Pastor Bob

As Halloween approaches, it’s common to hear debates within Christian communities about the appropriateness of participating in this popular holiday. Some argue that Halloween’s pagan origins and association with the occult make it incompatible with Christianity. And to add fuel to the fire, many Christians share anti-Halloween social media memes (by the way, I’ve yet to have a meme or a copy-and-paste social media post sway my belief for or against anything). The social media post is often nothing more than, at best, virtue signaling and encouraging tribalism at worst.

 Over the last few years, I have read much about John Ramirez. Ramirez, an ex-satanist turned Christian evangelist, is quick to excoriate Halloween and anything related. According to Ramirez, he was a member of a Satanist church from age 8 to 35. Eventually, he “drank animal blood, conducted sacrifices, was baptized with the devil, and got married in a demonic wedding on Halloween.”[1] But here’s the thing: Ramirez was not a Satanist because of Halloween or participating in related activities; he only shared how he participated as a Satanist. Furthermore, Ramirez claims to have heard the audible voice of God (more than once) and that his spirit traveled to Hell in 1999, where he had a conversation with Satan himself. And while I believe in the supernatural and miraculous power of God, much purported by Ramirez sounds fantastical.  

 However, I’d like to present a different perspective, highlighting the ministerial benefits of Christians and churches hosting Halloween activities and reaching out to non-believers.

Building Bridges and Fostering Relationships: The Bible teaches us the importance of building bridges and fostering relationships with those who may not share our faith. In 1 Corinthians 9:22, the Apostle Paul writes, “I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.” Christians can engage with non-Christian neighbors in a fun and non-threatening setting by participating in Halloween activities.

This doesn’t mean Christians participate in debaucheries, including wearing overly promiscuous costumes, glorifying sin, or any similar expression at odds with Scripture. I have four children, ages 4, 7, 23, and 26. When the older kids were younger, I took them trick-or-treating just as I now do with the younger ones. Their costumes have varied throughout the years, but all were fun and silly. Costumes such as a pumpkin, Elsa, Mario, Buzz Lightyear, Minecraft, Link, and a princess have as much to do with devil worship as a hairbrush has with a guitar. And there was even a witch or two. Gasp! They were friendly witches, but as with each costume, my kids fully understood the idea of pretending.

A Chance to Share the Gospel: In 1 Peter 3:15, believers are encouraged to “always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Hosting a Halloween party provides an excellent opportunity to share the hope and love of Christ when someone asks about your faith. It allows you to demonstrate that Christians can be approachable, welcoming, and unashamed of their beliefs.

Demonstrating Christ’s Love: In Matthew 22:39, Jesus commands us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” By participating in Halloween activities, Christians can show love and hospitality to their neighbors. Organizing a Halloween event at your church or home can create a welcoming space for the community, where they can experience the love of Christ through your actions.

Providing a Safe and Alternative Celebration: Some argue that Halloween can be a dark and troubling holiday. We can provide families with a safe and positive celebration by hosting alternative Halloween events or parties at Christian churches. This aligns with Philippians 4:8, which encourages us to focus on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable.”

Promoting Unity and Fellowship: In Ephesians 4:3, we are urged to “preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Halloween parties can be a great way to promote unity and fellowship within the church community. By coming together to organize and host such events, church members can strengthen their bonds and work as a team to serve the greater good.

Incorporating Halloween activities into Christian churches can be a powerful ministry tool, offering a unique opportunity to build bridges, share the Gospel, demonstrate Christ’s love, provide a safe celebration, and promote unity within the body of believers. Rather than shying away from this holiday, let’s follow the example of the Apostle Paul and strive to become all things to all people for the sake of Christ. In doing so, we can embody the message of 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” Hosting Halloween activities with non-Christians can bring glory to God by demonstrating love, unity, and hope in Jesus Christ.

[1] Caleb Parke, “Halloween Is Devil’s Holiday and Christians Shouldn’t Celebrate It, Ex-Satanist Turned Evangelist Says,” October 30, 2019, https://www.foxnews.com/faith-values/halloween-celebrate-christian-satanist-evangelist.