In today’s world, kids are constantly bombarded with all kinds of messages—many of which are anything but Gospel-centered. As children’s leaders, we know the importance of creatively and effectively sharing the Good News of Jesus in a way that captures their hearts and minds. But how can we do that in a way that’s both engaging and impactful?

One creative way I’ve found to share the Gospel with kids is through an event we host at our church called “Candy Through the Bible.” It’s more than just a fun Halloween alternative—it’s a Gospel-centered outreach event that leaves a lasting impression on the kids and families who attend.

Why It Works

1. It Engages Multiple Senses: 

Kids are tactile learners. By connecting a story with a piece of candy, we engage multiple senses—sight, taste, and touch—which helps to reinforce the message in a way that’s both fun and memorable.

2. It Creates Curiosity: 

The creative pairings of Bible stories with candy spark curiosity. Kids (and even parents!) want to know what each candy represents, making them more attentive to the stories being told.

3. It’s Relatable: Candy is something kids love and understand. By associating something familiar with the Gospel, we help them relate to the story on their level.

4. It’s Community-Oriented: 

“Candy Through the Bible” is also a great way to reach out to the community. It’s a non-threatening event that parents feel comfortable bringing their kids to, and it opens the door for conversations about Jesus with families who might not otherwise come to church.

How to Make It Happen

If you’re inspired to try something similar at your church, here are a few tips:

1. Choose Your Stories: Pick Bible stories that are simple yet profound. Creation, the Fall, Noah’s Ark, the Nativity, and the Resurrection are great starting points. Visit this link if you need more trunk or treat ideas for your church.

2. Pair the Stories with Candy: Be creative with your candy pairings! Think about what candy could symbolically represent each story. For example, use Lifesavers for the story of Jesus’ birth, reminding kids that Jesus is the ultimate Lifesaver.

3. Train Your Volunteers: Make sure your volunteers understand the stories and the purpose behind the event. Encourage them to share the stories with enthusiasm and clarity.

4. Promote the Event: Get the word out in your community through social media, flyers, and word of mouth. Emphasize that this is a fun, safe event that also teaches important life lessons.

5. Follow Up: Don’t let the conversation end after the event. Provide families with take-home materials that recap the stories or invite them to future church events. 

A pro tip for saving time in prepping your Trunk or Treat

And, to be honest, I’d encourage you to find someone else’s system, and use it. We’ve spent 13 years creating our system, and we love what it lets us do. I call it the Gospel Trunk or Treat, and you can purchase a system there that will save you a ton of hours!

The Impact

We’ve seen amazing results from our “Candy Through the Bible” events. Not only do kids leave with bags full of candy, but they also leave with seeds of the Gospel planted in their hearts. Parents have expressed gratitude for a safe, positive event that reinforces the values they want to instill in their children. One person told me “We look forward to this every year!” That family hasn’t come to church yet… but I’m a “long term investment” guy anyway. 

The bottom line: I’ve preached the gospel to more people in my church parking lot, then I have in my church worship center! What an opportunity!

As children’s leaders, we’re always looking for new ways to reach kids with the love of Jesus. “Candy Through the Bible” is just one example of how we can creatively share the Gospel in a way that’s both fun and meaningful. So why not give it a try at your church? It might just become the highlight of your ministry year—and a life-changing experience for the kids in your community.