Pint-Sized Preachers

Watch Pint-Sized Preachers

  • 2011
  • 1 Season

Pint-Sized Preachers is a TV show produced by National Geographic that shines a light on the fascinating phenomenon of child preachers. The series follows a group of young, charismatic kids from across the United States who preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to packed congregations of adult worshippers. Although each episode of the show focuses on a different child preacher, the overarching themes are consistent throughout - faith, family, and the evolution of religious beliefs.

The first episode introduces us to Kanon Tipton, a five-year-old preacher from Mississippi who has been preaching since the age of three. Kanon's sermons are delivered with a mix of childlike innocence and an authoritative conviction that belies his youth. He speaks with the kind of confidence and poise that many adults can only dream of, and his impassioned delivery has earned him a devoted following among adults and children alike.

As the series progresses, we meet other child preachers, including seven-year-old Marjoe Gortner Jr., who was born into a family of traveling evangelists and started preaching at the age of four. Marjoe's story is a fascinating one, as he was once a child preacher who grew up to become a professional con artist, using his preaching skills to swindle people out of their money before ultimately becoming disillusioned with the televangelist industry and exposing its fraudulent practices.

The show also introduces us to eight-year-old TJ Prodigy, who has been preaching since the age of six and has already built up a significant social media following. TJ's sermons are characterized by his prodigious talent for memorization and his ability to connect with his congregation on a personal level, despite his young age.

Throughout the series, the child preachers navigate the challenges of their unusual calling, facing everything from skepticism from non-believers to the disapproval of family members who worry about their children's well-being. We also see how the children's faith interacts with their daily lives, from their relationships with friends and family members to their struggles with school and other activities.

One of the most interesting aspects of the show is the way it explores the evolution of religious beliefs. Many of the child preachers are from families with deeply conservative religious beliefs, and the show reveals how these beliefs have been passed down through generations. However, we also see how some of the children are challenging their families' beliefs and developing their own interpretations of scripture. In one episode, we meet a child preacher who has become an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, despite the fact that his family's church teaches that homosexuality is a sin.

Overall, Pint-Sized Preachers is a compelling and thought-provoking look at the world of child preachers. The show manages to strike a balance between celebrating the children's incredible talents and exploring the complexities of their beliefs, giving viewers a nuanced and empathetic look at this fascinating subculture. Whether you're a devout believer or a curious skeptic, Pint-Sized Preachers is sure to be a thought-provoking and engaging experience.

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Pint-Sized Preachers
1. Pint-Sized Preachers
August 17, 2011
This National Geographic documentary profiles three children, all under 12, who preach to congregations in Mississippi, Florida and Brazil.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    August 17, 2011