Why We Chose Halloween Hot Spots

Christians get kinda weird when it comes to days like Halloween. All over social media I have noticed strong opinions; some condemning others who are participating or are dressing up. I have noticed many scriptures flying around and passionate statements being made regarding churches and their hypocrisy.  Some think we should ignore the day altogether and hide out and pretend that no one is home. Others want to have a "Fall Fest" at the local church and dress up like Noah's Ark characters and have games such as a Jonah and the Whale fishing game. Others think we should be praying and interceding for the evil going on around us. While there is nothing particularly wrong with any of those things we have to remember that people have different convictions based on many different things. Some have come from the occult and want to stay as far away from anything related to it. Others try to balance it all out and participate but on a more wholesome level. Then there are the group that have no problems dressing up as Dracula, ghosts and serial killers.

Who is right and what is the stand that the church should take on this holiday that originated as evil? Well there isn't one answer. We all have to live according to what we feel is the right thing to do for our families. We just cannot condemn others who do not look at it the way that we do.

 MercyGate Church decided their stance by looking at their vision statement. We are a church where we want lives changed, relationships restored and destinies discovered. In order to do that we have to get out of our four walls and go into our neighborhoods and make relationships and connections with people. What better day than to use Halloween as a networking time?

 MercyGate Halloween Hot Spots are like neighborhood block parties. We gave each neighborhood representative from our church money to purchase inflatables, food, candy & signs. Each of these locations represent our church.  They invite all their neighbors and multiple families from our church show up to help run it. The environment is one that isn't "come and go" but "come and sit for a while" while your kids play games. This gives us a unique opportunity to actually have a conversation with people we normally would NEVER talk to all the while their children are having a great time and getting candy and snacks!

^14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."        Matthew 5:14-16The Message (MSG)

We are to be a light to this world and are called to love our neighbors...so what is better than inviting all your neighbors to your house?  Think about it....What other day in the year do complete strangers come to your door, ring the bell and wait for you to come and answer! What an amazing opportunity to get to know people when they are out having a great time smiling and enjoying the evening.

We as Christian have got to start being strategic. What we have done in the past has not worked and will not work for the next generation. So if you aren't part of one of the Halloween Hot Spots then you need to go get some candy and get prepared to greet and bless people as they come to your house. We cannot and will not let the enemy take over this day....even if you have a little kid dressed as Freddie Krueger at your door saying "trick or treat". We claim every person and every soul for the Kingdom. That is what Jesus called us to do.

Adjust That Crown

Jonna