Christian leaders and churches have often had a tumultuous relationship with Halloween.
Should we celebrate it?
Should we ignore it?
Should we advocate against it?
Your church may fall into one of these camps clearly, or somewhere in the middle. I’ll be honest with you – there aren’t necessarily easy answers. Much of the way you approach Halloween will be dependent on your context, community, and church family.
I am convinced that like most things in ministry, especially in today’s world, we can see Halloween as an obstacle or an opportunity.
We can see it as an obstacle – a day that celebrates darkness and in opposition to our faith – or we can see it as an opportunity to connect with our kids and communities in a meaningful way.
I am choosing to see it as an opportunity, and I hope you will too.
How do we see it as an opportunity?
How do we “make the most” of Halloween?
Here are some ideas:
- Use the symbols of the season to connect with your families in a meaningful way. I’ll be sharing a free “Pumpkin Gospel” printable on Friday, but there are already tons online, like this one. We even love the book “The Pumpkin Patch Parable” and it’s a great one to include in your regular programming (especially since Halloween falls on a Sunday this year)!
- Consider giving families a take-home kit to focus on Jesus in the middle of this Halloween season! I love this Fall-O-Ween Jesus kit from my friend Vanessa and this free “Let’s Glow!” devotional could serve you as well.
- Incorporate the candy craze that will be surrounding Halloween into your teaching on that Sunday! This Candy-Palooza from Life Church is free and looks super fun, as does this Not So Spooky Lesson from my friend Brittany!
My #1 suggestion to make the most of Halloween though, is to meet families in your community where they are.
We have been doing this through “Glow Night” over the past few years – and I can’t wait to do it again this year!
Halloween is an amazing opportunity to meet families where they are and unleash the families in your church to serve together!
Think about what it will do for your church – and the Gospel’s – impact in your community when your church is known for giving out great treats, free goodies & having humongous smiles on busy streets on Halloween night.
Think about how proud the kids in your ministry will be when they see leaders & friends on their street handing out treat bags and sharing the light of Jesus!
I am choosing to make the most of Halloween this year, and see it as an opportunity to share the love of Jesus – and I hope you will too!
Check out our downloadable Glow Night kit here:
