Halloween, perhaps the most controversial holiday among Christians. But if we step back and think about it in terms of advancing God's kingdom, it very well could be one of the most strategic ones (right up there with Christmas). Lets look at it objectively for a second. What other holiday do you get to go to your neighbors house and meet (if you haven't yet) and talk to them, and neighbors come to your house and you get to give them stuff. Two incredible opportunities that don't exist in as a norm in our culture. What a great opportunity that we can make the most of for the expansion of God's kingdom. Here's some ideas of how: NIGHT OF For the trick-or-treaters: Spend time prepping kids to see the holiday as an opportunity to serve and love the neighbors. Spend some time praying for the neighbors and who they will meet. Help kids think through what they could give the person giving them candy. Perhaps a tract or a colored thank you note with a verse on it (photo copied a bunch of times) or an invitation to church. Together pray God would use their steps of faith to glorify Himself and draw the people to Himself. This could also be used as an opportunity to meet the neighbors you don't know. Remember their names (write them down if you need to) and then make a map with neighbors names on it to start praying for them. Introduce yourself and have a little small talk. If the opportunity arises, you could ask them what you could pray for them for. For the candy givers: Before the kids start coming pray for the kids who will come to your door. Ask God to give you ideas of how to encourage and affirm them and bring to mind other things He would want you to say to them. When the kids come give them the best candy AND a Gospel tract. Living Water has great optical illusions kids love. Or here are a ton more to choose from.) Make a list of the kids and you can then keep the list and your family can pray for them. THE WEEK OF Use activities you're involved in as a way to give the Gospel. For instance my son is in soccer and my daughter gymnastics. We are going to pack lunch bags full of yummy candy and a Gospel tract with a little note to give to each kid on their team. You can do this same goodie bag gifting at many other activities whether it be little league sports as well as adult group events. What other ideas do you have? Do you struggle with starting Gospel conversations? Here are 10 questions that can be used to start a great conversation. Try them this Halloween?
About LauraLaura, the founder of Missional Women is married and has five kids, two of whom are adopted. Laura and her husband have been missionaries to college students for 13 years serving with Master Plan Ministries where she is the Women's Development Coordinator. Laura has authored 5 books, including an award winning 12 week Bible Study on First Samuel, Beholding Him, Becoming Missional, Reach; How to Use Your Social Media Influence for the Glory of God, and A Devotional Journey through Judges, a devotional to accompany the free online Bible study at TheBookofJudges.com. You can find her on facebook, twitter, pinterest, youtube, instagram, periscope, blab and her author site. If you'd like to read more from this contributor, type her name in the search box on the top right.
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6 Comments
10/20/2015 07:58:51 am
Laura, These are wonderful ideas! It's time to be missional about Halloween! Thank you. Joining you from Testimony Tuesday
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Maggie
10/20/2015 11:56:58 am
I saw your son's video on Periscope and he spoke of tracks to hand out. Could you post link to that website. Thank you
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I love these ideas! I run the Benevolence Ministry at my church which includes a food pantry and clothing closet. I was contacted by a mom whose young daughters wanted to be more missional in their trick-or-treating this year. She asked what we could use in the pantry. The girls have put out flyers in advance through the neighborhood letting people know that when they come by on Halloween, they would love to receive toothbrushes and toothpaste for the pantry. I'm sure that will spark some conversations :-) Taking a page from their idea I put up a note in my local post office that when trick-or-treaters come to my address for candy this year, it would be greatly appreciated if they would drop off a used coat for the pantry. Once again I hope this opens doors to discuss why I'm doing this, where I go to church, etc.
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