Halloween As A Witnessing Tool

Today Christian families are looking for ways to use Halloween as a witnessing tool. In my personal opinion Halloween means nothing unless you acknowledge it in some way. Children are only young once and so it is important for them to have positive memories. I have some wonderful memories of the family time spent on Halloween night and Trick or Treating. I dressed up as various characters and the Lord still called me to be a pastor and Christian writer. The important thing is for the child to realize the difference between reality and fantasy. I do not believe Halloween has a harmful effect if the parents are setting a Godly example and living a good moral life. Children will be influenced by what they live with and see each day-not what they dress up as one night a year.

As a pastor I would like to suggest some Halloween alternatives. If you choose to let your child go trick or treating-then encourage the child to dress up as a Biblical Character. This would definitely be something unique and a great way to witness. Most people won’t be able to guess the character. Always accompany your child to the houses and know who you are allowing the children to take candy from. Always take a flashlight and follow other safety rules.

Alternative 1

Invite your children’s friends to a celebrate Jesus Party. Of course if you don’t have a suitable place at your home rent a community building. The Celebrate Jesus party will allow children to have a chance to learn about Jesus and share Jesus with others. First, you will need to secure a place for the party. Then, decide who will be invited and the time party will be held. At the churches celebrate Jesus party – encourage the children to dress up as a character from the Bible. Then, I would ask them to share something about the person from the Bible. Children love to dress up and this is a good way to teach them about Bible characters. The next step would be to plan activities. Games are fun for everyone. The game of telephone is fun and teaches how gossip can hurt people. Have children gather in a circle and tell the child next to you: “Jesus loves you” (whisper). The next child will whisper into the next child’s ear and so on-until it comes to the last child. When the last child hears the sentence-ask the child to share with everyone what was said. Unless, you have really good listeners the sentence will not be close to what was originally told. Have a short lesson about gossip and how it hurts others.

Plan refreshments-This can be as elaborate as a cook-out with hamburgers or hotdogs and a drink or as simple as cookies, fruit and a drink.

Here is an activity to promote sharing and showing God’s love.
Items Needed: Goldfish crackers, bowl, raisins, Ziploc bags and cereal. Give each child a sack with one individual ingredient (put in ziploc bags) .Then, talk about how good these items are to eat alone. Then talk about sharing and what would happen if all ingredients were mixed in a bowl together. Then, Have each child place their ingredients in the bowl. Then, give each child a taste of the mixture. Emphasize sharing Jesus with others. Share a bible story with the children. As the children prepare to leave give them a Celebrate Jesus treat bag. Inside the treat bag -put gospel tracts, candy or a toy-preferably Christian.

Alternative 2
Check with area nursing homes or churches. They may have alternative options available. The residents enjoy seeing the children come in and this is a very safe alternative. At Ring of Fire Evangelistic Ministry In Olney, IL on Halloween trick or treat night-the church doors are open to children in the community. Free hotdogs and drink are available and gospel tracts are handed out. A great way to witness to children and adults. This also provides an opportunity for children and adult volunteers to serve and witness for Jesus! This alternative gives children a safe place to trick or treat.

Alternative 3

Explain to your child (children) that trick/treaters will be coming to your door. This is going to be a time to witness for the Lord. Allow your child to hand out gospel tracks and scripture candy. Scripture candy can be purchased at Christian book stores. This is a great way to share Jesus with others and teach children about witnessing.

Christians need to make the most of every opportunity to spread the good news of Jesus. Having a Celebrate Jesus party is a great way to tell others about Jesus and give your child a great memory.