Enjoy this guest post from our friend, Darrell Stetler. Spoiler alert - his Gospel Trunk or Treat System is coming soon as a MinistryDeal! Keep an eye out!
I’ll be honest. I don’t like Halloween.
I’m a dad of 7, and a pastor for over 20 years, and I’m just not into it at all. I’m always kind of blown away by people who go all out, decorate their yards and homes… and love scary movies.
Not me.
And I’m not alone! According to a 2015 Lifeway Research survey, 33% of Christians say they avoid Halloween or its pagan elements.
But I’m also a pastor, and a missionary in my community… and that means that even when I don’t like what the culture does, I am responsible for figuring out how it connects with the Gospel message. After all, Paul was not happy with the idols in Athens, but he was responsible for figuring out how to transition to talk about the Gospel!
Many churches avoid Halloween events due to concerns (like mine) about the holiday's origins, associations, and cultural implications. Here are some common reasons:
- Pagan Origins: Halloween has roots in ancient Celtic festivals like Samhain, which were believed to involve practices to ward off spirits. Some Christians feel that participating in Halloween in any way means endorsing pagan rituals.
- Occult and Evil Associations: Halloween often includes imagery of witches, ghosts, and other occult elements. This can make churches uncomfortable, as they feel it conflicts with biblical teachings against engaging with the occult.
- Focus on Fear and Darkness: The emphasis on horror, fear, and dark themes can be seen as contrary to the Christian message of hope, light, and love. Churches may want to avoid celebrating anything that glorifies these elements.
- Moral Concerns: Some churches believe that Halloween promotes unhealthy behaviors like excessive partying and mischief. They may also be concerned about the message it sends to children.
- Alternative Celebrations: Many churches prefer to offer alternative events, such as "Harvest Festivals" or "Trunk or Treat" events, which they feel are safer and more family-friendly.
Consider a Non-Judgmental Approach to Redeeming Halloween
I really do understand these concerns, and share them in many ways! But I think there are compelling reasons for churches to take a non-judgmental approach and consider redeeming Halloween, instead of simply “rejecting” or “receiving” it.
- Community Engagement: Halloween is a major cultural event that offers a unique opportunity to engage with the community. Hosting events like "Trunk or Treat" can provide a safe environment for families and allow the church to build relationships with people who might not normally attend.
- Redeeming the Day: Instead of focusing on the negative aspects, churches can redeem Halloween by emphasizing positive themes such as community, creativity, and generosity. For example, costume contests, games, and candy can all be part of a fun, family-friendly event.
- Biblical Encouragement: The Bible encourages believers to be "in the world, but not of it" (John 17:15-16). This can mean finding ways to participate in cultural events in a manner that reflects Christian values and spreads the love of Christ.
- Teaching Opportunities: Halloween can be a chance to teach children and adults about spiritual truths. For instance, discussing the "armor of God" (Ephesians 6:10-18) in the context of costumes can be a creative and meaningful lesson.
- Building Bridges: By participating in Halloween in a positive way, churches can build bridges to their communities. It can show that Christians are not against fun or cultural participation but seek to do so in a way that honors God.
- Addressing Fear with Faith: Halloween often highlights themes of fear. Sure, that's a problem! But churches can use this opportunity to address fear from a biblical perspective, teaching that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18) and that God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
A “Redeeming Halloween” Approach
Ok, so if you're convinced, but want to tackle Halloween in a way that:
- captures the cultural moment
- isn't just condemnation
- redirects the conversation toward Christ
- centers on the Gospel
...then how can you do a church event that engages Halloween? Here’s what my church does:
Host a Trunk or Treat event
Why not set up a safe and fun environment where families can enjoy the festivities without the worry of trick-or-treating in unsafe areas? Decorate car trunks, hand out candy, and include games and activities.
Our church has been doing a trunk or treat event for 13 years now, and I've got a free guide you can download on how to plan a Trunk or Treat. If you need Trunk or Treat ideas for churches, you just found them.
By taking a thoughtful and non-judgmental approach, churches can turn Halloween into an opportunity for outreach, education, and community building. Instead of retreating from the holiday, embrace it as a chance to share the light and love of Christ in creative and impactful ways.
Personal Anecdote and Reflection
In my 20 years as a pastor, I’ve seen the power of connecting with your community on cultural events like Halloween. Our church started hosting "Trunk or Treat" events, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Not only did it provide a safe place for children, but it also allowed us to build relationships with families who had never stepped foot in a church before.
One year, a family who attended our "Trunk or Treat" event started coming to church regularly and eventually gave their lives to Christ. It reminded me of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." This verse has always been a guiding principle for me, encouraging us to be a light in our communities, even on days like Halloween.
And it isn't just us. I've seen other churches of less than 200 preach the Gospel to over 1,000 of their community in 3 hours using my Gospel Trunk or Treat system. I think your church can do it too!
By engaging thoughtfully and creatively, we can turn Halloween from a day of avoidance into a day of opportunity. Let’s shine the light of Christ brightly, even in the darkest days!
What are your thoughts on Halloween? How can your church take steps to engage with the community positively during this time? Share your experiences and ideas below!
— Darrell Stetler
Darrell Stetler II has been a pastor of a church in South Oklahoma City since 2003. He designs tools for discipleship ministry in the local church. He’s the author of a 40 day Bible study on holiness. The discipleship resources produced by NewStart make it possible to multiply disciples that make disciples. For an example of a free discipleship tool, check out his free Bible reading plan for new believers. He also created the Gospel Trunk or Treat through collecting years of Trunk or Treat ideas at his church. You can follow him on X(Twitter), or on Facebook.