Quizzing is a Christian sport sponsored by Rochester Area Teen Hope Ministries in association with the World Bible Quiz Association. It encourages young people to “hide God’s Word in their hearts”, as well as to develop the physical, mental, social, and spiritual areas of their lives. Each month quizzers study a specific number of verses from previously selected Books of the New Testament. After learning the material, the teams compete together by answering questions based on the passages. Two or three teams face off at one time. The teams are seated on pads facing a quizmaster. The quizmaster asks the questions, and the first person to jump off the chair has a chance to answer the question and score points for his or her team.
Quiz teams are composed of 3 to 5 young people from a church. The teams compete against other teams in the same age bracket. We presently have three leagues: a novice league for quizzers new to the sport, a Little League for fourth through sixth graders, and an “A/B” league for seventh through twelfth graders. At the parents’ discretion, kids younger than fourth grade may quiz.
Trophies or ribbons are presented to the top quizzers in each league. Also, there are various opportunities to travel to quizzing tournaments.
Quizzers are also encouraged to participate in the Olympic Memory Challenge where all memorization work will be rewarded outside the context of monthly tournaments.
Yes! As with other sports, various tournaments are held all over the country. Quizzers from our leagues are encouraged to make teams and participate in these tournaments. This year we participate in the Crown College Tournament in the Twin Cities and the World Bible Quiz Association Chicago Tournament in the Chicago suburbs.
Besides to have FUN? The Bible says in II Timothy to “study to show yourself approved unto God”. Bible Quizzing uses study, competition, and fellowship to provide the extra push often needed to learn and memorize the Bible. It is a tool that is used by thousands of Christian young people to help them to know and follow God’s Word better. How do we start?
Get one adult coach for each team. The time commitment for quizzers will vary, but will probably be a half-hour per day on their own study, plus time for team practices (probably weekly), and the quiz meets on Saturday afternoons once a month October through March.
Two or three teams sit on chairs before a table where the Quiz Master will ask very specific questions. Each quizzer's chair has a seat-pad connected to an electronic box that will determine which quizzer jumps first. The Quiz Master asks a question and calls on the first quizzer to jump. The answer is analyzed and points are awarded for correct responses. The questioning continues until 20 questions have been asked. For all the details, read the rules.
No one has to be “good” to be involved in and enjoy quizzing. Like any other sport, the more you participate, the more you enjoy it and gain confidence. And one of the biggest benefits is that whatever you learn from the Bible has value long after the quizzes are over! Consider these thoughts from Scripture:
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word.” (Psalm 119:9)
Quiz Days are usually the second Saturday of each month, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Leagues: Novice League for New Quizzers, Little League for 4th-6th Graders, “A” League for 7th-12th Graders, and “B” League for 7th-12th Graders. (“A” and “B” Leagues will be combined if there are not enough teams for separate leagues.)
Ribbons are awarded monthly. Permanent trophies are awarded at the end of the quiz year.
All quizzes will be at:
Emmanuel Baptist Church
2911 NW 18th Ave
Rochester, MN
For further information, contact:
Jim Benson
1504 5th Ave SW
Rochester, MN 55902
(507) 281-3929