Mandy and Stephanie dive into one of the most debated topics in Christian circles: Halloween. Is it harmless fun or spiritual compromise? In this candid and grace-filled conversation, they unpack how believers can approach October 31 with both conviction and compassion.
From childhood candy traditions to neighborly connections, they remind listeners that the night can become an opportunity to show up with light rather than hide from darkness. Mandy shares how living in the country made her miss trick-or-treat community life, while Stephanie describes how she sits curbside with full-size candy bars and open arms. Together they discuss discernment, boundaries, redemption, and why it’s “hard to hate up close.”
The result is a thoughtful, sometimes funny, always Christ-centered dialogue about holiness, humility, and the art of neighboring—complete with pumpkin-shaped pizzas, banana Laffy Taffy, and one unforgettable “Great Pumpkin” confession.
Listen for:
- How to be “in the world but not of it” on Halloween night
- Why holiness ≠ judgment and love ≠ compromise
- Redemption and agency: bringing light into dark spaces
- The difference between conviction, temptation, and condemnation
Scriptures & Themes
- Proverbs 6:16-19 – What God hates (pride, deceit, violence, stirring conflict)
- 1 John 4:4 – “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
- Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world.”
- Romans 12:2 – In the world, not of it.
- Themes: holiness vs. self-righteousness, redemptive theology, boundaries without judgment, neighbor love, discernment and agency, light over fear
Hot Topics & Stories
- Why both hosts choose to show up in love rather than withdraw in fear
- “Hu Bars” and healthy candy banter 😂
- The “Great Pumpkin” tradition (Mandy’s confession & repentance!)
- Banana Laffy Taffy and the return of neighbor kids with treats = a “harvest of joy”
- How to teach kids discernment without fear
- Salem trip reflections — what the witch trials teach us about fear, power, and the church’s treatment of women
Resources & Mentions
- John Crist’s Halloween bit
- Christy McLelland – Jesus and Women study
- Jen Wilkin quote: “For them and for then first, then for us.”
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown – family tradition favorite
Practical Ideas for Listeners
- Neighboring Challenge: Sit outside on Oct 31 with light on and kindness ready.
- Discernment Exercise: Pray through what’s “good for us” vs. “judgment of others.”
- Reflection Prompt: Where am I called to bring light instead of withdrawing in fear?
- Family Tradition Idea: Share a meal or treat with neighbors before trick-or-treat.
Calls to Action
- Follow @uncommonpurposepodcast on Instagram and Facebook for more faith + fun seasonal episodes.
- Share your Halloween tradition or neighbor story in the comments of our episode post.
- Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music so you don’t miss our upcoming Advent series!
