For Christians who wonder whether it’s okay to take part in Halloween or Halloween alternatives, Promise Keepers CEO Shane Winnings offered some Bible-based advice. On Oct. 30, he posted a five-minute video with Scripture insights about how to approach the controversial observance. Winnings, a full-time traveling preacher, said he was trying to be unbiased and fair about Halloween.
Instead of judging people for either embracing or avoiding Halloween, Winnings said, “I personally believe you’re never going to regret abstaining.” Christians—and especially church leaders—should probably just back away, he said, especially if they have any doubts about Halloween.
“At the end of the day, we are responsible for stewarding our own lives before the Lord,” Winnings advised. “So do that without fear of judgment.”
Shane Winnings Discusses Halloween
Shane Winnings, a military veteran and former law enforcement officer, became chairman and CEO of Promise Keepers in January 2024. The longstanding men’s ministry aims to “empower men to live boldly in Christ” and to lead their families, churches, and communities with strength and integrity. This fall, Winnings is visiting college campuses on a “Prove Me Wrong” tour, sending the message that “America Needs Godly Men.”
Winnings began his Oct. 30 video by citing verses from Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 about observances, practices, and stumbling blocks. He explained he doesn’t drink alcohol, not because he has a “problem with it” or thinks “it’s a sin to have a beer.” Instead, Winnings said, he doesn’t want to create a stumbling block for anyone.
I don’t want them to see me preaching and then see me with a drink and just have to think, you know, “Oh, I wonder if he’s ever had too many”…I don’t even want that thought in their head. I just want them to receive the message. So I don’t drink. I feel like that’s my personal conviction. I don’t press it upon another person. I don’t look down on people who do drink.
That’s also the stance his family takes on Halloween, Winnings said, though their “conviction has changed over the years.” His family used to dress up in fun costumes, which he doesn’t believe is evil. Yet Winnings said he understands why some Christians feel convicted to avoid the holiday.
For Christians who wonder whether it’s okay to take part in Halloween or Halloween alternatives, Promise Keepers CEO Shane Winnings offered some Bible-based advice.Click to Post“And I don’t think it matters where Halloween came from,” Winnings added. “I think it matters where it is now. And right now, it feels like it’s a celebration of evil and dark things. It is a celebration of a spirit of fear.”
