I have a confession to make. When I was asked to write about creating a culture of engaging with Halloween in a church, my first thought was: "I'm not sure I've done that". At least, not intentionally.
What I have tried to do is help cultivate a culture of local mission. Over time, that has led more people in our church to see Halloween as an opportunity rather than simply something to avoid.
Over the past few years, we've gone from one family giving sweets and gospel tracts to trick-or-treaters, to several households doing the same, to this year turning a driveway in the heart of the community we're trying to reach into a "Place of Light" with hot dogs, games, sweets, and conversation. For us, it fits naturally into our broader vision of reaching local people with the love of Christ.
Halloween: Will you retreat, or will you reach out?
For Halloween this year, would you rather retreat or reach out?The church has a history of retreating within its …