When was the last time you saw teenagers competing for the privilege to pray in public, quoting the Word of God, explaining the Trinity, and cheering each other on? For me, it was at our CGGC Bible Quizzing Finals. It was an amazing, Holy Spirit-driven event that was the culmination of a year’s worth of teens and coaches studying the book of Acts together. Teams came from Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania to compete, worship, pray, play, spur one another on, and laugh together at Camp Sonrise Mountain at the end of July. It was crazy hot with no air conditioning, and it was worth every minute.

In the Churches of God, we say, “The Bible is our only rule of faith and practice.” To make that meaningful, we must know God’s Word deep in our hearts as we live as disciples of Christ. CGGC Bible Quizzing, from its humble beginnings 45 years ago, has continued to prove itself effective at just that. According to the rulebook, “Bible quizzing exists to aid youth in securing the scriptures in their hearts and minds for quick and ready reference in times of decision and need.” Beyond that, as if that weren’t enough, it also helps youth gain experience in listening to God and following his lead, leadership skills, impulse control, public speaking skills, good sportsmanship, study skills, lifelong friendships, and so much more. Many of our quizzers have gone on to be pastors, missionaries, regional leaders, seminary presidents, worship leaders, and community leaders.

In recent years, we’ve had fewer churches participating. However, more than 70 CGGC churches have participated in quizzing over the years. Youth have enjoyed this ministry from Eastern Pennsylvania clear to Tsaile, Arizona. Bible Quizzing is an excellent, very workable youth ministry for churches with two youth or 200 youth. And as more former quizzers become parents, quizzing is experiencing a revival in many of our churches.

CGGC Bible Quizzing invites teens from 6th grade up through age 19 to dive into God’s Word. (And some of our regions have little league divisions for even younger students.) We rotate through an 8-year cycle of the gospels, Paul’s letters, Acts, James, Hebrews, and 1 & 2 Peter.

2 Peter 2:20-21 explains, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

And 2 Peter 2:1 goes on to remind us, “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”

From the Garden of Eden itself, getting caught up in false teaching has been an issue. And today’s world is no better. Now, teaching of all sorts is available at the click of a button. Recently, there has been a lot of talk and fear over new AI’s, ChatGPT, and other groups being accused of secret agendas to indoctrinate our children. There has always been and always will be, a fight over our children’s minds. Bible Quizzing isn’t fancy or complicated, but it hinges on what is most important: hiding the Living and Active Word of God deep in our hearts. Bible Quizzing over every word in these books challenges our youth to not only learn the Word but wrestle with the difficult passages, see how each book is connected to the greater story, and have the resources to develop and own their faith.

Is it possible to accomplish all that on your own without Bible Quizzing? Of course! But you don’t have to! Bible Quizzing makes it fun, adds some accountability, and accomplishes so much more along the way! Thank you to all of you who have participated at any point along the way! 

If you are interested in more info or in joining us for the next season, check out the CGGC website https://cggc.org/resources/bible-quizzing/, or please contact me, Rachel Neely-Pletcher, neelychic@gmail.com (814) 931-2487. Starting in September, we will be quizzing on Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

In the Eastern Region, organizing meetings are now scheduled. For all interested in participating or learning more, please attend one of the following:

·        September 9 @ 10:30 am @ Camp YoliJwa

·        September 23 @ 10:30 am @ Grand Point Church

Please email Terry/Christine Jansma if you are attending @ tbone@pa.net or via text at 570.728.6250 for more information. In the Eastern Region, students can quiz if they are in 3rd grade up to age 19 as of September 1.