Lexington, Kentucky — A Kentucky church is facing widespread criticism after a dramatic skit performed during a youth Vacation Bible School event went viral online, with many viewers questioning whether the performance was appropriate for children.
The controversial presentation took place at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Lexington, where a staged scene depicting the devil being executed by a mock firing squad has drawn strong reactions from parents, community members, and religious leaders alike.
While church leaders insist the performance was intended to symbolize the victory of good over evil, critics argue the realistic portrayal of violence crossed a line at an event designed for children.
Viral Video Shows Mock Firing Squad During Church Event
The video, which quickly spread across social media, shows several individuals dressed in camouflage carrying what appeared to be air rifles as they walked down the church aisle.
Children and adults lined both sides of the aisle while the group approached the stage, where a person dressed entirely in black—representing the devil—lay on the steps.
As the group reached the front, Pastor Dewayne Walker could be heard saying:
“Take him out, blow him up.”
Children in attendance joined the chant before the group fired compressed air at the individual portraying the devil.
Although no one was harmed and the weapons were reportedly air-powered props, the realistic nature of the performance sparked immediate concern online.
Critics Say the Performance Sent the Wrong Message
Many social media users described the skit as disturbing, arguing that it introduced children to simulated violence in an inappropriate setting.
One online commenter criticized the event by saying:
“Adults are subjecting children to realistic violence, encouraging them to participate, and glorifying both.”
The incident also drew concern from local advocates and religious leaders. Kathi Crowe, a volunteer with the Kentucky chapter of Moms Demand Action, called the performance deeply troubling.
“Like many who live here, I found this unbelievably disturbing.”
She added:
“Subjecting kids to a full-scale simulated tactical raid and firing squad is just an appalling abuse of that space, and a major breach of trust that can’t go unaddressed.”
Reverend Leah Schade, an ordained minister and seminary professor in Lexington, also expressed concern.
“If I had sent my child to that [Vacation Bible School], I would be horrified.”
She continued:
“I myself was traumatized thinking about all the children who witnessed this enactment of violence.”
Pastor Says the Skit Was Misunderstood
In a Facebook video responding to the criticism, Pastor Dewayne Walker defended the church’s presentation and argued that the short clip circulating online lacked important context.
According to Walker, the skit was only one small part of a Vacation Bible School program the church has hosted for more than three decades.
“The clip you saw was simply killing the devil. I’ll be honest with you, if I could kill the devil every day and raise him up and kill him again, I’d do it. He’s the one we hate.”
Walker explained that each year’s program includes characters representing both good and evil to teach biblical lessons.
He described the performers as:
“The commandos for Christ that has the gospel gun. It’s the answer for the devil, the gospel and the word of God.”
While standing by the message behind the skit, the pastor acknowledged that some people may have found it excessive.
“You may think we went over the top, you may think it was a little bit extreme, and maybe you’re right, but don’t you believe that the devil is really using extreme measures in this generation? If it offended you, I’m sorry that it did.”
Viral Debate Continues Over Children’s Religious Programs
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about how churches present religious themes to children and where the line should be drawn between creative storytelling and potentially disturbing imagery.
Supporters of the church argue the skit was a symbolic dramatization rooted in Christian beliefs, while critics maintain that realistic depictions of violence have no place in youth-focused events, regardless of the intended message.
As debate continues online, the viral video has become a flashpoint for discussions about faith, parenting, and the responsibility organizations have when creating programs for children.
What do you think? Did the church’s skit simply use dramatic storytelling to teach a biblical lesson, or did it go too far for a children’s event? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
