June 11, 2025

Lack of Guest-Friendly Signage and Markers: The Unforced Error Series

27 minutes

An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Thom and Jess examine one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: lack of guest-friendly signage and markers.

Regular attendees no longer need signs — but first-time guests need signs.

Poor signage can leave visitors feeling confused about where to park, enter, or drop off children.

Clear, visible markers such as arrows, banners, and welcome tents improve guest flow and reduce anxiety.

Signage should prioritize simplicity, visibility, and accessibility over creativity or clever language.

Guest-friendly churches see signage not as décor, but as essential hospitality.

Resources:

Chaney & Associates

The Church Advisory Podcast

Upward Sports

Upward Sports: Pickleball

The Hope Initiative

Church Answers Membership

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The Power of Partnership

Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities.

A Variety of Sports for Every Church

From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs.

Exciting News: Pickleball Has Arrived!

Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more.

Be the Neighborhood Church

Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today.

Get Ahead for Fall Sports

Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader and Upward will support you with the rest.

Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

The post Lack of Guest-Friendly Signage and Markers: The Unforced Error Series appeared first on Church Answers.

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