A Sit Down With Sister Cindy

Photo credit: Eva Ludke/The New Political

On Sept. 30, Cindy Smock, otherwise known as Sister Cindy, visited Ohio University and preached on College Green. Smock is an Evangelical campus preacher who is famous on TikTok and known for her controversial remarks about sexuality. Smock was a journalism student at the University of Florida in 1977 when she met the late campus preacher George Edward Smock, otherwise known as Brother Jed, who altered the trajectory of her life. 

The two began preaching together on college campuses in 1979, and they later married. Now, 45 years later, Sister Cindy is still preaching to college students all over the United States and has a large social media following. When Smock visited Ohio U, I asked if she would be interested in an interview, and she agreed.

Q: What was your childhood experience like? 

A: I was not raised to be a Christian. My parents divorced when I was three and a half, which was quite traumatic. I was raised by my father, who was very loving. We were very close. I also saw my mother and was very close to her, so I would say I had a normal American childhood, but no faith in Christ or church.

Q: Was there an event, or multiple events, in your life that may have altered any of your beliefs or further strengthened them?

A: In December 1977, I heard a man named Brother Jed Smock preaching at the University of Florida. I mocked and made fun, and he pointed me out of the crowd and said, “Repent of your sins, you wicked woman.” I did not repent at that point. I continued living my h* life. But a year later, he came back. I asked him out to dinner. He took me out, and I tried to seduce him, but he said no; he wasn't kissing the girl until his wedding day, and that really opened my heart to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  And on December 4, 1978, I repented of my sins and believed in Jesus.

Q: When did you decide that this is what you wanted to dedicate your life to?

A: I started traveling and preaching on the campuses in May of 1979, and I actually first preached at the University of Florida in February of ‘79. I had been reading the Bible and saw that college students really needed to hear the Gospel. I was concerned that they didn't know God, that they're headed for hell, and I wanted to share the good news that nobody has to go to hell. God will send them to perish, but all come to repentance, and you can know God. So, I started traveling on the campuses 46 years ago

Q: Since you possess opinions that many find controversial or disagree with, how do you deal with the backlash?

A: I am thankful to live in a free country where I have freedom of speech, and it's fine if people disagree with me. I'm not intentionally trying to trigger people, so it doesn't bother me that people can be somewhat negative.

Q: Has there ever been a day you feel like quitting?

A: I absolutely love the campus ministry. I've always loved it, but in 2017, I was attacked at Illinois State University. I was actually just videoing my husband. He was preaching to a crowd. I was attacked and my ankle was broken in three places. I had to have surgery which included plate and 10 screws so the thought of quitting did cross my mind then it was extremely violent on the campuses during that time, but I am so so glad I didn't quit because I wouldn't have come become TikTok famous and I would not have reached all the souls I've reached in the last seven years.

Q: Have you done things in the past that you regret now?

A: I truly love college students. I encourage you to be reconciled to God, open your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm 66 years old. I became a Christian when I was 20. I've lived for the Lord for 46 years. I do not look back and have any regrets. I don't think, ‘Oh I wish I'd partied five more years.’ No, I look back and think ‘Oh my, I am so glad I came to God when I did. I wish I had come to God sooner.’ I want to let you know that I love you, Christians love you and, most of all, Jesus loves you, and give your youth to him. You won't regret it.

Q: What values do you hold close to yourself?

A:  I believe in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe in the Apostles’ creed, I believe in the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again on the third day, I believe that we were all made to know God and live in a loving relationship with him, and the way to know him is to repent of all sins and selfishness, including the h* life, and surrender through faith to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Q: Who are the most important people in your life? 

A: The most important people in my life are my five daughters and my 14 grandchildren. I am also thankful for all my Christian friends, but I'm also thankful for college students. I truly love college students. I appreciate that they come out and listen to me, and I count it a privilege to be a part of their lives and share the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ

Q: When did you begin to grow a following on social media?

A: My social following grew inadvertently during Covid. I continued preaching and students were posting videos of my preaching. Everybody was online, and my following initially took off on TikTok, where I have over 400,000 followers. But I also have a good following on Instagram and I love the connection there.

Q: What’s the worst or best thing a college student has ever said to you?

A: I don't know if I specifically remember the most valuable or meaningful thing a student has said to me, but every day, students thank me for coming to campus. Every day, they say that I have influenced them, and some even say that their life was greatly changed. I also get messages daily from students who have been touched by my ministry either online or on campus. It's very exciting that people, young people, are seeking after God. There's a great openness in this generation, and I truly appreciate that.

Q: What’s your number one goal you wish to accomplish/already accomplished?

A: My number one goal in life is to glorify God. That is what we were made for, to glorify him.

Q: If you had to explain to people what you do in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

A: I am Sister Cindy, leader of the ‘Ho No Mo’ revolution, talking hell is hot don't be a thot. And my main purpose is to call you to repentance and faith in our lord Jesus Christ. 

Many people believe that Smock’s preachings and college appearances are all just an act and that she wants students to talk about her and post videos of her for more publicity. Others believe that to be able to preach to students for 45 years, she has to be genuine in her beliefs. No matter your views on Sister Cindy, she's made it clear she's not planning to stop preaching anytime soon and that she will continue to dedicate her life to spreading her message.