What To Do with C.E.O.s

They are called CEOs, but it doesn’t stand for Chief Executive Officers. Instead, among religious people CEOs are “Christmas and Easter Only.” In other words, these are the people who come to worship only on or around those two holidays (and maybe Mother’s Day).

The nickname may be slightly humorous, but our attitude needs to be extremely serious in reaching out to these people. After all, if we are not doing what we can to teach and encourage, these folks are lost eternally.

While this issue is not going to be solved in one blog post, may I give just a handful of practical ideas that might help encourage those who are CEOs (or who are just very infrequent attenders throughout the year)?

Do Not Make Fun of Them Publicly

I have heard people do this, and I cringe. Now, I am not saying that we need to act like this habit is okay, but are you likely to return to a place of worship if you are made fun of?

Greet Them Warmly

Sometimes, when a person gets the reputation of a CEO, we just let them slide in and never even say hello, figuring it wouldn’t do any good anyway. Instead, extend a hand and actually have a good conversation.

Worship God Fervently

This, of course, should be true at every worship service (cf. John 4:24), but sometimes people are CEOs because we do not give them a reason to return. If they can get the same thoughts and feelings from an after-dinner speech, civic club meeting, or pep rally, why would we expect them to return to our place of worship?

Do Your Best to Follow Up

Christmas (and Easter, to a lesser degree) is a very busy time of the year. As such, we often fail to follow up with guests as we do at other times of the year. It may not be the reason, but it could be a reason some come rarely, if we are not following up with them. It may not look the same during this busy time of year, but do something to let people know you are glad they came.

Pray for Them

I wish it didn’t have to be said, but it does. Christians need to spend time in prayer for those who are infrequent in attendance. We need to pray for open doors to encourage them, and we need to pray for the courage to walk through those open doors.

If you have guests this Sunday, it is likely that you will have some CEOs. How will you treat them? It could impact their eternity.

“…not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…” (Hebrews 10:25)

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AUTHOR: Adam Faughn