HALLOWEEN IS FOR MISSION

by Michael Reed
This week is Halloween, and like every year at Element we encourage you to see it as an opportunity to be missional to your neighbors (which means find a way to participate).
 

Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

 
We call this the great commission. Jesus’ parting words to his early disciples (followers) after He conquered death and the grave. Read those words in light of Halloween, a holiday that celebrates death. The beauty of those words is that our Savior has conquered death by His resurrection…and then with All Authority in Heaven and on Earth, Jesus sends us, His disciples, out into the world to make more disciples. He promises that He is with us always, to the end of the age. If we believe this is true, then what can we fear from October 31st?
 
Sadly, what’s happened is we have gotten our premise all wrong, as Jesus never promised our comfort or safety. He never promised a carefree life, which is why He doesn’t call us to live as a bomb-shelter church – where we gather as a community of believers and bolt the doors behind us so nobody else can come in.
 
To be missional is simply a mindset of living your life as a missionary to a world that is in need of the Good News of the Gospel. We are called to be God’s ambassador and go out into the culture around us and make disciples who go out and make disciples who go out and make disciples. This means we need a heart for the lost, and willingness to share the gospel with those in our lives who need to hear it. It also means that we build relationships with those outside the church – that we create spaces to get to know people in our neighborhoods, places of work, our city.
 
Halloween is a fantastic night to start the process of getting to know your neighbors, and more importantly, letting your neighbors get to know you and your Gospel Community. This isn’t the night to hit them over the head with bible verses; it’s a night to participate in a cultural holiday in a redeemed way. It’s a night to show that there is something different about Christians, that you do care about your neighbors (because Jesus cared first), and that you don’t just want to pass out candy as an obligation, but you do want to take some time and talk.
 
But what do you do? I love this article: 12 simple ways to be Missional this Halloween. I would encourage you to read is written about each one of them, they are all fantastic ideas and might spark something more….
 
BE HOSPITBALE:

1.     Give out the best Candy.
2.     Think of the Parents.
3.     Be Present.
4.     Be Encouraging.
5.     Party.
6.     Learn The Stories <- Very important!

 
GO TO THEIR PLACE: Join what is happening

7.     Attend the party.
8.     Join the community.
9.     Head to the “Watering Holes”

 
BE PRAYERFUL: Ask the Spirit to lead, guide & work

10.    Pay Attention.
11.    Stay Dependent.
12.    Open Doors.

Remember, in the midst of having fun, herding your children, trying to stay warm or simply not wanting to participate at all: Jesus has all authority and we don’t have anything to be fear!