In the growing suburb of Woodbury, Minnesota, Resurrection Lutheran Church has turned its large electronic billboard into a daily source of encouragement for commuters. Each morning the sign flashes a new message—ranging from light‑hearted jokes to heartfelt reminders of God’s love—directly to the thousands of drivers traveling the nearby thoroughfare.
Local pastors see the signs as modern ministry
Heather Hultgren, who oversees the sign’s daily updates, explains that the goal is simple: “People say, ‘this makes a difference to me,’ and they sense they’re loved by God.” The approach mirrors a historic tradition of posting messages on church doors, a practice that dates back to the Protestant Reformation in 16th‑century Germany.
In recent decades, many U.S. pastors have embraced similar digital displays to bring a touch of joy to the daily commute, spark reflection on the way to football practice, and perhaps invite lapsed believers back into the pews. Rev. Karna Moskalik of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Stillwater, Minnesota, describes the effort as “a way to bring something lighter in the world.”
Examples of the messages
Signs have featured a variety of creative slogans. One classic reads, “CH – – CH What’s missing? U R!” Another, posted during a recent heat wave in New York City’s Madison Avenue Baptist Church, joked, “Lord, whatever you’re baking, it’s done.” At Resurrection Lutheran, a recent display warned drivers, “Honk if you love Jesus, text if you want to meet him,” blending humor with a clear invitation.
Elizabeth Pustinger, who manually changes the sign each week, notes that curious onlookers often stop to ask about the messages and sometimes decide to attend a service afterward. Rev. Susan Sparks adds that such signage is “a very powerful ministry” because it reaches people where they are—behind the wheel.
Scholars affirm the value of humor in faith
Rolf Jacobson, a professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, points out that both Jewish and Christian scriptures contain humorous passages. “God’s business is turning mourning into gladness, Good Friday into Easter Sunday,” he says, underscoring the theological basis for using levity as a bridge to deeper spiritual reflection.
These signs are not merely decorative; they serve as a modern extension of the church’s mission to proclaim love, hope, and redemption in everyday life. By placing uplifting messages in public view, congregations are able to engage a broader audience without compromising core Christian values.
Community response
Local residents have responded positively, with many sharing photos of the signs on social media and commenting that the messages brighten their day. Some drivers admit that a witty line or a gentle reminder makes the often‑stressful commute feel a little less burdensome.
While the practice is gaining popularity nationwide, Woodbury’s example demonstrates how a small suburban congregation can leverage technology to fulfill a timeless calling: to let the world know that God reigns and that His love shines for all who pass by.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
