The Great Halloween Debate

Written By Amber Berry
“Loaded question… should our church and ministry observe Halloween? Should we have do trunk or treats, or similar events? Should we hand out candies in our neighborhood? Encourage costumes?”

I see these questions debated in KidMin circles all the time and, I hate to burst your bubble, but I am not going to tell you what I think you should do here. Hang on, don’t click away yet. I would like to layout some pros and cons and give you some considerations to ponder as you and your leadership make a decision for your church, ministry, and community.

I will start by saying that my church does host a Fall event on October 31st. I will also say that my family has gone trick or treating and handed out candy, before we joined our current church family, we are just too busy to do so now. That being said, I see the heart in both sides of the issue and I am happy to acknowledge that I do not have all the answers, so I am not going to condemn or judge any decision. However, I want you to know where I am coming from so you understand the lens from which I have considered this.

First, let’s take a look at why some do not do any events or celebrate this day at all. I will summarize to the best of my ability, but also share some links to other people’s thoughts on the matter at the bottom of the page. In short, those who do not celebrate Halloween in anyway usually do so due to it’s pagan origins and imagery. They are convicted in their interpretation of scripture that this celebration is furthering secularism or paganism. There are points in scripture where these points can be applied depending on how you view the scripture itself.

For those who choose to celebrate the holiday or create alternate options on October 31st, they often feel that we are called to be a light to the world and creating Halloween traditions that are more positive and Christ centered is a great way to do that, or that celebrating Halloween is a way to connect with non-believers and make great family memories. Again, there are scriptures that can be applied in this regard.

My primary conviction in this debate comes from Romans 14:13-23 (ESV).

“13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”

No matter where we stand on this matter, we should be sensitive to our brothers and sisters and strive for peace and unity. If I have a brother or sister in Christ who is strongly opposed to these celebrations, I will protect them and will not decorate around them, dress up when spending time with them, or debate them for their convictions. I will gladly sit with you and pray over the night or, what they need to not feel the burden to conform. Their concerns are valid. I will also not condemn anyone who celebrates by dressing up, decorating, or going out to trick or treat or attend a party.

Particularly inside of my ministry I will pray for discernment and I will do all I can to honor the parent in their decision. I will not condemn or promote any celebration outside of the events held by the church.

As far as what I see as reason to support not celebrating. We do live in a fallen world and we are human. We should always be on the lookout for spiritual warfare. I know that certain things can effect one person spiritually that may not effect others and I do see a valid reason to err’ on the side of caution in all things spiritual as we are called to be set apart.

In regards to the decision to celebrate. I look for any opportunity to have honest, loving conversations with my children and fellow believers. I find this day to be a great opportunity to have these conversations. I also find any opportunity to show kids love and light in a fun and creative way, to be a win.

Thoughts to consider when making a decision for your family or ministry….

  • Is there anyone that you are surrounded by that may be effected in a negative way by your plans? If so can you disciple them through this without being a stumbling block?

  • Is whatever you have planned pointing to Jesus by showing His love to those around you or teaching about Him?

  • Does the community you are called to serve benefit spiritually and practically?

  • Does your planned event fit with your church’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values?

Things to consider if you choose not to celebrate Halloween….

  • Remember to speak honestly about your conviction in a loving way. Help people see your heart for Jesus, especially your kids.

  • Remember you are making a choice to honor God, so be positive and loving. Do not condemn those who do not share your conviction, and do not take a position of fear or anger when explaining your convictions.

  • Create positive traditions, whether they are on the same day or a different day. Celebrate with your family, church, and community in the fall season in a way that provides a level of excitement and community separate from the holiday. You can spread light and joy on any day as you find fun and meaningful ways to allow yourself and others to celebrate Jesus and family without the connection to the holiday you are avoiding. The time of year should not preclude you from taking any opportunity to minister to your community.

  • Help your children and those in your church to have a positive answer when asked why they do not celebrate halloween. Help them to speak truth and love and to feel confidence in their faith so it does not become something that they feel excluded from.

  • Know that God loves you!

Things to consider if you choose to celebrate Halloween….

  • Be sure to highlight family, community, fun, and most importantly love in your celebrations.

  • Be ready to answer questions for those who do not understand what you are celebrating or why. Remember to speak in love and always point to Jesus.

  • If you are going to host an event or celebrate by handing out candy at your door, be the fun family or church. If you are going to be a light, be a bright, bold, positive flashlight, pointing to Jesus.

  • Know that God loves you!

Amber Berry
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