Last month, Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church in Sharpsburg experienced its first youth-led service in the church’s 15-year history. The preacher of the day was Rhianna Benson, a 14-year-old home schooled freshman.
Several months prior, a number of youth approached Christ the King, with the idea and he readily approved.
“When I was about 17,” Epps said, “I was the Youth Day preacher at Mountain View United Methodist Church in Kingsport, Tenn. It was my first sermon and, although it was awful, it was where I got my start.”
Under the tutelage of Trip McGilvray of Sharpsburg, the youth band, all between 14 and 17 years of age, began preparing for the service. Epps reported that the youth performed all of the music at the service, including praise, worship, and they sung liturgical responses with “commitment and excellence.” Three youth, Noah Thompson, Tori Epps, and Thomas Metzger read the scriptures.
“Rhianna amazed the congregation,” Epps stated. “Her sermon was better than that of many preachers I have heard. It was better than many of my own.”
Christ the King is in Sharpsburg on Ga. Highway 34 between Peachtree City and Newnan.
