By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Kentucky church is facing national criticism after a Vacation Bible School skit depicting a mock firing squad in front of children circulated widely on social media.
The video, recorded at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Lexington, shows men dressed in military-style clothing marching down the church aisle before pretending to execute a person dressed in black near the altar. As the scene unfolds, children can be heard chanting, “Take him out! Blow him up!” before the figure is carried away as an explosion sound effect plays.
The clip quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from parents, educators, and gun violence prevention advocates.
Pastor Dewayne Walker defended the presentation, saying the performance has been part of the church’s Vacation Bible School program for more than three decades. In a Facebook post, Walker said the skit symbolized the triumph of good over evil and portrayed the defeat of the devil rather than promoting violence.
“Every year, for 32 years, we’ve had this evil against good ritual in our Vacation Bible School,” Walker said. “The clip you saw was simply killing the Devil.”
Walker acknowledged that some viewers believed the performance “went over the top,” but argued that the church was using dramatic storytelling to engage children in biblical lessons.
The skit also drew criticism from Moms Demand Action Kentucky. Volunteer Kathi Crowe, a retired Lexington teacher, called the presentation “unbelievably disturbing,” saying churches should remain safe spaces where children are taught through examples of peace, safety, and compassion.
The viral video has generated thousands of online reactions, with many questioning whether simulated gun violence belongs in a children’s church program.