I tend to joke with those members and guests who attend church only on Christmas and Easter. I call them Chreasters (not my own idea, but I don't know who I got it from.) Christmas eve about 3 years ago I used the term for the first time. Following the service I was at the back of the sanctuary greeting people as they headed out into the night. One young man, whose parents were faithful to worship every week, shook my hand and said, "Well I'll see you in the spring... Easter is in the spring isn't it?"
I really don't intend the term to be a negative one at all. Instead it is a term that brings a sense of hope. I figure if someone will give God the time two times per year this year, maybe next year it will be three or four. Then, when they find that they really need Christ, they'll know where to find Him.
I hope you'll find a Chreaster friend or neighbor and remind them that it's spring again and time to return to church to give God another chance.
See you Sunday!
2 comments:
I like your term. But, what shall we lovingly call those who also attend on Mother's Day? We have those folks in Texas. (Of course, we get a few of them on Palm Sunday, too.)
Now if we can just get all the people who are present more often than not to be gentle with the Chreasters.
Dr. Dale,
How about we call them friends. Nah, that would be too easy, and maybe even pandering. Let's just ignore them and see if the have the intestinal fortitude to come back. Cause if they really loved Jesus they'd be back.
(Said with tongue firmly planted in cheek.)
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