Chreasters – Who are they?

TL;DR:

Chreasters are a term people use for those who attend church only on Christmas and Easter. Christians can use such holidays to preach the Gospel, clear up unbiblical beliefs, and explain the true purpose of being a part of a church family.

what does the bible say?

In Isaiah 29:13 God says of His people that they “draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men…”. Though God is rebuking the ancient Israelites in this passage, it indicates that God doesn’t care about mere lip service; He cares about the heart. If Chreasters attend church simply because they esteem one day above another (Romans 14:5), want to look good to others, or believe their attendance on certain holidays will get them to heaven, we should lovingly correct such misconceptions and point them to the truth of the Gospel: Salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–10). Hebrews 10:24-25 indicates that attending church is to “stir up one another to love and good works.” Besides clearing up unbiblical beliefs and presenting the Gospel to Chreasters, believers can explain the privilege of being a member of the body of Christ.

from the old testament

Although Isaiah 29:13 is specifically in the context of the Israelites, the verse reflects a truth that God cares more about the heart behind the ritual. If Chreasters only attend church because they think they “should” or other unbiblical reasons, we can lovingly point them toward the truth.

from the new testament

It is important to let Chreasters know that God does not consider any particular day holier than another (Romans 14:5). If they believe that attending church on certain holidays can get them to heaven, this myth needs to be exposed and replaced with truth.
Many churches use Christmas and Easter to preach core biblical truths to Chreasters. Such gospel messages can explain salvation is not earned by works like going to church, but freely given as a gift (Ephesians 2:8–10).
The purpose of going to church isn't to gain favor with God but to learn about Him and worship Him. We can explain to Chreasters that being a part of the church is a part of a Christian lifestyle that involves building and maintaining relationships with other believers (Hebrews 10:25).

implications for today

"Chreaster" is a blend of two words: "Christmas" and "Easter." The word refers to people who attend church only on those holidays. Although the word is more descriptive than offensive, it isn't typically used in the presence of those whom it describes. Churches typically welcome Chreasters and even use Christmas and Easter as outreach events for the neighborhood.

Chreasters often have a misunderstanding of the importance and purpose of church attendance. Some believe church service is a requirement for salvation. Others enjoy the pageantry of the holidays or think they get more "credit" for attending on “holy” days. Still others bow to the expectation of extended family to worship together. Believers can take advantage of such services to reach Chreasters with the truth of the gospel. Even if they attend only for the ceremony and the tradition, regular attenders should welcome Chreasters and can use the opportunity to start relationships, evangelize, and explain the importance of church. It's becoming rarer for unbelievers to spontaneously attend church, so Christmas and Easter give us the chance to show seekers what a loving body of Christ looks like.

understand

“Chreaster” is a blend of the words “Christmas” and “Easter” and describes those who attend church mainly on those holidays.
Chreasters often hold the mistaken belief that church attendance is a good work for which they’ll earn spiritual “credit.”
Believers can use the opportunity of bigger crowds during holiday church services to share the truth of the gospel to Chreasters.

reflect

How do you respond to increased attendance at your local church during holidays?
How do you prevent yourself from harboring a judgmental attitude toward Chreasters?
What spiritual benefits have you gained from regular church attendance?

engage

What are some ways that churches can make Chreasters feel more welcome?
How can churches encourage Chreasters to more regular attendance?
How can clergy help dispel the notion—even among some believers—that church attendance is the mark of a “good person”?