Leveraging Halloween: A Kingdom-Minded Approach

As Christians, our Lord tells us that we are to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:14-16). That is, our boat’s in the water, but the water’s not in the boat. We must be distinct from the culture to minister to the culture. As a way of life, we seek to contextually embed ourselves among a people for their spiritual good. Always on mission. It’s the normal posture of life for the follower of Christ.

Seasons come and go; not every day is the same. But with bulk candy fully in stock, there is one day coming soon on the horizon: Halloween. Business is good, by the way. In fact, it’s the second most lucrative holiday behind Christmas. Santa and the jack-o-lantern are here to stay.

Space fails to unpack its historical roots. We know it has beginnings in both the Christian “All Saints Eve” as well as pagan festivals. (Christians also know the Reformation reference.) All that to say, it’s become a commercialized holiday largely of western culture that finds participants ranging from toddlers dressed as bumblebees to adults cloaked in death, demons and debauchery.

So how are Christians to handle Halloween? Before we join in without a thought, retreat into momentary monasticism, or dress up like Noah and Moses, I’d like to propose we take the opportunity to leverage this darker-than-average evening to advance the kingdom of light (cf., Col. 1:9; Jn. 12:36).

Allow me to suggest three simple actions for a kingdom-minded Halloween:

1. Spend time as a family
   Carve pumpkins, cook a fall dessert, build a fire, broker favorite candies, make memories together. Parents, you have a ready-made evening to excuse yourself from the routine and hang out as a family. Do it. What is more, baked into that cake is an opportunity for discipleship (Deut. 6:7). Perhaps like few other days, you can talk theology with your kids who are likely asking softball questions. Pray now as you prepare for the day together.
2. Attend community events
   Engage the city, make disciples, plant churches. That’s the missionary task in a nutshell. Perhaps your church has a trunk-or-treat or fall festival. That’s great. But before the night is over, make an effort to go off campus. Halloween affords the opportunity to get a spiritual snapshot, a quick pulse of your locale, and the “objects of their worship” (Acts 17:23). If you can, sign up to serve at events. Be present and connect with unchurched friends. Sow seeds for a later harvest as you walk as children of light (Phil. 2:15).
3. Meet your neighbors
   Car pulls in, the garage door goes down. They wave at the mailbox, from the lawnmower, and just maybe when they walk the dog. It ought not to be, yet for many residential areas, that’s life. But not on Halloween. Your neighbors are out. Go meet them. They probably have candy. Take your kids with you. Look past front porch decor, the vice in their hand, or the awkward “why haven’t we met before” vibe. Consider God’s providence, make a new friend, start a conversation. Perhaps a door will open for Christian hospitality (Heb. 13:2). You just never know.

To be sure, Halloween affords willing participants the opportunity to express the depths of their depravity (Eph. 2:1-3). Halloween can be rough. Restraints are off like no other night of the year. Society seems to grant a moral hall pass to excuse the most shameful behaviors.

But remember, lost people behave lostly. That’s why Jesus came (Luke 19:10). So while many associate with the grotesque, violent, immoral, and horrific, let us approach them with a moist eye and the good news of the gospel.

As Jude 24 reads, “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.” Don’t be scared. Jesus has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33; cf. 1 Jn. 4:4).