Ginghamsburg students host Halloween Bash for 91 local teens

With glowing lights, pulsing beats and a crowd of 324 middle and high school students, Ginghamsburg Church’s Halloween Party was anything but ordinary. What started as an idea from a seventh-grade student quickly became a full-blown community event—created by students, for students.

“This wasn’t Ginghamsburg throwing a party for our own,” said Dan Bracken, longtime student ministry volunteer. “This was our students throwing a party for their peers—for kids who don’t yet know they belong.”

The evening offered something for everyone. From blacklight "glow" table sports to karaoke, sensory exploration stations and a quiet room for students seeking a break from the buzz, the Avenue campus was transformed into a Halloween wonderland. DJ Dorse, a.k.a. the “Party Instigator,” kept the dance floor pulsing all night, while students bounced between volleyball games, movie screenings and nacho runs.

Snacks and refreshments were offered at minimal cost, and glow gear—including on-demand t-shirts—were available for purchase. But it wasn’t just the amenities that made this night unforgettable.

“Look at all these kids having fun!” said one parent who picked up their child at the end of the night. “My daughter struggles to make friends, but she was talking about this party all week. Thank you for hosting this! It really means a lot.”

From planning décor to handing out flyers at school, Ginghamsburg’s student leaders owned the process from vision to execution. “I passed out soooo many flyers at school,” said Ben, a student at Tipp City Middle School. “I just really wanted people to come.” In total, 91 students had a great time, 23 adult volunteers passed out candy with church invitations and 118 items of food were donated for the church food pantry.

A Cultural Holiday, Redeemed
While Halloween often raises eyebrows in church settings, Ginghamsburg Students see it as an opportunity—not a threat.

“Halloween celebrates creativity, identity and community,” Bracken explains. “It’s also a night where a lot of kids who feel like outsiders get to fully express themselves. That’s a gospel opportunity. We acknowledge the thin line between life and death, and used that bridge to strike conversations about faith and living a meaningful life.”

At the heart of the event was an intentional effort to bridge the cultural familiarity of Halloween with the spiritual hospitality of Jesus. Ginghamsburg’s student ministry provides weekly spaces for dialogue, worship and Bible study—with topics like friendship, doubt, integrity and forgiveness.

“Jesus liked parties,” Bracken adds. “He welcomed outsiders and gave people another shot. That’s the kind of church we’re trying to be.”

For students who were overwhelmed by the sensory activity, a dedicated “quiet room” offered space to reset—complete with crafts and puzzles. Volunteers, all background-checked and trained, wore costumes and name tags, offering candy and invitation cards for upcoming Sunday and Wednesday gatherings.

“This party was an act of love,” Bracken said. “When you are the light, darkness shouldn’t scare you—it should motivate you.”

A Vision for the Future
Ginghamsburg Students is committed to creating a “home away from home” for young people—a space where they are not only welcomed but empowered. Student leaders regularly help shape programming, lead discussions and influence the future of the ministry.

“That every student would find healthy relationship and meaningful responsibility is our goal,” Bracken said. “And we get there through worship, teaching, serving and having fun.”

For those looking to plug in, student gatherings happen every Sunday morning and Wednesday night at the Avenue. More information can be found at ginghamsburg.org/students.