FOR STUDENTS, BIBLE QUIZZING IS
MORE THAN MEMORIZATION
JULY 2009
By Julia Lloyd
Students sit on the edge of their seats, listening intently for the question.
“According to Luke 7:29, when did … ?”
Two contestants jump up before the sentence is finished, but a sensor indicates which girl is first. She answers, “7:29 …When did all the people acknowledge that God’s way was right, even the tax collectors? When they heard Jesus’ words.”
Right answer.
It’s a typical day in the ministry of Summit Bible Quizzing, where students discipline themselves to memorize and master the most important subject of all: God’s word. The idea behind quizzing is to provide a fast-paced, upbeat environment that leads students to know and live the Scriptures.
A student opens each meet in prayer, then a clock starts as three teams take up the challenge. Thee quiz master begins firing off questions, and the first student to stand gets 20 seconds to answer a question about a verse or passage.
Summit Bible Quizzing, an extension ministry of LSCC, brings 20 teams and about 140 students together from churches in Missouri and Kansas. New teams form each August, with participants’ ages ranging from nine to 18. Competitions are held monthly from October through March, with the leading teams heading to a national competition.
“The national competition is a lot like a church camp, it’s a spiritual high,” said Greg Gossell, an LSCC member and the ministry’s leader.
What’s so great about Bible quizzing?
According to students Jordan Vaughan and Sarah Emerick, it’s the encouraging friendships that are made, the practical impact that God’s word has on their lives and yes, the fun and excitement of competition.
Competition doesn’t get overly serious, Jordan said. During breaks, he and other quizzers often head outside to toss around a football.
“It’s God’s word,” he said. “How can you not be friends over God’s word?”
Although quizzing is enjoyable, it’s also work, with students required to memorize at least a chapter of the Bible each month. Sarah has to keep up with her studies at school and chores at home and also has a part-time job.
“Yes, it’s hard,” she said, “but it’s worth it.”
Most important, quizzing leads to changed lives. _ e ministry has even seen a student come to know Christ as she delved deeply into the Scriptures.
“You remember this stuff ,” Sarah said. “It soaks in. You start to live out what you have memorized.”
To learn more, contact Greg Gossell at or visit www.summitbiblequizzing.org.
Writer Julia Lloyd is a member of LSCC
Members of Team Destiny cheered on friends at a competition.