will leave you with this from Psalm 96:3, which I believe sums it up rather nicely: “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!”
We’re not necessarily reaching a global audience, but we are definitely stretching beyond the borders of Wayne County. In addition to influencing local residents, we are hopeful that our message will reach and resonate with others traveling across the country so that even if they reflect on their faith for just a few seconds, it will certainly be a blessing worthy of praise and thanksgiving.
Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John