Report on BQF Nationals 2017

It is Sunday. Last Wednesday began the 2017 Bible Quiz Fellowship National Tournament. The ministry I serve (Midland Ministries) hosted; and thus we had the prep and post work (of which there is a massive amount).

If you are not familiar with Bible quizzing (BQF style or any other), learn more here.

Forty-five teams of seven from about 14 states participated. This year's tournament was held in Kansas City, which has a large Bible quiz presence. It is only 45 minutes away from Midland's location in and around Saint Joseph, Mo. Many parents, grandparents, and other family members showed up to encourage and watch.

All tournaments have their own flavor; but this one seemed particularly sweet. Interaction among the teen competitors appeared friendly, respectful, and it was great to hear laughter; and great to see a pair or a group of quizzers praying together.

Quizzers (and staff) speak of "PND" (Post-Nationals Depression). Though probably not diagnosable, it is very real thing for many...intense days of competition laced with moments of hilarity and periods of heartache...As I say probably too often...Nationals has such uniqueness that it is like, to me, combat or prison...no matter how much you hear; how many videos you watch..unless you've been there, you've no idea.

You'll note I'm not displaying the team placements, or individual achievements. They are important, the teens work very hard for them; but whether they finished at the top or at the bottom; they've all memorized several chapters of Luke...Thus they are all victors.

  

Bible Quizzing - Around the World

If you've hung around me for any length of time you know I'm pretty passionate about Bible quizzing.

I've said a few (million) times; it's the only thing I do that I can't lose at. I can preach, and blow it (all God's people said..) I can counsel and mess it up. Zillions of things I can do that won't work.

But working to get teens to memorize the Word of God...it's a win/win/win situation.

I've been involved at one level or another since 1977.

I'll be involved until I croak.

And...as reported earlier...after 2.5 years I finally got approval to "do" Bible quizzing in one of the prisons in which I work. Because of my schedule we won't start til fall in WRDCC, but start we will. Super excited about "doing" quizzing every Tuesday afternoon for ninety minutes...my initial plan is to discuss one week; quiz the next, etc.

I hope this opens the door to every prison in the state...then..."happy are those who dream dreams, and are willing to pay the price to see them accomplished."

A great friend was able to start quizzing in a Colorado prison this year...we also have quizzing in Jamaica, Mongolia, Belize and...well, you can find out by investing twenty minutes to watch this:

I Hate Meetings, But...

Yes, I am not a fan of meetings...but they are (often) a necessary evil. (this is a photo of my view, as the one tasked to take notes/minutes):

Yesterday the Bible Quiz Fellowship leaders met  in Kansas City to discuss the Nationals (Colorado Springs) held just two weeks ago, the 2017 Tournament (which will be held in April in Kansas City), technical issues, proposed rule changes, and a lot more.

These people are, with only a couple exceptions, in vocational ministry and involved in many other facets of youth work other than quizzing. But they take a couple days out of their schedule, pay their own way, and gather together to trust the Lord to unite us in a way that would benefit the quizzers.

Imagine around 20 type A's discussing various viewpoints of various aspects of any program. It could be explosive; but the Lord graciously allows us to work together even when it calls us to disagree, agreeably.

All are focused on this thing called Bible quizzing being as "fair" (just), as smooth, as encouraging as possible in the midst of intense competition. All want to honor the Lord first, and honor the teens who put hundred and hundreds of hours of study and practice each season.

For those who are totally unfamiliar with BQF-style quizzing; the competition can look like it is simply a matter of luck. But luck comes to the prepared, and if we gave the teens a written test on their material, most would pass with flying colors. But the added spark of competition creates excitement as well as occasional bafflement.

But the end result is hundreds and hundreds of teens (and their parents) are memorizing chapters of God's Word each season. (the material for the 2016/2017 season is Luke) Coaches, staff, and parents (which can often be one person) have the opportunity to discuss the memorized verses...what is the first, primary meaning...how does what this passage teach affect the way I respond to problems, parents, other issues?

It is a cool tool. It is not an end in itself. The statistics will be forgotten, the trophies will end up in a box on a shelf or a thrift store...but the living Word of God will do the work of God.

I recently received this from a now 30-something ex-quizzer. It encouraged me; perhaps you:

Jack,

The most powerful testimony someone can give is his own.  Here is mine:

1. Bible Quizzing was a huge positive in my life and has paid dividends well after.  I recall telling you at Youth Action camp as a 8th grader that I was going to take on Bible Quizzing that fall because I believed the competition would incentivize me to learn scripture like nothing had before.  Not only was that true, but I will admit nothing since has been as effective either.  Even thought I cannot now quote entire books verbatim (still proud of being able to do that with John once upon a time) or the myriad others we studied (Luke, Romans, et al), I am often aware that the material is in there in a foundational way.  It is something that shaped who I am and how I think on a fundamental level, not simply in on the surface sense but as actual fundamental building blocks of thought and the very core mapping of how my brain works.  

2. Later in life when I faced challenges and questions about faith (as all who are honest will admit come), my faith was never truly shaken and I believe a huge part of that was and is the ultimate words of truth grafted to my being through memory.

3. Some of the very best, most, and enduring memories I have from late childhood / high school were Bible Quizzing related, Nationals in particular.  Seriously some of the very best times of my life and I will always be appreciative to you for making them possible.

So, though I'm not a fan of meetings (God so loved the world that He didn't send a committee), they must take place; and I am grateful to my brothers and sisters on the committee who come together, knit together in love, to enable quizzing to continue and, prayerfully, to grow. 

Accused, Dismayed, Baffled - A Unique Chapter in Bible Quizzing

If you know me even casually, you know that Bible Quizzing (www.biblequizfellowship.org) has been a huge part of the ministry to which the Lord has called me.

I've been involved since 1977...for two decades I directed the quiz program at Family Life Ministries in NY (and PA); and continue to be very much involved since moving to Midland Ministries.

I've often said it's the only thing I can in which I can't lose...I can preach and blow it, counsel and blow it, but facilitating the memorization of God's Word is a win-win...

In all training of volunteers, in all opportunities to promote quizzing I (and others) point out that mere memorization is not the goal...thinking about, chewing on, figuring out how passages apply to our daily walking around life is the goal. And, even if teens shun that part, if they don't receive guidance at home...they are still filling their minds with the holy inspired active Word of God...and "the Word of God does the work of God" is a cliche because it is true.

A few weeks ago I was able to see a couple who I've known for decades. We became friends while I served in NY; they then moved overseas for many years; and came back stateside a few years ago. They were financial supporters (I serve as a home missionary) and often communicated, asking for prayers and offering encouragement.

During our recent face to face we observed and discussed Bible quizzing. Their children had been involved in another form of Bible quizzing, and had a bad experience.

When we had to say "goodbye" the possibility, even probability, was that they were going to send their children to Midland's camp the week I am speaking this summer.

A while later I received an email from the husband that, in part, read:

"I am a layman without formal training who has been fighting institutionalized movements with good intentions but wrong primary or secondary focus. An example of misplaced primary focus is "Focus on the Family" and secondary focus is "The Navigators" with their memorization instead of meditation. Oh, how powerful it would be if someone were to turn the who memorization focus to day&night meditation and teach folks to pray without ceasing, dwell in the house of the Lord all the day long, abide in Jesus,  ... God's Word taken into memory in the heart through meditation is a strongly prescribed method in the Word of God."

He included a copy of an email he sent to his wife:

"I am not weak in either my Bible knowledge or my christian experience. My objection has nothing to do with the Power of God's Word. This is a misdirected rebuttal to my objection to memorization without personal meditation/ application.

It is so sad (not being cynical) to see folks like Jack spending so much energy and time misleading many by promoting memorization - path to the brain/memory, instead of meditation  - path to the heart, which God has prescribed in His Word so clearly. Here are just a handful of popular references that allude to heart both in the positive and the negative effects of the misplaced priority.

Deut 6:1-9, Josh 1:8, Psalm 119:9-11, Matthew 15:7-19, Heb 4:12, ...

Its up to you if we should take this issue up with him or not.  I am tired of warning "so-called" well-meaning believers more than once or twice."

After thinking about it for a while, I responded with this:

"I admit I am a bit shocked to be called a "misleader". If that is your true thought than I think you should obviously quit financially supporting me as that would make you, in effect, a co conspirator. In practices our coaches are instructed and encouraged to devote time to discussing the meaning of the verses (in context) and to dwell on them. They can not be meditated on if they are not memorized. Memorization is a step on the path, not the path itself. Meditation...or memorization...without application is not the end either.

... God's Word should be memorized (Jesus did), God's Word should be chewed upon (meditation), God's Word should be lived, God's Word should be shared.

In view of your statements I would assume your kids will not be coming to our camp; as we do Bible quizzing as part of the program.

I appreciate your honesty, appreciate you all, and am still a little dismayed that you view much of my life and ministry as misleading..."

The final communication I've had is this, from the wife:

"In all the verses that we have studied and discussed through this thread, meditation is the repeated instruction.  Even the devotional that you forwarded had at its core meditating, not memorizing.   I understand that it is hard to test or make a fun way to test meditation.  But what we found from our family's star quizzers was this: Memorizing scripture brought with it a "form of godliness" that was so contrary to God's way.  We saw our children be excited about gaining head knowledge without heart knowledge.  This was the reason we pulled out of quizzing.  I want my children to love God and His word, and I detest the substitutions to true Godliness.

I struggle with the fact that it is ugly and unpleasant to not dwell together in unity.  I sometimes am willing to compromise on God's demands in order to have harmony.  This is my nature and God is teaching me even through this experience to hold Him high beyond my friendships." 

The loss of a $100.00 monthly supporter is not a thrill, but not as bad as losing the respect and friendship of this wonderful family.

Apparently their previous experience with quizzing resulted in a child being, at least from their perspective, over-competitive...I am trying not to read between the proverbial lines...

In forty years of involvement in quizzing I've never have seen an argument such as this (there are plenty of objections...wrong translation, how dare you compete over God's Word, etc...but never has someone accused me of misleading people.

Does it hurt?

Sort of. I've got pretty thick skin (right or wrong).

But what really baffles me is how memorization of God's sharper-than-a-two-edged sword is, in and of itself, "bad'?

I don't get it.

But I'll not concentrate on it by His grace; I'll look forward (we are in Colorado Springs for the National Tournament) and instead remember the teens and "alumni" of quizzing who tell me that it was a huge part of their spiritual maturity and how the Word they memorized years ago "pops" up in their minds at the most appropriate time. (or, from their perspective - inappropriate...as in "Jack, I was about to do something really dumb when a passage I memorized in quizzing came back to my mind...)

The Most Stressful Thing I Do

This evening the 2016 Bible Quiz Fellowship Nationals Tournament begins in Colorado Springs, Co. As we (Midland Ministries) are "hosting" the event, in addition to the "normal" quizmastering, I will be overseeing the table officials (quizmasters/scorekeepers/timekeepers)

I ask for prayers particularly that we who serve as table officials serve well.

I love to preach.

I take seriously "Let not many of us presume to become teachers, for as such we shall incur the stricter judgment."

So every time I speak...prison, church, youth group, camp, social club...whatever...I have a sense of holy terror.

But it's not the most stressful thing I do.

For almost four  decades (what is such a young guy like me doing in such an old body???) I have had the immense privilege of "quizmastering." A rather pompous term, but it describes the one who asks questions of Bible quizzers. 

It's kind of like music and money...no matter what you do, you are wrong; in the sense that someone won't like what you are doing, how you are doing  it, etc...

As Aesop observed, "Please all and you please none."

But at the end of a quiz day..whether local, regional or national...I am one tied-in-a-knot individual! We need a staff masseuse to help us recover...

My main desire is to honor the quizzers by being consistent...in my cadence, in my rulings, in my attitude.

They are under much more stress than I, and they deserve my very best.

Will I please everyone? Of course not...

Some will say I "give words." Others will say I ignore fouls. Some will say I stop reading too quick. Some will say I flop on flips (only some will understand this :)

Some will say I talk too rapidly; others will grumble that I'm too slow.

Whoever, or perhaps whomever (again, only some will understand this :)...says whatever...it matters not.

I know that I've tried my dead level best to do the very best job I can.

To be just.

To act with my head rather than my heart (most of the time).

And, again, to honor these teens who work so hard and take the risk of competition.

It's one of the most cherished things I get to do in the ministry to which the Lord has called me.

And though I hope to do it til I croak; I also hope that I have good enough friends that they will tell me when it's time to hang it up.

You can learn more about this year's tournament, find links for video feeds and more at www.biblequizfellowship.org
Here's a photo of me quizmastering the 3rd and final championship quiz in 2013 at the Bible Quiz Fellowship National Tournament in Green Lake, Wisconsin:

Why Bible Quizzing?

It's hard to meditate on scripture if one does not memorize scripture.

Memorizing even great chunks of scripture is kinda like wall paper...doesn't mean anything unless it's applied.

How do you know how to apply it?

You think...you meditate...you chew.

And if it is hidden in your heart (memory), you can meditate on it whenever, and as you become aware of its truth apply it.

Give this John Piper sermon jam a watch/listen:

The Most Stressful Thing I Do

I love to preach.

But I take seriously "Let not many of us presume to become teachers, for as such we shall incur the stricter judgment."

So everytime I speak...prison, church, youth group, camp, social club...whatever...I have a sense of holy terror.

But it's not the most stressful thing I do.

For over three decades I have had the immense privilege of "quizmastering." A rather pompous term, but it describes the one who asks questions of Bible quizzers. 

It's kind of like music and money...no matter what you do, you are wrong; in the sense that someone won't like what you are doing, how you are doing  it, etc...

As Aesop observed, "Please all and you please none."

But at the end of a quiz day..whether local, regional or national...I am one tied-in-a-knot individual!

My main desire is to honor the quizzers by being consistent...in my cadence, in my rulings, in my attitude.

They are under much more stress than I, and they deserve my very best.

Will it please everyone? Of course not...

Some will say I "give words." Others will say I ignore fouls. Some will say I stop reading too quick. Some will say I flop on flips (only some will understand this :)

Some will say I talk too rapidly; others will grumble that I'm too slow.

Whoever, or perhaps whomever (again, only some will understand this :)...says whatever...it matters not.

I know that I've tried my dead level best to do the very best job I can.

To be just.

To act with my head rather than my heart (most of the time).

And, again, to honor these teens who work so hard and take the risk of competition.

It's one of the most cherished things in the ministry to which the Lord has called me.

And though I hope to do it til I croak; I also hope that I have good enough friends that they will tell me when it's time to hang it up.

Here's a photo of me quizmastering the 3rd and final championship quiz last month at the Bible Quiz Fellowship National Tournament in Green Lake, Wisconsin:

Bible Quiz Champs 1998

Fifteen years???

Yup, it was mid-April, 1998, with the Bible Quiz Nationals taking place in Denver, Colorado.

At that time I was directing the Family Life Ministries (NY and PA) Bible quiz program, and we took five teams to the competition.

As always, the event was filled with a variety of levels of competition, but at the championship quiz "By Grace" was victorious.

I still have some contact with most of the team...they are scattered from coast to coast...but I grin as I reflect not only on that victory, but in my having the privilege of hanging with them, working with them, over several years.

They were coached by Linda Schooley, and the team members were David Bradstreet, Chris Gardner, Chad Snavely, Chris Stanley, Carolyn Pearce, C. J. Madison, and Charlotte Bradstreet.

Here's a pic (with Pikes Peak in background)

Charlie Brown the Bible Quizzer

Yes, I know that this really portrays Charlie as a participant in a spelling bee, but I chuckled as I read it...and I think every Bible quizzer can relate as they consider their first competition:

Why Bible Quiz?

For over three decades I've been involved in Bible Quizzing.

A new season has started...and hundreds if not thousands of teenagers are reading, thinking about, memorizing big chunks of the gospel of Matthew.

Why do we in the Bible Quiz Fellowship (and many other ministries/denominations) make the effort?

John Piper helps answer the question:

"The Spirit inspired the Word and therefore He goes where the Word goes. The more of God's Word you know and love, the more of God's Spirit you will experience." (in Desiring God)

More From BQF National Site for 2013

Here's some photos of the buildings etc...

                                Here's the houses I'll be staying in (not)

                                  Dining Hall.....can a few friendships be made/deepened here?

                                          121 steps to the top of the tower...

                                             Glass atop Spurgeon chapel....

                                                  spiral staircase (narrow) up the tower...

                                                       View from tower

                                            One of these days I should grow up...

                                                     Main conference center

                        Front gate...yes, busses fit (barely)

                                                My retreat....not..

                                                      Cool old barn...

                                           
                                        Cross on tower seen from lodging/quiz sites

                                    Avenue of the Flags and Rose Garden

                                                      good morning!

BQF Nationals 2013

Just returned from Green Lake (Wi) Conference Center, site of the 2013 Bible Quiz Fellowship National Tournament. Along with about 30 other ministry leaders, evaluated 2012 tournament, discussed...at length...possible rule changes and interpretations....prayed...rejoiced...
I had opportunity to walk around the place...saw some of the cool buildings etc, but was also impressed with the natural scenery...here's some (for more on the Center itself, CLICK HERE

                                                         Fungi along a trail...

                                               Scene from tall observation tower

                                              Sunrise over Green Lake, Wi

                                                             A rather strange tree on Winnebago Trail...

                                                      Hanging stuff near tower...

                                                 Bridge over trail rather than trouble water...

                                    adjacent to one of the golf courses...

Friday Night at Nationals

Midland's top team, "Messengers," is seeded in 5th place as the two days of round-robin quizzing conclude. "Redemption" seeded 9th...Saturday morning begins the elimination rounds...a long, stress-filled but blessed day watching these students...from the top team to the bottom, exhibit great attitudes, good skill, and overall demeanor. Gonna be fun!

Here's some pics from the day...in the afternoon I was able to take a two-hour walk/hike...found a trail that went down to the river...beautiful stuff...

Fresh Report from Nationals

Yesterday was the first day of round-robin quizzing at the National Bible Quiz Tournament held in Wisconsin Dells. I quizmastered all day, had a couple equipment glitches, a couple minor controversial decisions, and overall a fantastic day of competition.

My over-three-decades involvement in quizzing, stemming back to my days with Kansas City Youth For Christ, have not lessened my enthusiasm for and admiration of quizzers. It is intense, requires disciplined study, and working as a team. Can it get off balance? Of course, but the pluses far outweigh the alleged minuses.

Most important, hundreds of teens are memorizing great chunks of the infallible, authoritative, powerful Word of God. Our continued prayer is that the Word memorized becomes the Word applied.

Today is another gruelling session of round-robin quizzing; placements will be revealed later this Friday evening, and tomorrow begins the elimination tournament, to conclude Saturday night with the championship quizzes between the top three teams.

Here are some pics of the journey...

                                Enroute hundreds of bugs decided to make an impact on our
                                      charter bus...some of the younger students decided to snack:

                                    Chula Vista Resort and Conference Center where Nationals takes place...
                          among other groups using the facility is the Wisconsin Association of Homicideestigators :)

                        At one of our stops we found this:

       One of my best friends (and current pastor and director of God's Mountain Camp) Johnny Williams with Aaron Thomas, son of Ed Thomas, Parkersburg, Iowa football coach gunned down in 2009...Aaron shared his story on Wednesday evening; and Chris, the police chief gave a dynamic challenge Thursday morning..Out of tragedy, glory...

                            Students begin to assemble for the opening rally Wednesday night...

                   One of my long-time buddies from Rhinelander, Wi...Hey, not only am I okay with his hair, I wish it were mine :)...well, maybe not...but don't let your own hang-ups influence the way you touch...or don't touch...lives for the King

Thus Ends Another Tournament

The 2012 Midland Ministries Invitational Bible Quiz Tournament was fantastic. Great competition, super spirits, lots of smiles, not a few tears...Surprises in championship results...

Many of these teens will continue studying and practicing for the Bible Quiz Fellowship National Tournament to be held in Wisconsin Dells in late April.

I'm stunned I've been privileged to be involved in this exciting, fulfilling, meaningful program for over three decades.

After the tournament the Hagers zoomed over to the reception for the wedding of the daughter of one of our best friends:
                     The Colorado/Nebraska Team "CALLED" surprised many by finishing in 2nd place!

                                              Festivities and Lights at the Reception

                                          Oops...wanna guess what this is? Leave a comment...

                         Janelle, Jane, Lenis, Debbie and Jacob...Lenis and Debbie are as close
                                                 to sisters as I've ever had..it was Debbie's daughter's wedding

                                        Bowing as a team before intense competition...

        And the winner is: The Midland team "REDEMPTION"...

                           Many quizzers ended up with trophies...most of which will end up, at best,
                       in a box in an attic....but thousands upon thousands of verses of God's living Word
                       were hidden in hearts and minds...and God's Word does God's Work

And here is the third place Midland team, "MESSENGERS"