Revd Trevor Keightly, of St Thomas in Worsbrough, has been speaking to Premier after police confirmed they'd made a discovery this morning.
He said: "There's a great deal of shock at the moment.
"The community is feeling a real sense of sorrow for the family. Our hearts go out to them at this time."
Although identification hasn't taken place, South Yorkshire Police believe the body to be that of Conley Thompson, from Barnsley, who was last seen on Sunday evening playing with friends a mile away from the construction site on Bank End Road in Worsbrough where the body was found.
Detective Inspector Victoria Short, leading the investigation, said: "We deployed our full resources with officers searching throughout the night to find Conley and we are deeply saddened by this tragic development.
"While it is early in the investigation, the death is being treated as unexplained and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
"Our thoughts remain with Conley's family and friends at this very difficult time."
Police said Conley had gone to play with his friends in Locke Park at around 6pm on Sunday.
He is believed to have left around two hours later and was due to return home to Underwood Avenue in Worsbrough, but never turned up.
The youngster was reported missing a short time later.
He was last seen wearing a blue checked shirt, red shoes, a black coat and brown trousers. Locals have been helping search for him overnight.
Calling for prayer for the family, Revd Keightly said: "I would imagine that the family would be really heartbroken at this time. I can't imagine what they're going through.
"Pray that they'd be aware of God's presence and that they'd be aware that people are caring for them."
Listen to Revd Trevor Keightly speaking to Premier's Marcus Jones: