Churches are diverse in that they usually provide a range of facilities, such as a sanctuary, fellowship hall, and recreational spaces. Effective wayfinding signage is essential in these environments to help members and guests navigate and reach their desired destinations with ease. Otherwise, they are at a risk of wasting their time and energy aimlessly circling the area without clear directions, trying to locate what they need. Wayfinding signage is a specific type of signage that helps people navigate through a space or environment. This type of signage typically features maps, directional arrows, and other information to help users find their way to specific locations within a building, campus, or public space.

Wayfinding signage is commonly used in churches to help members and guests navigate efficiently and effectively, reducing confusion and improving the overall user experience. In an article titled “The Importance of Wayfinding and Signage at Your Church,” Lindsay Dudeck writes that “Not having good wayfinding and signage is a huge disservice to anyone who comes on your campus. Having it shows you’re strategic, responsible and thoughtful and that you understand the importance.” Continue reading to discover 5 ways for maximizing your wayfinding signage:

  • Be Clear and Concise: Make sure your signage is straightforward and easy to read. Use simple language and minimal wording to convey the necessary information. Avoid jargon or complicated language. For example, instead of saying “Please do not obstruct this exit, as it is reserved for emergency personnel only,” you could simply say “Emergency Exit Only.” Or instead of listing rooms individually on a directory sign (example: “The Nursery, Preschool Classroom, and Children’s Ministry Director’s Office are all on the left”), you could simply list all three areas with an arrow pointing to the left. These floor directories get straight to the point and are easily understood by all. 
Three women stand talking outside a meeting room. In the background, a coordinating floor directory sign mounted to the wall shows the sanctuary and youth rooms to the left and the lobby, restrooms, and parking garage to the right.
  • Have a Cohesive Design: Keep the design of your signage consistent throughout the building. Use the same style, font, and color scheme to create continuity that is easy to follow. This will help to establish a unified brand image and make it easier for members and guests to navigate the building. It also adds a level of professionalism and attention to detail that will be sure to impress. Consistency in design helps build trust and credibility, as visitors will see that leadership pays attention to even the smallest details. INTERSIGN features more than 60 sign collections, each of which includes matching room number signs, common area signs, directional signs, bathroom signs, information signs, fire emergency signs, and stair signs which coordinate seamlessly. 
  • Ensure Strategic Placement: Place your signage in high traffic areas where members and guests are likely to see them. Make sure they are visible from a distance and positioned at eye level for easy reading. All of our signs are guaranteed to meet current ADA regulations, and we provide guidance on proper installation to ensure compliance. Lastly, make sure your signage is well-lit, particularly in dim areas such as corridors and stairwells.
  • Provide Directions: Use directional signage to guide members and guests to key areas such as the sanctuary, restrooms, church office, and kid’s worship rooms. Directional signs are typically located at key intersections and decision points throughout the building. To help guests navigate around the church, include arrows to indicate a direction and use numbers to indicate floors levels.
A woman holding her son consults the facility's DIRECTORY sign showing where to find resident rooms, dining hall, activity room, chapel, and nurses station.
  • Update Signage Regularly: Frequently review and update your wayfinding signage to reflect any changes in the building layout or facilities. Remove outdated signage and replace it with new information, as needed. Updating signage will also ensure that members and guests are receiving the most accurate and up-to-date information.

To make the most of your wayfinding signage, be sure to observe how visitors interact with it and gather feedback to identify any areas that may need improvement. Make adjustments as needed to ensure a seamless and intuitive navigation experience. By actively seeking and incorporating input, you can continuously refine and enhance the wayfinding system to meet the needs and expectations of your members and guests. If you find that you are in need of new wayfinding signage – such as building directory signs, overhead signs, exit signs, or more – visit INTERSIGN to shop! For assistance, call us at 800-322-8426 to speak with our dedicated customer service team.