A History of Quiz in the

By Robert Carter and Ruthie Edgerly Oberg

or over 50 years, teenagers in countless Assemblies of and NBC television networks with Allen Ludden (later of Pass- God (AG) congregations have hit buzzers, lit lights, and word fame) and Robert Earle as the quizmasters.3 That show Fdug deep into their memory banks for answers in a true spawned dozens of local television quiz programs for high battle of brains. Unlike many quiz or game shows, the focus is schools, some of which continue to this day. “Quiz bowl” or on Scripture. “scholar’s bowl” is widely played as a school activity much Bible Quiz has been a part of AG Christian education since like sports teams. the early 1960s. Teams of quizzers strive to memorize portions Owing to the popularity of quiz programs in the broader cul- of the each year, and then recall answers based ture, many church youth groups began having their own infor- on those verses under pressure of time and mal quiz matches as aids in gaining biblical competition. Teen Bible Quiz became a knowledge. Ralph Harris, first director of national Assemblies of God ministry in Bible Quiz is a the National Christ’s Ambassadors (C.A.) 1963, followed in 1975 by Junior Bible Department, recalled that district youth Quiz for elementary school children. proven, effective leaders requested formulation of a standard Bible memorization has always been means to instill for the Bible quiz competitions that were a core discipline in Assemblies of God God’s Word into the springing up among local churches.4 In Christian education. Children and youth next generation. 1960, responding to these appeals, the C.A. have frequently memorized Bible verses Department published a standard rule book in Sunday school, vacation Bible school, and study guide for use in local churches, children’s church, Christ’s Ambassadors —Doug Clay Action in Acts. The study guide, which in- (now National Youth Ministries), Mis- cluded suggested questions and a chapter- sionettes (now National Girls Ministries), by-chapter analysis of the book of Acts, and Royal Rangers. This commitment to planting Scripture in was written by Nicholas Nikoloff, chairman of the Department the hearts and minds of young people arises from the convic- of Bible at Central Bible Institute and former general superin- tion that the Word is God is divinely inspired and authoritative tendent of the Assemblies of God in Bulgaria. This early rule in faith and life. book allowed for participation by quizzers between the ages of 12 and 19 and encouraged competition between local churches Teen Bible Quiz in sections, culminating in a final quiz at the district level.5 The C.A. Department noted positive responses to the release Origins of Action in Acts in its report to the 1961 General Council and Assemblies of God Bible Quiz has its roots in a similar began making plans to expand the program.6 When Owen Carr effort by Youth for Christ (YFC), an evangelical ministry to became the national secretary of the C.A. Department in 1962, young people.1 YFC had been holding local, regional, and na- it fell to him to begin the process. In an interview, he recalled, tional teen talent and Bible quiz competitions since about 1949 when Youth for Christ leader Jack Hamilton started a high I was the district youth director—they called them school “Bible Club” in Kansas City.2 That competition, in turn, D-CAP [District Christ’s Ambassadors President] back was based in large part on popular television quiz shows from then—in Kansas from 1953 to 1958, and a number of the 1950s and 1960s. The game format is similar to the pro- the districts had Bible Quiz. Then in 1962 I became gram, G.E. , which ran for many years on CBS head of [what became known as] the National Youth

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 15 Department, and I said, “This sion of the General Council, during a the generation coming of age in the 1960s should be a national program.” night when youth ministries were fea- was experiencing pressure to accom- Before that, each district picked tured at the biennial convention. modate to the values of the surrounding their own book of the Bible and A large electronic scoreboard stood society. In addition, leaders were aware wrote their own questions, had behind the quiz teams, and a crowd of that other revival movements that started their own rules, and it was not about 5,000 looked on as Lee Shultz— strong seemed to fall back into spiritual organized at all.7 who later became the announcer and complacency and worldliness—some- producer of the “Revivaltime” radio thing that Assemblies of God leaders In 1963 the C.A. Department re- broadcast—presided as the quizmaster. wanted to avoid. ceived permission from the executive Carr recalled that Shultz unwittingly In 1963, the C.A. Department called presbytery to take quizzing beyond the became the person that the crowd sided for a national youth convention, some- district level and conduct national com- against—thanks to an incident early in thing that had not been done in almost petitions.8 The first book chosen for the championship game. twenty years. This youth convention study was Luke, and the first national “Early in the game, the moderator would include anointed preaching, prayer, a Teen Talent search, and the na- tional Bible Quiz tournament. The stated purpose of the convention was to

Strike at the heart of our youth with a challenge to perpetuate Pentecost by a personal experience—to challenge them to a life of dedication, a life of self- sacrifice, and seeing the work of God carried forward with Pentecostal fervor.15

A primary goal of the Bible Quiz Contestants, quizmaster and judges are in place for the final competition of program from its beginning was “the the national C.A. Teen Bible Quiz teams, August 1965. revitalization of the next generation of leaders within the Assemblies of God.”16 quiz tournament, using questions from ruled one of the students incorrect, and Believing firmly in the power of Scrip- writer Stan Walters, took place at the the young man said, ‘I’d like to chal- ture to transform lives, C.A. leaders 1963 General Council in Memphis, Ten- lenge that.’ The crowd hushed, and the sought to implant the Word of God in nessee.9 Initially the ministry’s name judges then ruled that he was correct. Ev- the coming generation of students. Bible was Teen C.A. Bible Quiz. It has also erybody cheered, and from then on they Quiz was one of the tools they used to been called Bible Quiz and Teen Bible were all cheering for the kids against that accomplish this goal. Quiz (TBQ). mean old quizmaster,” Carr said.12 The first national championship The first national champions were Early Writers, Buzzers, and Books tournament included eight teams, each from Bouldercrest Assembly in Atlanta, In the early years, the challenge of of which had won its regional champi- Georgia.13 The congregation went on to writing questions for official competi- onship.10 It was strictly a single-elimi- win the title two more times in the 1970s tions fell to several different writers. nation bracket playoff, or sudden-death and continues to be active in Bible Quiz During the 1960s and 1970s, writers in- tournament, where each team is imme- as Evangel Community Church in Snell- cluded Donald F. Johns, Kermit Jeffrey, diately eliminated from the competition ville, Georgia.14 G. Raymond Carlson, Anthony Palma, after one loss.11 Most of the quiz matches Verne MacKinney, George O. Wood, these players had experienced prior to The Motivation Behind George Edgerly, and Brenton Osgood. the national competition took place be- the Ministry Several of these writers also prepared fore a handful of spectators in a Sunday As the Assemblies of God looked the study guides for teams to use in their school room. Now they were competing toward its fiftieth anniversary in 1964, personal study and church practice. Edg- for the opportunity to quiz in the final there was concern that the church’s erly began writing the individual quizzer match, to be held during a plenary ses- growth was beginning to slow and that study guides in 1975, and he continued

16 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 to do so until 1999. Students of that era associated Edgerly’s name with national Bible Quiz, which earned him the title “Father of Bible Quiz,” although he was not directly involved in its beginnings. Electronic buzzer systems were not readily available in an affordable, porta- ble form in the 1960s. To assist churches in determining which quizzer was first in responding to a question, in the 1960 Action in Acts study guide, the national C.A. Department included hand-drawn instructions for creating a simple bell/ buzzer device using materials roughly totaling $7.00 from Sears & Roebuck stores.17 In this system, quizzers raised their hands (covered with a colored glove) when they pressed a manual buzzer. The task of determining which quizzer was first to the buzzer fell to a specific judge. In 1970, a portable de- vice called “The Judge” became widely popular among quiz teams. “The Judge” was a briefcase with red and green lights on the front and cables attached to buzzer pads coming out either end. The device became synonymous with Bible Quiz itself. Except for the replacement of the Gospel of Luke with the Gospel of Mark, the Scripture material has remained relatively consistent for more than 30 years—a Gospel or Acts in one year, alternating with two or more epistles in the next, over a nine-year cycle.18 Books In the beginning years of Bible Quiz the C. A. Department distributed covered in the current nine-year cycle this diagram for creating a simple handmade bell/buzzer device for are: 1) Acts; 2) Galatians, Ephesians, Bible quizzing. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon; 3) Mark; 4) I and II Corinthians; 5) John; ings in odd-numbered years and met Dome. National quiz meets have been 6) Hebrews, I and II Peter, Jude; 7) Mat- separately in even-numbered years. In held across the country from California thew; 8) I and II Thessalonians, I and II 1986, when Teen Talent became Fine to Maryland. Timothy, Titus, I, II, and III John; and 9) Arts Festival, the festival played host to Quizzers experience their first taste Romans and James. both events. However, both ministries of competition in their local church With this schedule, it is not unusual experienced such growth that by the among members of their own team. They for a quizzer to finish his or her quizzing mid-1990s they returned to their origi- then have opportunity to hone their skills career having memorized thirteen to fif- nal practice of holding separate events against other teams in their section as teen books of the Bible in their entirety. on different dates.19 The 1997 national each team prepares for the annual district Bible Quiz finals in Indianapolis was the quiz tournament. Teams then advance Competitions last to be held in conjunction with Gen- from district competition to regionals. The National Bible Quiz tournament eral Council. It was located at suburban The top four teams in each of the eight and Teen Talent continued to be held in Lakeview Temple, several miles away regions are invited to the national tour- conjunction with General Council meet- from the main Council site at the RCA nament, in addition to eight wild-card

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 17 Members of the 1963 Bible Quiz championship team from Bouldercrest AG, Atlanta, Georgia (l-r): Ronnie Pruett, Pastor Eugene Gustafson and Mrs. Gustafson (coaches), Rusty Laurens (in front), Scott Laurens, Mrs. Brenda Gregg, Barbara Gregg, and George Bates. teams from across the entire nation, lead- volved at the ministry’s peak in the which covers roughly a single chapter ing to the event’s unofficial nickname of 1990s, according to Bernie Elliot, who each month of the season, with no re- “The Final 40.” The national tournament has been involved in the Bible Quiz view of the previous month’s material, now runs for five days, with several ad- ministry since coaching his first team in easier questions, and no end-of-season ditional events such as a “quoting bee,” 1977 at a small church near Syracuse, playoffs. The new league, first used na- where contestants must quote a verse (in New York. He has served as the Bible tionally in 2014, has already resulted in later stages, two or three) perfectly in a Quiz National Coordinator since 1999.21 new teams in many churches. set time span that decreases as the event Bible Quiz now numbers more than During almost all of its history, Bible moves toward its end. 600 teams. While an increasing number Quiz eligibility rules restricted teams While the Scripture portions have re- of extracurricular activities have cut into from churches outside the AG. While mained largely the same, the questions participation from the ministry’s peak, non-AG churches were allowed to quiz for competition have become increas- that trend has reversed in recent years. in local and sectional meets, they could ingly difficult.20 In the early days, an an- Bible Quiz leaders have been working to advance only as far as district playoffs. swer which came from two consecutive promote the ministry by holding coach They were later allowed to go to regional verses was considered quite challeng- seminars at youth conventions, Bible finals tournaments. That policy ended in ing. Today, a question which requires a Quiz retreats, and outreaches at camps 2016 when Atlanta Tamil Church (Nor- quizzer to perfectly quote a seven-verse across the nation. Elliot also guest lec- cross, Georgia) became the first non-AG section is not unheard of at Nationals, tures in AG colleges and universities team to compete at the national finals. and it is usually answered correctly by to promote biblical literacy through the a handful of elite quizzers—though it is ministry of Bible Quiz.22 This outreach Recognition and Awards done at a high speed which tests the abil- has been an important means of promot- Over the years, several Assemblies ity of judges to clearly hear each word ing the ministry, as many AG youth min- of God colleges and universities began as quizzers attempt to finish within the isters are unfamiliar with Bible Quiz. to offer scholarships to top quizzers at 30-second time limit. It is a feat which In an effort to increase participa- the district, regional, and national levels. still inspires huge applause from fans tion and to get as much thorough Bible An endowment fund was established to gathered to watch two teams battle it knowledge to as many teens as possible, provide additional scholarships for top out for the championship, even as eas- National Youth Ministries has added teams at the national Bible Quiz finals; ier questions did in that first 1963 title competition levels specifically for mid- those scholarships can be applied to any match in Memphis. dle-school students, with less material institution of higher learning and may Participation increased through the covered at a time. Likewise, a new “Ex- accumulate over multiple years. Quizz- years, with more than 1,000 teams in- perience League” has been established ers with multiple appearances at the na-

18 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 tional finals have earned scholarships remembered Brechtel interrupting him The idea was presented to the joint ranging from $4,000 to $5,000. The total and saying, “I don’t want something for committee of Church School Literature amount awarded to quizzers in 2017 was teens. And I don’t want it over just one editors and Sunday School Department $30,000.23 book of the Bible. I want a ministry that consultants, which expressed several Bible Quiz also introduced new chal- will help children learn the names of the concerns. Would promoting competi- lenges designed to take quizzers’ memo- books of the Bible, how the Bible came tion among elementary age students rization efforts to the next level. In the to be, and what it teaches. And it should introduce a “little league syndrome” to 2000s, a National Memorization Award be written to the child’s level of ability Bible study? Would memorization be was introduced, which requires that the to understand its great truths.” Edgerly accompanied by an emphasis on appli- Scripture portion in use that season be recalled responding, “That’s a great idea. cation? Would participation in quizzing quoted a full chapter at a time, with four When I find time I’ll try to develop your isolate students from other ministries of mistakes or fewer per chapter. concept.”25 the church? When that award was achieved by Just a few months later, Edgerly With these concerns in mind, the many quizzers (and even some coaches was invited to join the National Sunday committee approved the preparation of and adult officials), an even tougher lev- School Department in Springfield, Mis- a set of questions with the understand- el—the Master Memorization Award— ing that competitive quizzing between was introduced. It requires the entire churches would not be promoted by the Scripture portion to be quoted at one national office. JBQ was designed to sitting within a specified time limit and supplement the basic biblical concepts fewer than a set number of errors. For in- and doctrines taught in other children’s stance, the 2016/2017 award for quoting ministry programs rather than competing the entirety of Galatians, Ephesians, Phi- with them.26 lippians, Colossians, and Philemon had a 45-minute limit with no more than five Developing a Pentecostal mistakes. Thirty-eight quizzers achieved Catechism this distinction in 2017.24 The questions and answers for the The Discipleship Award provides Bible Fact-Pak, the source of JBQ match balance to the competitive aspects of questions to this day, was developed by Bible Quiz by encouraging quizzers to Edgerly, along with Ralph Harris and develop their Christian walk. Rather Children’s Ministries Consultant Ron than focusing on memorization or points Clark. The trio wrote more than 800 scored during quiz matches, recipients questions, covering important events, of this award must read the AG position persons, and places in the Bible, and the paper on the baptism in the Holy Spirit, George Edgerly, circa 1970. major doctrines of Christianity and the perform community service, write an es- Pentecostal movement. The doctrinal say on spiritual disciplines, and incorpo- souri. In a brief hallway conversation, questions were based on concepts from rate fasting and prayer into their regular Edgerly discovered that Ralph Harris, the Statement of Fundamental Truths, schedules, among other requirements. editor-in-chief of Church School Litera- Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible by ture, had been tossing around a similar Myer Pearlman, and Bible Doctrines Junior Bible Quiz idea. Together they brainstormed ways by P. C. Nelson.27 The Fact-Pak also in- to adapt the Teen Bible Quiz program for cluded 84 quotation questions requiring Beginnings quizzers in second through sixth grades. perfect recitation of Bible verses in the The Bible Quiz ministry grew great- Their goal was to choose a broad range (KJV). From these ly in the 1970s with the advent of an of material that would serve as a “Pen- submitted questions, 576 were chosen— elementary school version called Junior tecostal catechism” and would reinforce a number based on how many 1½ by 3 Bible Quiz (JBQ). In the fall of 1972, what the children were already learning inch cards could fit on 24 sheets of card- Bob Brechtel, an Evangelical Covenant in Sunday school, children’s church, stock for printing. Checking the ques- Church layman, came to George Edgerly Missionettes (now National Girls Min- tions for doctrinal issues was assigned to in the office where he served as Iowa istries), Royal Rangers, and vacation then-Assistant General Superintendent D-CAP to ask him about Bible Quiz. Bible school. They also wanted to make G. Raymond Carlson, who later became Edgerly told him what the Assemblies of it accessible for parents to use for Bible general superintendent.28 God had been doing since 1963. Edgerly teaching at home. Questions and answers were inten-

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 19 tionally structured to aid in understand- nations also made use of the Fact-Pak, it ing difficulty: Discoverer, Searcher, ing biblical concepts. Rather than us- continued to be printed in both KJV and Achiever and Master seals. The Master ing a question that stated, “Quote the NIV for several years. By 2010 the de- seal required 59 out of 60 correctly- seventh commandment,” the question mand for KJV became low enough that answered, randomly-selected questions asked, “Which commandment protects further production was discontinued.33 from the Bible Fact-Pak. In succeeding the sacredness of marriage,” helping The questions have seen a few minor years, two more levels of difficulty were the quizzer to understand the concept changes—mostly the updating of lan- added: Bible Quoter, which required of adultery. Even the numerical order of guage (for example, “Holy Ghost” was perfect quotation of the 95 Quotation the questions was intentional. The ques- changed to “Holy Spirit”) and adjusting Questions (increased from the original tions about Bible stories were arranged questions due to the change from KJV to 84), and Bible Excellence, requiring 571 in biblical order, and questions about NIV—but the vast majority of the origi- out of 576 correct answers completed in Bible doctrines were often followed by nal questions by Edgerly, Harris, and one sitting without a break. As of 2017, a question about a Bible story that illus- Clark are still used today. more than 5,000 people have completed trated the concept.29 The writers chose Instead of a box of red, white, and the Master Award.36 The Master Seal program made participation possible for children who did not attend a church with a JBQ program or who did not enjoy or learn well in a competitive environment. JBQ has also been able to achieve its goal of complementing other children’s ministries. JBQ questions are included in the AG’s Radiant Life Sunday School curriculum, from Primary through Pre- Teen levels. The Fact-Pak is used in children’s church gatherings and vaca- tion Bible schools, separate from the official JBQ program. National Girls Ministries and Royal Rangers award JBQ and Bible Quiz merit badges for participation in the program. Require- ments for the badges include competing easily-understood language and defined blue (later changed to white, yellow, on a team, scoring 500 points over a quiz terms like “redemption,” “justification,” and green) cards, spiral-bound books career, three quiz-outs (accomplished “sanctification,” and “vicarious atone- are typically used today (although cards by answering six correct questions in a ment” on a third-grade reading level.30 are still available), and sets of questions given match), and earning the Searcher The first printing was completed in for practice or for competition can be seal in the Master Award program.37 The November 1975, with question cards generated online at a dedicated website, Children’s Ministries Department also of graded difficulty in red, white, and biblefactpak.com. The Bible Fact-Pak included JBQ questions in its Fire Bible blue to correspond with the American has also been translated into numerous for Kids devotional books.38 Bicentennial.31 To keep costs low, Edg- languages,34 it is used for Bible quizzing While it was agreed that the national erly printed the question cards, which in other countries,35 and it has become offices in Springfield would not promote came to be known as the “Bible Fact- part of the Bible curriculum for many JBQ quizzing between churches, noth- Pak,” on a printing press in his garage. homeschooling families. ing prevented districts from doing so. It was introduced to the District Sunday In March 1978, five teams from Min- School Directors in the March 1976 Competitions nesota, Illinois, and Iowa met at First conference.32 To curtail concerns about competi- Assembly of God in Des Moines for an In the late 1980s, as other Assemblies tions, JBQ questions were initially pro- informal quiz meet. After that meet, Dan of God ministry programs were making moted as an aid for individuals to mem- Rector of Minnesota and John Crabtree the switch in publication from the KJV orize Scripture. JBQ participants could of Illinois were asked by their districts to the New International Version (NIV), work toward Master Seal goals (now to organize JBQ on a district level; both it became necessary for JBQ to also known as the Bible Master Award), pro- district programs began in 1979.39 Many make the change. Because other denomi- gressing through four levels of increas- other districts followed suit, with each

20 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 into the minds and hearts of countless young people. Quizzers who are now in their 60s testify that much of what they learned in their quiz experience has stuck with them throughout life. For many, the lessons learned in Bible Quiz solidified their commitment to God and to the church. Bible Quiz also gives young people an opportunity to develop a positive at- titude during stressful times. They learn how to handle both victory and defeat in a supportive environment. Quizz- ers must learn how to process emotions and persist through difficulty, often us- ing their own anxiety and the tension of Quiz team from Bethel Assembly, Quincy, Illinois at a special quiz meet in competition to their benefit. Learning Des Moines, Iowa, March 1978. to be gracious to a winning opponent in a match or to a quizmaster who has district writing its own rules based on ness in providing a basic introduction ruled an answer incorrect helps to build Teen Bible Quiz. In 1980, George Edg- to Bible doctrine in a fun and easily ac- positive behaviors in other areas of life. erly and Dan Rector wrote the first set cessible format, many non-AG churches The confidence gained from attempting of guidelines that began the process of have made it available and have par- something difficult and seeing it through standardizing JBQ meets.40 ticipated in quiz meets with Assemblies to completion prepares young people for In 1981, Dan Rector and Ken De- of God churches at the local, district, later success as they see tasks that seem voe of Wisconsin—both from the North regional, and national levels, including larger than their abilities. Central Region—organized the first re- First Baptist Church of Bowling Green, The teamwork encouraged by Bible gional meet. Other districts and regions Kentucky, which finished second at the Quiz helps youth to see the value of oth- wanted more interaction for their teams, National Festival in 2001.42 ers. A single quizzer cannot answer all leading to the first National JBQ Festi- Since its introduction, Junior Bible questions for a team; members must val in 1986, held in Rockford, Illinois. Quiz has gone on to surpass Teen Quiz learn to share the spotlight in order to The team from Forest Edge Church of in the number of participants. While re- maximize the team’s score. Social skills Columbus, Ohio, won the first national cords of participation are incomplete, gained in tedious practice sessions, on championship. The National Festival is JBQ is estimated to have more than 2,000 the long trips to meets, and in the match- still led by an independent committee teams with as many adult coaches and es themselves are invaluable for life. today, although the executive presby- quiz officials, and nearly 10,000 quizz- Quizzers often establish lifelong friend- tery of the General Council gave offi- ers in its official program. That is at least ships with those from their own team cial blessing to the festival in the mid- triple the current number of those taking and from other churches. 1990s.41 The National Festival has led part in Teen Bible Quiz.43 From sales of The memorization skills gained to additional cooperation between local, the Bible Fact-Pak in the , in Bible Quiz are also a major benefit. district, and national leadership and has it is estimated that over 300,000 children Training the brain to memorize and to set a standard for excellence in the JBQ have had the chance to learn the Bible in think quickly and critically has led to ministry. Approximately 80 teams attend this question and answer format.44 success outside of Bible Quiz. Quiz ex- the annual festival, which was held at perience lessens test anxiety and gives Calvary Church in Naperville, Illinois, Benefits of Bible Quiz confidence in mental abilities. Quizzers for most of the 1980s and 1990s. It has Now that Bible Quiz is approaching who perfect the art of “contesting” (pre- since been held in various locations. its 55th anniversary, we can look back senting an argument as to why a judge’s Barry Jorris has served as coordinator of on its history and see some of the ben- ruling is correct or incorrect) develop the festival since 2007. efits for those who have been involved rhetorical skills that serve them well in Junior Bible Quiz has also led to fel- in Teen Bible Quiz and Junior Bible public speaking and debate. lowship with churches outside the As- Quiz. The greatest benefit, perhaps, is Bible Quiz also provides opportuni- semblies of God. Because of its unique- that the Word of God has been implanted ties for adults to mentor quizzers. The

2017-18 AG HERITAGE 21 time invested by parents and coaches uating from Yale University and Har- ministry. For both Junior Bible Quiz and into their quizzers pays long-term divi- vard Law School,48 Rob Moore, member Teen Bible Quiz, the importance of the dends, especially when the coach is able of the Canadian parliament,49 and John coach relationship is vital to the growth to come alongside the parents and rein- Porter, former quizzer and coach who is of the quizzer. As George Edgerly was force the values being taught at home. now a vice president for IBM.50 fond of saying, “Most spiritual truth is Although winning tournaments is a better ‘caught’ than ‘taught’”54 and “It Life After Bible Quiz goal of the coach, National Bible Quiz isn’t enough to teach the lyrics of Chris- Bible Quiz participants frequently Coordinator Bernie Elliot is quick to tianity, we must also model how to carry go on to success in ministry and other state that the most successful coaches the tune.” Bible Quiz gives the oppor- careers, and many top quizzers from are those who have “a high percentage tunity for youth to become very close the early years have become Bible Quiz of students still in a strong relationship to an adult mentor who has a personal coaches, officials, and question writers, with Jesus years later.”51 Edgerly re- interest in their spiritual and intellectual continuing their involvement by men- called in 1989 that his first team in Gray, development. toring other quizzers. David Boyd was Iowa, never won a district meet. How- At George Edgerly’s funeral in 2016, a bus kid in Huron, South Dakota, who ever, he noted, “their efforts have come more than a dozen former quizzers, joined a Bible Quiz team that went to the to shake the world for Christ. One team ranging in age from late teens to mid- national finals. He now promotes JBQ member is a missionary to South Africa, 60s, took the microphone to share the in his role as the director of Children’s another to Tanzania. Two are married to lasting impact of their Bible Quiz coach Ministries and Boys and Girls Mission- pastors, and one is the wife of an Army on their lives. Similar testimonies have ary Challenge (BGMC).45 chaplain. Another is Office Coordinator arisen from quizzing programs across Bible Quiz is often a family affair, for the Africa field office in the Divi- the Assemblies of God. For over 50 with parents serving as either coaches or sion of Foreign Missions [now known years, Bible Quiz has helped to develop officials. Outside of the AG, perhaps the as Assemblies of God World Missions]. discipline and biblical literacy in count- most broadly known quizzing family is No, they never had a winner—but they less Assemblies of God youth—an in- the Wagner clan, Canadian natives who are winners.” Edgerly also mentioned vestment in the future which has yielded emigrated to Oklahoma. Competing for a 1969 letter from a helicopter pilot in eternal dividends. First Assembly of Owasso, the Wagner Vietnam that he carried in his briefcase brothers, Joshua, Jesse, and Daniel, won for many years. The pilot wrote, “Thank three national championships over four you for all the hours you spend with the Robert Carter, years and finished second in the fourth. quiz team. If it hadn’t been for my grasp a semi-retired But they are known outside of the Bible of the Bible, particularly the book of Ro- newspaper reporter, Quiz ministry for their successful run mans, I would have messed up my life a has served in on the Network program, couple of years ago.”52 various capacities “The American Bible Challenge,”46 in in the Teen and which they won the championship of the Bible Quiz in a Post-Christian Age Junior Bible Quiz second season in 2013. The family took Bible Quiz is perhaps more important ministries since their winnings—$140,000—and staged now than ever as biblical knowledge is 1986; he’s been the chief statistician crusades and missions throughout Cen- decreasing in America’s post-Christian for Teen Bible Quiz national finals tral and South America.47 culture. General Superintendent Doug since 1998. He attends Garywood Many other former quizzers and Clay believes the ministry is one of the Assembly (Hueytown, Alabama). coaches are involved in ministry all over best ways to promote biblical literacy the world, including at least four cur- among young people. “I am concerned rent members of the Executive Leader- that our children are growing up in a Ruthie Edgerly ship Team of the Assemblies of God: culture that undermines biblical values,” Oberg, an Doug Clay, Greg Mundis, Rick Dubose, Clay notes. “I encourage every church to Assemblies of and Jim Bradford, who was a two-time provide opportunities for young people God minister, is Minnesota state champion. Many are to learn the Word of God and to develop on staff at the missionaries, pastors, teachers, home- a healthy, biblical worldview. Bible Quiz Flower Pentecostal makers, and serve in scores of churches is a proven, effective means to instill Heritage Center. around the globe. Others have gone on God’s Word into the next generation.”53 She is the niece of to successful careers in secular fields, in- Bible Quiz is not merely a competi- Bible Quiz pioneer George Edgerly. cluding Rhett Laurens, an attorney grad- tion or a program—it is a mentor-based

22 AG HERITAGE 2017-18 21For several years, the national coordinator 38“Resources,” AGKIDMIN Junior Bible Quiz, of Bible Quiz was a full-time staff member accessed January 31, 2018, https://biblefactpak. NOTES of National Youth Ministries in Springfield, com/Home/About#resource. Missouri. When Elliot took the post, he based 39Dan Rector, “The History of the Junior Bible his work out of his suburban home, Quiz Festival.” Essay, [ca. 2015]. Flower 1 Art Deyo, “Celebrating 70 Years of Youth For though he does not see much of it. Appearances Pentecostal Heritage Center. Christ,” accessed January 29, 2018, https:// at invitational tournaments, speaking 40 www.yfc.net/images/.../YFCs_History_by_Dr._ opportunities at churches and ministerial Ibid. Art_Deyo_-_Final_Version.pdf. meetings, and numerous other efforts keep 41Edgerly, “The Beginnings of Junior Bible 2Steve Asmuth, “Fine Arts, ‘Teen Talent’—A him on the road as he promotes both the teen Quiz.” History,” July 24, 2009. Typed manuscript. and Junior Bible Quiz ministry. Elliot, with his 42Larry Mullins, telephone interview by Ruthie wife Jeannie alongside to serve as a de facto 3“‘GE College Bowl’ Set for 10th Season on Oberg, January 17, 2018. assistant director, has now served longer than 43 TV,” Schenectady (NY) Gazette, August 8, any other national Bible Quiz director. Bernie Bernie Elliot, telephone interview, March 1967, TV Section, 12. Elliot, telephone interview by Robert Carter, 30, 2017. 4Ralph W. Harris, “History of the National March 30, 2017. 44“The Buzz,” Friday, June 12, 2015. Flower C.A. Department,” [197?]. Typed manuscript. 22Bernie Elliot, e-mail to Ruthie Oberg, January Pentecostal Heritage Center. 5Action in Acts. 17, 2018. 45David Boyd, e-mail to Ruthie Oberg, 6“Report of the Christ’s Ambassadors 23Bernie Elliot, telephone interview by Ruthie February, 14, 2018 Committee,” General Council Minutes, 1961, Oberg, January 16, 2018. 46Rita Sherrow, “Owasso Brothers on ‘American 74. 242017 Bible Quiz Nationals [program] Bible Challenge’ Well-prepared for Game 7Owen Carr, telephone interview by Robert (Springfield, MO: National Youth Ministries, Show Thursday,” Tulsa (Okla.) World, April Carter, April 25, 2017. 2017). 30, 2013, accessed April 26, 2017, http://www. tulsaworld.com/scene/tv/owasso-brothers- 8 25 “Notes For Our D-CAP’s,” October 1962; George Edgerly, “The Beginnings of Junior on-american-bible-challenge-well-prepared- Capsule, August 1963. Bible Quiz.” Typed manuscript, [ca. 2012]. for-game/article_d7b2d3ef-9990-5874-8ed9- 9“National Bible Quiz Finals - Official Question Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center. f7d65b921384.html. 26 Writers,” accessed January 31, 2018, http:// Ibid. 47Tyler O’Neil, “Okla. Brothers Win American www.biblequiz.com/history/nationals/ 27George Edgerly, oral history interview by Bible Challenge; to Donate $140,000 Winnings question_writer.htm. Ruthie Oberg, February 29, 2016. to Missions,” The Christian Post, May 24, 10 Leland G. Shultz, “Teen Quiz Tournaments 28George Edgerly, “The Beginnings of Junior 2013, accessed April 26, 2017, http://www. Encourage Bible Study,” Pentecostal Evangel, Bible Quiz.” christianpost.com/news/okla-brothers-wins- March 1, 1964, 16. american-bible-challenge-to-donate-140000- 29George Edgerly, “Feedback on JBQ to Wayne 11“Nationals, 1963,” accessed February 1, 2018, winnings-to-missions-96626/. Murray,” no date. 48 http://biblequiz.com/history/nationals/1963/ 30 “Rhett H. Laurens,” accessed January 26, main.htm Ibid. 2018, http://www.lawyerdb.org/Lawyer/Rhett- 31 12Owen Carr interview. George Edgerly interview. Laurens/. 32 49 13“The Winners,” C.A. Herald, November Edgerly, “Feedback on JBQ to Wayne “The Honourable Rob Moore,” Members 1963, 8. Murray.” of Parliament, accessed May 25, 2017, http:// 33 www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/ 14“National Champions,” Biblequiz.com, Edgerly, “The Beginnings of Junior Bible Quiz.” The remaining stock of KJV materials members/Rob-Moore(17210)/Roles; “Harper accessed April 21, 2017, http://biblequiz.com/ Moves 10 in Cabinet Shakeup,” CBC News, history/nationals/team_champions.htm. were given free to missionaries requesting them, with the cost of shipping being paid by Boys January 19, 2010, accessed April 25, 2017, 15 C.A. Day Committee Minutes, [196? (pre- and Girls Missionary Challenge (BGMC). http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/harper-moves- 1963)]. 10-in-cabinet-shakeup-1.761446. 34Edgerly, “The Beginnings of Junior Bible 16 50 C.A. Day Committee Minutes, [196?]; Quiz.” The Fact-Pak has been translated into Bernie Elliot, telephone interview, March “National Youth Conference,” C.A. Herald, French, Russian, Swahili, Spanish, Portuguese, 30, 2017. December 1963, 28. Mandarin Chinese, Lithuanian, and Braille, 51Chuck Goldberg, The BQ Interviews: Top 17Action in Acts. among others. Coaches Reveal Their Secrets for Getting Teens 18This was originally an eight-year cycle before 35Ibid. Into the Word! (Springfield, MO: National Youth Department, A/G Teen Quiz, 1997), 23; the additional books were included. 36 “Bible Master Awards,” AGKIDMIN Junior Bernie Elliot, e-mail to Ruthie Oberg, January 19 Jesse Segrist, “Fine Arts Festival: Fifty Years Bible Quiz, accessed January 31, 2018, http:// 19, 2018. of the Arts in Ministry,” Assemblies of God kidmin.ag.org/ministries/juniorbiblequiz/ 52 Heritage 33 (2013): 52. jbqbiblemaster. The Master Award does not George Edgerly, “Quizzers Shaking the World for Christ,” Pentecostal Evangel, April 16, 20Bernie Elliot, telephone interview by Robert have an age limit. Many adults have earned the award alongside their children. 1989, 19-20. Carter, March 30, 2017. TBQ used the King 53 James Version until the 1994-1995 season, 37“Girls Ministries Merit Requirements,” Doug Clay, e-mail to Darrin Rodgers, January when it switched to the New International accessed January 31, 2018, http://rmdc. 30, 2018. Version. TBQ and JBQ currently use the 2011 org/files/Missionettes/Reviews/Merit%20 54Edgerly, “Feedback on JBQ to Wayne New International Version. Badges%20Combined.pdf Murray.”

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