Halloween is a controversial topic, as I discussed in a post last year. Some Christians celebrate it, and others choose not to celebrate it. Many churches have a fall festival, trunk-or-treat, or similar event as an outreach opportunity and as an alternative to trick-or-treating.
I realize that it’s almost impossible to completely avoid Halloween. Even if you personally decide not to trick-or-treat, the Halloween decorations, candy, and costumes still exist. People will still celebrate “spooky” and even evil aspects of Halloween, like witches, ghosts, and graves. However, here are a few ideas to turn an often-spooky holiday into a great ministry opportunity:
1. Volunteer to help with your church’s fall festival, trunk-or-treat, or other similar event.
If your church doesn’t have one of these activities, find another local church to serve at. You don’t need to have kids to help with these events. Just bring yourself and a smile—and lots of candy.
2. Pray for each child (and parent) who comes to your house to trick-or-treat.
Everyone—no matter how young or old—needs Jesus Christ. This is the perfect time to pray for them. You can even ask the parents and their kids if they have any specific prayer requests that they’d like you to pray for.
3. Serve hot chocolate and cookies (or another snack) outside your house on Halloween.
This might be a fun substitute (or addition) to the typical tiny candy bars that most houses offer to trick-or-treaters. Serving special snacks is also an awesome conversation starter so you can meet people in your neighborhood and get to know them.
4. Keep a stack of gospel tracts or Bible verse cards next to the candy at your house.
Of course, it’s not necessary to force trick-or-treaters or their parents to take tracts or verse cards. However, by offering them to kids and adults—or by simply leaving them beside the candy bowl—they have the opportunity to read and experience God’s Word.
Closing Thoughts
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. (Colossians 4:5 NASB)
On Halloween, you have the chance to interact with lots of unsaved kids and parents. Of course, I don’t want you to ignore your God-given convictions that you have about Halloween. But if you feel led by the Holy Spirit, try using Halloween to bless others and be a light to them.
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