News & Peace: When VBS Goes Viral — Teaching Spiritual Warfare to Kids Without the Trauma
- Boundless Team
- Jul 2
- 5 min read
If you’ve been on social media this week, you’ve probably seen the video. A church in Lexington, Kentucky, Mt. Olivet Baptist, has gone viral for a Vacation Bible School (VBS) skit that has sparked a massive national conversation. In the clip, a group called “Commandos for Christ,” dressed in full military gear and carrying air rifles, staged a mock firing squad execution of a person dressed as the devil.
The reactions have been, understandably, mixed. Pastor Dewayne Walker has defended the 32-year tradition, explaining that the goal is to show that the Word of God is the answer for the devil. On the other side, groups like Moms Demand Action and thousands of parents online have expressed deep concern over the use of violent imagery in a children’s ministry setting.
At Boundless Online Church, we believe that the hearts of our children are precious. We also believe that spiritual warfare is a real, biblical concept that every child eventually needs to understand. But here is the big question: How do we teach kids about the battle between good and evil without accidentally causing trauma or fear?
When we look at the life of Jesus, we see a Savior who welcomed children with open arms and said, "Let the little children come to me." He didn't use fear to draw them in; He used love, safety, and truth. As we navigate this viral moment, let’s use it as a "teaching moment" for ourselves as parents and leaders. There is a way to be biblically faithful and emotionally intelligent at the same time.
The Neuroscience of Fear and Faith
Before we dive into the "how-to," it’s important to understand how a child’s brain works. For young children, the line between "make-believe" and "reality" is very thin. When a child sees a "firing squad," even if they are told it’s just a skit, their nervous system often reacts as if the danger is real.
In our look at 7 mistakes in Christian parenting culture, we talk about how fear-based teaching can often backfire. Instead of making a child feel "brave for God," it can lead to childhood anxiety and a view of God that is more about "avoiding punishment" than "receiving grace."
The Apostle Paul gives us a better framework in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4: "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
Our weapons aren't rifles or military gear. Our weapons are prayer, Scripture, worship, and the fruit of the Spirit. Here is how we can teach that to every age group.
Ages 3–6: Focus on the Good Shepherd
For our littlest ones, the concept of "the devil" is often too abstract and scary. At this age, children need to know one thing above all else: They are safe with Jesus.
In this stage of development, we focus on "The Good Shepherd." We don't need to show them the wolf to tell them the Shepherd is good. We teach them that when they feel afraid, they can talk to Jesus. We use simple language like:
"Jesus is our safe place."
"God is stronger than anything scary."
"God’s love is like a big, warm hug that never lets go."
The goal for this age is Wonder and Safety. We want them to fall in love with the Light before we ever have to explain the darkness.
Ages 7–9: The Noble Adventure of the Armor
As children enter elementary school, they start understanding cause and effect. They begin to see that their choices matter. This is the perfect time to introduce the Armor of God from Ephesians 6.
Instead of military commandos, we talk about the noble armor of a knight or a hero. The "Belt of Truth" helps us tell the truth even when it’s hard. The "Breastplate of Righteousness" protects our hearts when we make good choices. The "Shield of Faith" is what we hold up when we have a scary thought.
Teaching spiritual warfare at this age is about Character and Courage. It’s not about "killing" an enemy; it’s about "standing firm" in who God says you are. It’s an adventure where the primary goal is to stay close to the King.
Ages 10–12: Identity and the Power of Prayer
Pre-teens are starting to ask deeper questions. They see the brokenness in the world and in their own friendships. This is where we go deeper into the reality of the spiritual battle.
At this age, we teach them that the "battle" is often won in their thoughts and through their words. 1 Peter 5:8-9 tells us to be alert because the enemy looks for someone to devour, but we resist him by being "firm in your faith."
For a 12-year-old, spiritual warfare looks like:
Praying for a friend who is being unkind.
Replacing a lie (like "I'm not good enough") with a truth from the Bible.
Using their "voice" to stand up for someone else.
The goal here is Identity and Authority. They need to know that because they belong to Jesus, they have the authority to say "no" to temptation and "yes" to God’s peace.
Top 5 Ways to Teach Spiritual Warfare Safely at Home
Discipleship doesn't have to be a big production. It happens at the kitchen table and during the car ride home. Here are five practical ways to lead your family well:
Use "The Armor" as a Bedtime Routine: When you tuck your kids in, "put on" the armor with them. "Let’s put on our Helmet of Salvation to protect our dreams tonight."
Focus on the Victory, Not the Villain: Spend 90% of your time talking about the power of Jesus and only 10% acknowledging that there is an enemy. The enemy is already defeated (Colossians 2:15).
Practice Prayer as a First Response: When your child is scared or facing a hard situation, stop and pray immediately. This teaches them that prayer is a real, active "weapon" they can use anytime.
Keep it Bible-Centered: Stick to the imagery the Bible uses. The Bible uses armor, light, and seeds. It doesn't use firing squads. Let the Scripture be your guide.
Model Peace: Children mirror their parents. If you are constantly living in fear of "the enemy" or "the world," they will too. Show them what it looks like to trust in the core beliefs of our faith.
A Better Way Forward
The viral video from Kentucky is a reminder that the world is watching how we represent Christ to the next generation. While the intent of the church may have been to show God’s victory, the method can sometimes overshadow the message.
At Boundless, we want to help you disciple your children with confidence, beauty, and love. You don’t need a firing squad to show that Jesus is powerful. You just need a Bible, a willing heart, and a few quiet moments at the kitchen table.
Spiritual warfare is not about scaring our children into obedience. It’s about inviting them into the incredible reality that they are loved by a God who has already won the battle.
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Do you have questions about how to talk to your kids about faith? We’re here to help.
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