Full Breakdown
Kentucky Pastor Defends Mock Firing Squad Skit at Vacation Bible School
7/1/2026, 12:50:48 AM
Mock Firing Squad Skit Sparks Outrage
A Reddit video shows men in military-style uniforms marching down the aisle of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, staging a mock firing squad on a child-filled altar. The actors point air-soft rifles at a figure in black while children chant “Take him out. Blow him up.” The “devil” is dragged offstage and an explosion sound follows. The clip, part of the church’s vacation-Bible-school program, went viral and drew swift condemnation.
Tradition Behind the Skit
Walker says the scene is part of a 32-year “evil-against-good” tradition in the church’s vacation-Bible-school curriculum, recently branded “Commandos for Christ.” The dramatization is intended as a symbolic killing of the devil to teach children about spiritual warfare.
Official Statements & Responses
Walker posted a Facebook video claiming the backlash is driven by “misinformation” and that the footage represents only a small segment of the vacation-Bible-school activity. He described the skit as a symbolic act against the devil, not an endorsement of real violence, and suggested that today’s culture may require “extreme measures” to confront the devil’s influence.
Criticism & Opposition
A volunteer with the Kentucky chapter of Moms Demand Action called the clip “unbelievably disturbing,” saying churches should be safe for children. Retired Lexington teacher Kathi Crowe called the enactment a “full-scale simulated tactical raid” and a breach of trust, urging leaders to protect kids. Reddit commenters labeled the video “depraved” and said there’s “not enough context” to make it acceptable.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm quite frankly befuddled. The misinformation out there is sad, and I guess it's a part of what this generation has become.” — Dewayne Walker, Pastor, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church
- “The clip you saw was simply killing the Devil.” — Dewayne Walker, Pastor, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church
- “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,” said Kathi Crowe, a Lexington resident and and retired teacher.” — Kathi Crowe, Retired teacher, Lexington
- “unbelievably disturbing.” — Volunteer, Kentucky chapter of Moms Demand Action
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
NBC describes the sound as an “explosion” after the mock shooting, while Alternet notes an “explosion at the eight-second mark.” The church has not issued an official comment, leaving its policy on child-focused dramatizations unclear.
Impact and Next Steps
The episode raises questions about the limits of religious education, the psychological impact of militarized play on minors, and the responsibility of faith-based groups to protect children. Critics have urged local authorities and child-protective services to review the activity; supporters cite religious freedom. With no comment from Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, public debate is likely to continue and may shape future guidelines for church youth programs.
