Is the Church a Spooky Place?

Ghosts, Zombies, Vampires, and Werewolves, it’s Halloween once again! This time of year many like to think about what makes us afraid like haunted houses and spooky decorations. But what if the scariest place for some people isn’t a haunted house—but the church? Surprisingly, the church can be a scary place for some—though not because of ghouls or monsters, but because of three common issues: cliques, unrealistic expectations of perfection, and hypocrisy.

First, cliques can make people feel excluded. When certain groups form tight circles, newcomers may feel left out. The church is meant to be a welcoming body, where people can come to learn about God (Luke 15:1-2).

Second, unrealistic expectations create an intimidating atmosphere. If church feels like a place for the “perfect” or “spiritually elite,” people struggling with sin or lack of Bible knowledge may feel they don’t belong. But Jesus came for the sick, not the healthy (Mark 2:17), reminding us that the church is a hospital for sinners, not a country club for saints.

Lastly, hypocrisy, or “wearing masks,” is scary because it creates a false image. When people hide their struggles to appear righteous, it sets unrealistic standards. Jesus warned against this in Matthew 23:27, calling for authenticity, not pretense. To make the church less intimidating, let’s break down cliques, embrace grace, and remove our masks, creating a community where everyone can belong and grow.