Evangelism and Halloween, Can They Really Go Hand in Hand?
Posted by CSAHM on October 20, 2009 · 8 Comments
As Christians many of us make the decision to not partake in the “holiday” of Halloween. Many Christians are very proud of their decision yet they have overlooked a big opportunity to spread the Lord’s word to others. Instead of shutting the lights and not answering the door as many Christians do the night of Halloween (to be fair, there are some who do not do this) have you ever though about what Jesus would do in this situation?
Think about this, children raised without the Lord in their lives are arriving at your door in cute costumes. They have their bags with them, opening them to you and hoping to get a treat. They are in a willing and impressionable position. Thankfully, in this situation we are available to practice a phrase that was coined originally by Reverend Greg Asimakoupolos, known as “evangelism in reverse“.
Evangelism in reverse refers to the fact that those who need the Lord are coming to us, we are not searching them out. We are now able to advise them on the Lord’s view of the entire practice of Halloween. To be put in this situation is an awesome opportunity to serve the Lord. If we do not take advantage of this, what kind of message will we be sending to these vulnerable, impressionable children?
They may portray us as thinking that we are better than they are. Also, if we make the decision not to answer the door or to leave and go to church, who will be there to welcome them? We may be passing up the opportunity to teach and enlighten these impressionable young minds. In either case scenario, do you think Jesus would be proud of us if we did this?
A better idea is to spend time in prayer and ask the Lord who you may be able to spread his word to and how you may be able to do this. One family has made the decision to extend a Christ like smile and welcome to everyone who arrives on their doorstep. With each treat they are attaching a special poem. This poem was also written by Reverend Asimakoupoulos, he has been kind enough to give permission for anyone to copy and use it. It may be something you would like to also use this Halloween for those special trick-or-treaters.
Our Trick, God’s Treat
It was really quite neat
that you asked for a treat
when you stopped by
and rang our doorbell.
Though we don’t know your name
we are still glad you came
and would like to pass this on as well.
Long before time began
Father God had a plan
for His people to all get along.
But, we blew it, you see,
when we chose selfishly
to insist on OUR WAY and do it wrong.
What we did was a trick
that made God really sick,
but he didn’t trick us in return.
He reached out with a treat
that is sweeter than sweet.
It’s a treat that we could never earn.
God says, “I’ll be your friend!
I’ll forgive you all your sins,
I sent Jesus to make you brand new.
On this Halloween night
as you turn out your light,
Just remember how much God loves you.”
Copyright 2003, Reverend Greg Asimakoupoulos, used by permission.
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I think a holiday is what you make of it.
For Hallowe’en, I think it may depend where you live. Around here, I’d say it is rarer to see a Christian family NOT participate than to participate. Again, a holiday is what you make of it. It may have origins in paganism, but so do many things we may participate in. What matters it what means to us today. And for the record, I don’t think modern-day Hallowe’en holds a lot of meaning…it’s just fun.
On the same note, we have a lot of non-Christian immigrants around here who celebrate Christmas. It may horrify some purists that it’s reduced to a tree, lights, presents and goodwill to humankind, but I see it as an appreciation for another culture/belief.
The idea of putting the notes with treats is interesting, but attempts to change the meaning of the holiday. i.e What the holiday means to each individual. For most who participate, it’s not about religion or any type of belief. It’s just a fun day/night.
Thanks for continuing to share your thoughts on the subject, Heather. I enjoy hearing different perspectives.
We don’t participate but we also don’t run and hide. I am a HUGE believer in being as Christ was. I think you are right, Heather, our Lord would never miss an opportunity like this for witnessing. He would also do it in love, honesty and with tact. Much like he did with the Samaritan woman.
Thanks for this reminder of how we should act not just on Halloween but everyday of our lives.
Love this! Thank you. We celebrate Halloween … in fact we are having a party Friday night for our DD & her friends ( a family style thing outside w/ a slightly scary hayride planned) .. and then saturday night will be at trunk or treat at our church. since halloween is on saturday this year, our children’s pastor is going to set up the big inflatable slide early in the day and invite people to bring their children as they set up their games …. hoping that will draw in some of the newer families in our area. we always have a big turnout for trunk or treat ~ it is our 2nd biggest outreach program (2nd only to VBS). we encourage the families who are participating to leave their light on at their homes and place a note on the door inviting their trick or treaters to trunk or treat. It’s a great opportunity for us to meet people where they are … and our church has been blessed with a sweet reputation in our area for truly loving people as they are … this is just one way we do that.
I agree with you Heather, and Alice and LaTara and Teri. I think it’s a great way to spread God’s love to others who otherwise won’t ever hear how much God loves them, and I don’t believe Halloween has the same meaning as it did years ago; it’s just fun to do now. I believe as a Christian you should pray about what God would have you do. Our church used to have a Harvest party on Halloween, so we were never home anyway, however, we were able to reach many hearts at the Harvest party. My kids are older now and my daughter takes her two sons trick or treating in the same neighborhood she used to go in. It’s nostalgic for her and she wants to continue that tradition with her kids.
Thank you ladies for sharing your thoughts! I know that it can be a controversial topic, but ya’ll are so awesome and classy.
I love reading your comments. {{hugs}}
Thanks for the post.
My children and I came into the Church just this last year. We spend a lot of time reading what the Bible says to us and have found it surprisingly easy to rid our lives of ungodly things.
When my children come to me and ask my permission to do something, my response is If Jesus were sitting here with you, do you think He would want to do that? Would He think it were fun or cool?
By applying that question, we did decide that we would no longer dress up, decorate in some scary theme, or go trick or treating.
I imagine that when Jesus was in the flesh, He spent every moment teaching and loving. I now feel the need to make sure the choices my family and I make glorify Him.
I did not until today think about the opportunity that Halloween provides. I have no plans on having a dark, empty house on Halloween. We will be outside passing out cups of hot chocolate for those that wish to linger longer and this poem.
Thanks!!