Episode 248: The Halloween Special (with Rev. Michael Jarboe)

🎃 Should Christians celebrate Halloween? And what does Halloween have to do with All Saints Day? In this special Halloween episode of Pod Have Mercy, Rev. John Stephens welcomes back Rev. Dr. Michael Jarboe, senior pastor of Wildwood United Methodist Church in Magnolia, Texas, for a conversation about Halloween traditions, faith, fear, and remembering those we've lost. From childhood trick-or-treating adventures and questionable Halloween costumes to the controversial history of Christian "Hell Houses," John and Michael explore the ways churches have embraced, avoided, and sometimes reinvented Halloween. They also settle some important seasonal debates: What's the best Halloween candy? Is candy corn really that bad? And how did 12-foot skeletons become the hottest neighborhood decorations? But beyond the costumes, candy, and laughter, the conversation turns to the deeper significance of All Saints Day. John and Michael reflect on grief, the communion of saints, and the powerful ways churches honor loved ones who have died. They share how traditions of remembrance remind us that death does not have the final word. Whether you love Halloween, avoid it altogether, or simply want to understand its connection to Christian tradition, this episode offers plenty of laughter, reflection, and hope. 🎙️ GUEST Rev. Dr. Michael Jarboe Senior Pastor, Wildwood United Methodist Church Magnolia, Texas Website: https://wildwood-umc.org/ Sermons: https://wildwood-umc.org/sermons ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome Back, Michael Jarboe 00:44 Life at Wildwood United Methodist Church 03:05 Halloween, All Saints Sunday & Daylight Saving Time 05:45 A Pastor's Daylight Saving Disaster 08:56 Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? 11:50 Remembering the Dead: All Saints & Día de los Muertos 13:41 The Christian History of Halloween 15:16 Childhood Costumes & Halloween Memories 17:37 The Controversial History of Christian Hell Houses 21:21 Surviving a Hell House Experience 24:11 Trick-or-Treating, Parenting & Grandchildren 27:31 Halloween Costumes & Renaissance Festivals 29:17 The Best and Worst Halloween Candy of 2026 31:58 The Rise of Giant Halloween Skeletons 35:15 All Saints Day, Grief & Remembrance 37:59 Communion, Resurrection & the Communion of Saints 39:37 Closing Thoughts & Wildwood UMC 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES Wildwood United Methodist Church https://wildwood-umc.org/ Halloween and the United Methodist Church https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-th... All Saints Day in United Methodist Churches https://www.umc.org/en/content/all-sa... 2026 Best & Worst Halloween Candy Rankings https://www.candystore.com/apps/blog/... Home Depot's Giant Halloween Skeletons https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/how-to... Hell House Documentary https://www.americangenrefilm.com/hom... 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION What's your favorite Halloween candy? Should churches celebrate Halloween? And how do you remember loved ones on All Saints Day? Share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe to Pod Have Mercy for thoughtful conversations about faith, culture, theology, and life. #PodHaveMercy #Halloween #AllSaintsDay #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndCulture