YORK COUNTY, S.C. — Every fall all across York County congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hear sermons taught by the most unlikely preachers: the children.
These children, ages 3-11, prepare all year to present their feelings about Jesus Christ and His gospel through music and the spoken word during one worship session on a Sunday each fall.
Congregations in Catawba and Fort Mill have already heard their children teach, and eight more across York, Lancaster, and Chester counties will witness the children present the sermon throughout October and November.
When asked the reason for this unusual arrangement, Justin Blackham, leader of the greater Fort Mill area for The Church of Jesus Christ, explained “It allows the kids to share what they have been learning at home and at church throughout the year…I think we are all blessed when a child stands to sing or give a short sermon. It’s probably one of the only times everyone in the congregation is really listening. We all feel and recognize the Holy Spirit whenever children participate and bear testimony.”
This presentation, however, is not a light endeavor. According to Lani Dunnam of Lake Wylie, a local leader for her congregation’s children, these youth work hard to prepare. “All year long the children learn stories from the scriptures and songs that coordinate with them each week at church and at home. They also practice the entire presentation multiple times prior to giving it.”
How do the children feel about all this? One 9 year old girl from Tega Cay described her feelings about the experience by saying, “It’s very fun! You get to hear lots of cool stories from other kids and you get to sing! It makes me happy sharing the songs with everyone watching.” Another 9 year old girl from Lake Wylie said, “I like saying my part for the program and singing the songs. I like learning the new songs we do each year and inviting people to come to our program. It is fun when they come and see it. Last year both my teachers came!” An 11 year old boy of Lake Wylie expressed his feelings that “the program is important because it gives the kids a chance to be included, to learn more about Jesus and to showcase for our families.”
Although it would perhaps be understandable if older congregants felt this was a less important sermon to attend, the opposite seems to be true. Many members express that they look forward all year to the children’s sermon. Ryan Fairbanks, a member of his congregation in Indian Land, said he loves the children’s Sunday presentation “because kids so quickly invite the peace of our Savior in both an entertaining and enlightening way.” Clearly, this once a year occurrence, though unusual, is an experience to be remembered.
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About The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a worldwide faith of over 17 million members. The Church has over 30,000 congregations in more than 160 countries and territories. It also operates several universities; a religious education program for youth and young adults with enrollment of more than 400,000 in 170 countries; FamilySearch, the world’s largest genealogical organization; and a vast humanitarian aid program that provides more than $1 billion annually in worldwide relief. There are 46,500 Church members that attend 83 congregations in South Carolina.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
