Halloween: Living Sent in Your Neighborhood

Every year, on October 31st, hundreds of families from around your neighborhood will be walking all over, including walking directly to your front door. Halloween is typically a day of the year many Christians avoid or plan an alternative event for. However, what if we viewed Halloween not as a spiritual threat, but as a unique opportunity to live sent in your neighborhood and be everyday missionaries there?

Instead of withdrawing in fear, Christians can embrace this night as a chance to be light in darkness and share the hope of Jesus. Here are some ways.

Be Present and Generous

One of the easiest way to impact your neighborhood this Halloween is to show up. Whether you choose to decorate your home or not, you can turn on your porch light and generously hand out the best candy on the block. This isn’t compromise—it’s hospitality. In the Bible we are called to “be hospitable to one another without complaining” (1 Peter 4:9, CSB). When families see Christians as the most welcoming, generous people in the neighborhood, it breaks down barriers and opens doors for future conversations.

In addition to handing out just candy, consider adding encouraging notes to your candy with verses like “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, CSB). These small gestures plant seeds that the Holy Spirit can water.

Create Community Connections

Halloween provides natural opportunities to meet neighbors you might never otherwise encounter. Learn names, ask about their kids’ costumes, and engage genuinely. Paul wrote, “Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time” (Colossians 4:5, CSB). This night maximizes your time with people who might never step foot in a church.

Consider hosting a pre-trick-or-treating gathering with hot chocolate and donuts, or a post-Halloween bonfire. These extensions of hospitality demonstrate Christ’s love practically and build relationships that create space for deeper spiritual conversations throughout the year.

Be Light In The Darkness

Remember that “you are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14, CSB). If you choose to withdraw from Halloween, it could dim your light and impact when your neighborhood needs it most. Instead of condemning families who participate differently, shine brightly through authentic kindness.