TRUNK OR TREAT

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them". (Ephesians 5:11)

In the past several years, a practice known as “Trunk-Or-Treat” has made its way to the parking lots of many Churches. Obviously playing on the phrase, “Trick-or-Treat,” the event is held around or on Halloween night. There are a few Biblical principles that should be considered in regards to such an event as “Trunk-Or-Treat.

First, one should ask if such an event may bring reproach upon the Word of God and the Church. In I Timothy 3:7 Paul writes, “moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil”. In this verse is a general Bible principle that no Christian should do anything that would defame or disgrace the Church to “them which are without,” (non-Christians).

One “snare of the devil” is to deceive the world into believing that “one church is just as good as another.” With “Trunk-Or-Treat” being practiced by many denominations, we should be concerned that such a practice would make the Church look just like “another denomination” in the eyes of the world?

Some Apostolic churches cancel their services to have “Trunk-Or-Treat!” There are some churches who hold “Trunk-Or-Treat” before or after services, but how likely is it that most people driving by simply think that we are just like all the other churches. Some would argue that “Trunk-Or-Treat” is no different than V.B.S. Sadly, in many cases, they are probably right. Many V.B.S.’s have become nothing more than crafts, games, and entertainment. However, many faithful congregations set aside a day or a week of V.B.S. to provide Bible classes with a theme tailored to teach the Word of God to all ages. Though they may have breaks in which snacks and drinks are provided, the primary purpose of V.B.S. is Bible study. The primary purpose for “Trunk-Or-Treat” is entertainment. Therefore, the attempted comparison is fatally flawed.

Second, such an activity as “Trunk-Or-Treat” can be perceived as though the Apostolic Church approves of Halloween? There are many activities that are not essentially wrong. However, does that authorize us to allow all of those works to take place in the church? Exercise is good and needful, but would the Lord desire that His people allow the church facilities to be used as a “Fitness Club”?

The Church should be eagerly and zealously doing the works authorized by God, thus doing good for the world and His kingdom. On the other hand, the Church should not allow itself to be seen as a community or civic organization. Unfortunately, there are many who believe that the Church is merely a social outlet for social functions and this is just another reason that we should be careful.

Third, every pastor and parent should ask the question, “What does this event teach our children?” Children soak in all kinds of information, and do so quickly. We should teach children at a young age to respect authority (especially the authority of God’s Word), and to be obedient. Moses emphasized God’s desire that Israel teach her children. “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates” (Deu. 6:6-9).

If you were to ask, “why should we have ‘Trunk-Or-Treat,’” an honest answer probably would be, “It’s for the kids.” However, if you were to give the children a choice, most likely they would enjoy themselves much more at a local park or at someone’s home rather than in a parking lot. I’m afraid that “Trunk-Or-Treat,” is “for the parents” rather than for the kids.

Let us always be careful that we do nothing to bring reproach upon the Word of God and His Church for which Jesus died. Let us also be careful not to pervert the Scripture as to justify anything that we want. There is a time for fun and entertainment, but it should not be done at the expense of the reputation of Word of God and the Church and should not violate any Bible principle.