OT -- What is a Stay At Home Christian?

[Worfiedoodles]

Please don't laugh or flame me -- I honestly don't know. Some ladies in our office were throwing the term around at lunch in a derogatory manner, and I'm very curious as to what this means? Does it have to do with school or going to church? Is it someone who is a recluse but believes in Jesus?

Is it one of those terms that means different things to different people, like different types of vegetarians?

I was too embarrassed to ask because everyone seemed to take for granted that they knew what it was...

 

[pigget74]

I would think it is someone who says that they are a Christian, but does not attend anywhere--does everything from home. Like watch a church on tv or somesort. I am curious to see what others think it could be.

 

[disykat]

A would guess a Christian who doesn't associate with a Christian community. It could also be refering to the "home church" movement.

 

[tr-ray]

I wonder if it means someone who says they're Christian, but doesn't go to church?



I have no idea, either, but that would be my best guess.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

A would guess a Christian who doesn't associate with a Christian community. It could also be refering to the "home church" movement.

Ok, I have to ask -- what is the "home church" movement? I seem to be woefully uneducated!

Maria

 

[dnlsmith]

I've never refered to it as a movement but a home church is just a group of christians who choose to have church in a home rather than in a church. We did it for awhile and it was the best experience because it is a more laid back comfortable time to study the Bible and worship with other christians who are a little more unified. It isnt because they don't beleive in regular churches it is usually that they can't find one in their area that fits them.

 

[ChrisandDon'sMommy]

I wonder if it means someone who says they're Christian, but doesn't go to church?



I have no idea, either, but that would be my best guess.

That's exactly what it is. Wears the title, but doesn't adhere to the practice (e.g. church attendance).

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I've never refered to it as a movement but a home church is just a group of christians who choose to have church in a home rather than in a church. We did it for awhile and it was the best experience because it is a more laid back comfortable time to study the Bible and worship with other christians who are a little more unified. It isnt because they don't beleive in regular churches it is usually that they can't find one in their area that fits them.

Thanks for the explanation!
Maria

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Ok, so here's another question --are you considered a stay at home Christian if you only go on Christmas and Easter, make it a few times a quarter, or only if you never go at all? What about shut-ins? Can it be a positive term, or is it always negative?

I'm very curious today!

 

[ChrisandDon'sMommy]

Ok, so here's another question --are you considered a stay at home Christian if you only go on Christmas and Easter, make it a few times a quarter, or only if you never go at all? What about shut-ins? Can it be a positive term, or is it always negative?

I'm very curious today!

Yes, if you are only going because of the holidays, you are still a stay at-home Christian, lol.

Shut-ins are different as they obviously cannot make it to services. However, they do have worship at home with visiting ministries/members.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Yes, if you are only going because of the holidays, you are still a stay at-home Christian, lol.

Shut-ins are different as they obviously cannot make it to services. However, they do have worship at home with visiting ministries/members.

Oh my goodness, we have a whole passel of them then! Our pews are usually about 1/3 full, on C & E you can't get a seat. I wonder if they think of themselves that way...

Now I'm wondering what percentage of Christian Americans are Stay At Home Christians, and I'm betting it might be high.

Thanks to everyone for the replies, now I won't be the only one who doesn't know!

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

stay at home Christian is a new one on me...but I have heard people refer to themselves as "Christmas Catholic". I guess it's the same concept.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I think it's interesting how people just expect their church to be there for them when they want/need it, like it's a self-supporting entity (and I don't just mean financially).

I think some Stay At Home Christians may be bitterly disappointed over the next few years as churches have to consolidate or close. It is an interesting concept, I'm just not sure it's functional as a long-term approach if you truly want to come to a specific congregation for Christmas and Easter.

 

[alyssa810]

I've heard of CAPE Catholics (which I thought referred to Catholics on the Cape when I was younger) but it's those who just go to church Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, and Easter (C A P E)

 

[RMulieri]

Ok, so here's another question --are you considered a stay at home Christian if you only go on Christmas and Easter, make it a few times a quarter, or only if you never go at all? What about shut-ins? Can it be a positive term, or is it always negative?

I'm very curious today!

Well I can tell you from the Catholic religion you would be considered a CAPE catholic.. which means you only go to church Christmas, ash Wednesday,Palm Sunday and Easter.

 

[MommaSnowwhite]

At our church we call the people who come for Christmas and Easter - CEOs - Christmas and Easter Only!

 

[RMulieri]

I've heard of CAPE Catholics (which I thought referred to Catholics on the Cape when I was younger) but it's those who just go to church Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, and Easter (C A P E)

So funny I posted the same thing right after you

 

[Debbie7452]

I know these people! They are the ones who come and sit in "our pew" on Christmas and Easter LOL

Truly, I hope they feel welcome and enjoy the mass, but usually, it doesn't seem like they get much out of it. Their kids are not used to church time so they are going crazy...and then their cell phones go off, etc...

They were already filling the church this last Sunday...it was already much more crowded than regular season, so I guess some are "Advent Catholics" too. Yes, someone got our pew spot...and a cell phone went off.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I'm going OT within my OT post! -- We sent home a notice asking parents to not allow their children to bring electronic devices into church or Sunday School -- not the parents, just the kids.

We got a very angry letter from a mother who thought we were discriminating against her because allowing her son to have the electronic games was the only way she got any peace and was able to listen to the service. Nevermind it was a complete distraction for the other kids in Sunday School.

I agree, I think there are some Advent folk out there as well. I will admit that we don't make it every Sunday during the year, but I do try to make every Sunday of Advent.

I love the term CEOs! I think that is awesome. And I like CAPE, too.

So, other than my post, was anyone familiar with the term "Stay At Home Christian"? I'm in New England, I just wonder if it is more common in other regions...

 

[ChrisandDon'sMommy]

I'm going OT within my OT post! -- We sent home a notice asking parents to not allow their children to bring electronic devices into church or Sunday School -- not the parents, just the kids.

We got a very angry letter from a mother who thought we were discriminating against her because allowing her son to have the electronic games was the only way she got any peace and was able to listen to the service. Nevermind it was a complete distraction for the other kids in Sunday School.

I agree, I think there are some Advent folk out there as well. I will admit that we don't make it every Sunday during the year, but I do try to make every Sunday of Advent.

I love the term CEOs! I think that is awesome. And I like CAPE, too.

So, other than my post, was anyone familiar with the term "Stay At Home Christian"? I'm in New England, I just wonder if it is more common in other regions...

I was familiar with the term, CAPE. Otherwise, I used the term "Christian by name only".