As a teen, I attended a church that did not offer any sort of Youth quizzing program. I didn’t even know such things existed, otherwise I would have jumped in wholeheartedly. I just needed an adult willing to lead.
It wasn’t until I started attending a church in Louisville, KY in my early 20’s that I first witnessed Nazarene Youth Bible Quizzing in action - and I was immediately hooked. A nine-month Bible study that encourages youth to learn scripture, develop a devotion to God’s Word, go on road trips for competitions, make friends and fellowship with like-minded teens across their community and the nation, fortify their ability to witness, and equip them to be effective leaders in the church? Um, yeah! Youth Bible Quizzing is unquestionably the most effective youth discipleship program the church can offer.
So why do so many churches not offer it? While there are many reasons (dare I say “excuses”?), the most common barrier to entry is “I wouldn’t know where to begin.” And I get that. From the outside it can seem scary and intimidating. I didn’t know where to begin when I began, either. I had to figure it out - and make mistakes - along the way. There was no guide. But, IT WAS WORTH THE COST.
So, if you are considering starting a Youth Bible Quiz program at your local church - or you know someone who would be willing to do so - my goal in this article is to make getting started as easy as following a recipe. It is a checklist, so print it out (front and back) and post it on your mirror or refrigerator. Or make it the lock screen for your phone. Let it be as much an inspiration as it is a reminder. The second page, especially, could be used all season long. But the biggest value of the guide when opened on a computer are the links that connect you directly to a wealth of incredibly useful resources.
In time, tailor this for your specific program - and pass it on to your next Bible Quiz leader when the day comes for you to “quiz out”.
It wasn’t until I started attending a church in Louisville, KY in my early 20’s that I first witnessed Nazarene Youth Bible Quizzing in action - and I was immediately hooked. A nine-month Bible study that encourages youth to learn scripture, develop a devotion to God’s Word, go on road trips for competitions, make friends and fellowship with like-minded teens across their community and the nation, fortify their ability to witness, and equip them to be effective leaders in the church? Um, yeah! Youth Bible Quizzing is unquestionably the most effective youth discipleship program the church can offer.
So why do so many churches not offer it? While there are many reasons (dare I say “excuses”?), the most common barrier to entry is “I wouldn’t know where to begin.” And I get that. From the outside it can seem scary and intimidating. I didn’t know where to begin when I began, either. I had to figure it out - and make mistakes - along the way. There was no guide. But, IT WAS WORTH THE COST.
So, if you are considering starting a Youth Bible Quiz program at your local church - or you know someone who would be willing to do so - my goal in this article is to make getting started as easy as following a recipe. It is a checklist, so print it out (front and back) and post it on your mirror or refrigerator. Or make it the lock screen for your phone. Let it be as much an inspiration as it is a reminder. The second page, especially, could be used all season long. But the biggest value of the guide when opened on a computer are the links that connect you directly to a wealth of incredibly useful resources.
In time, tailor this for your specific program - and pass it on to your next Bible Quiz leader when the day comes for you to “quiz out”.
The Quick Start Guide: Click to open or download a link-enabled PDF. | Starting Late? Try This: Click to open or download a link-enabled PDF. |
Some Things to Remember
How many teens do you need? Just one. But why stop there? That one could be the spark to ignite the future of your Quizzing program!
Is it too late to get started? No. The months in the Quick Start guides are merely a suggestion. Though not ideal, I’ve had quizzers join after the season started. They had to catch up, of course, but recently one such student qualified for our District all-star team!
Lastly, I plan to keep updating this Guide as conditions change and new ideas are shared. So if you are doing something that works for you, please share it in the comments below!
Is it too late to get started? No. The months in the Quick Start guides are merely a suggestion. Though not ideal, I’ve had quizzers join after the season started. They had to catch up, of course, but recently one such student qualified for our District all-star team!
Lastly, I plan to keep updating this Guide as conditions change and new ideas are shared. So if you are doing something that works for you, please share it in the comments below!
Acknowledgement
Special thanks to Rick Hill, Tammie Crandall, and Kimberly Heard who not only inspired me to create this checklist but also contributed to its content. You are all awesome!
Revision History
- Rev. 7.31.18: Minor formatting adjustment, added comment to contact District YBQ Director, added link to Jingleseeds' Quote Cards for According To question study.
- Rev. 7.27.18: Original release
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