Information

Ministry Strategy - MAY 2006

The Bible Quiz Ministry

The purpose of the NYI Bible Quiz Ministry (BQM) is “To get our youth into God’s Word and the Word into their lives.”   This ministry of helping youth to explore the details of God’s Word through the challenge of competition continues to demonstrate its real value in training our NYI members in both scriptural knowledge and personal discipleship development.

This past year again had many examples of this and the strength of the existing volunteer support structure.  Several of these stories from the USA, Mexico, Africa and other world areas, have been published on the website www.NYITODAY.org.  From the joy of having the first Korean Quiz Tournament at the Global convention to the plans to expecting over 1,000 in attendance at the next USA/Canada General Bible Quiz (GBQ) event this coming summer, BQM is on the move.

The challenge ahead, however, is not a small one.  For several years now, this ministry has been introduced and implemented in global fields where individual leaders (usually experienced ex-quizzers) have shared their passion for the ministry.  Regional NYI leaders have also been sharing introductory materials at regional training sessions. Today, there are strong ministries active in Central America, the Caribbean, and many fields in Africa.  There also are or have been ministries in other fields such as Italy, Portugal, France, and Papua New Guinea, and the new start in Korea.  While this method of growth has been useful, there are many parts of our youth organization that are either not aware of this ministry option or do not know who to contact or where to start.

A ministry strategy has been developed to provide a more organized, effective, and measurable approach to improve the opportunity for the use of this ministry in local congregations around our world. 

Leader Awareness

One of the greatest needs that exist is to do all we can to inform our youth leaders of the value and benefits of BQM (not as a required element but as an available method for developing and encouraging Bible study and discipleship). 

• To accomplish this, training is being planned for the January 2007 Johannesburg events and will be available to regional events as requested.
  • Planned attendance at the SE Europe Youth conference August 2006
  • Possible attendance and training in Asia-Pac in 2007
  • Training materials need to be reviewed, revised or developed as needed to aid in the communication of the BQM values and methods.  This effort will require essential insight and advice from Field leaders.

Pass the Passion

Another need is to enable exposure to and transfer of the passion for this ministry from youth and adults who have experience to local youth and leaders. 

• This kind of firsthand exposure and ownership have been shown as valuable results from close cooperation of World Mission and the NYI via Youth in Mission, YouthServe, Work & Witness, and Mission Corps.
  • Plans to connect with local leaders during Mission Corp assignments related to planned training opportunities.
  • Working with Missions, plans can be put together for BQM work and witness project to not only share the passion and value of the ministry but to encourage the walk of all participants.

Language Translation

Another significant challenge is the matter of having the BQM materials, such as questions and study guides, translated into multiple languages.

• This is a matter that requires close cooperation and coordination with WML department, Field Literature committees, and NPH.  It also requires funding ($1,500) for each year’s materials in each language.  (This year’s USA major BQM tournaments are raising mission offerings for this specific cause.)
  • $4-5,000 already collected for translations.
  • Need to establish annual translation assignments for additional languages like MAC has been doing for Spanish
  • Take advantage of combined NYI contributions, Regional WML, Global NYI, and Global WML funding for on-going translations.

Equipment

Anyone who has been exposed to BQM is aware that some amount of equipment is usually needed for the competitive “jumping” that takes place.  While this equipment is not essential for the key values of the study sessions at the local level, it can be very helpful in the competition setting.

• This equipment is available in a variety of forms from simple battery-operated lights to complete computer scoring systems.  Historically, there has been good support from existing BQM organizations at all levels to give or fund the purchase of needed equipment.  We will seek to continue this practice.
  • In addition to donations for the purchase of equipment, there are a number of local, district, and regional sets of “experienced” equipment that is being replaced by computer sets.  These can be collected and redistributed to the Global ministry as needed.
  • Trophy collection and redistribution is still possible as we identify needs.

Organization

At the heart of this approach is the need for a person in each region (and field where possible) to be a BQM coordinator.  At the regional level, this person will be a member of the Global Quiz Council (GQC).   

• The purpose of this council is to enable youth leaders in all world areas to nurture the study of God’s Word through the ministry and concept of Bible Quizzing.
• The approach will be to equip youth leaders through training, resourcing, direct support, networking and improved communications among all the global programs.
• The vision is for this ministry to become a key element in basic youth ministry and New Start tool sets adapted to each region and cultural need.

Efforts will be made to quantify and track our progress as we go forward so that there are reasonably clear measurements of our progress in the number of youth that are being touched by this ministry.

• Improved communication is an important and key element for expanding this ministry.  Newsletters and the new Global Bible Quiz Web page will be intended to provide a place for the sharing of resources, stories, challenges and blessings. 
• A vital key to our growth and useful communication is the response and input from our regional and field leadership.  Please let us know what is helpful and needed in your ministry plans.

Vision

Finally, we have a vision for the next Global NYI Convention.  Along with the plan to hold the 2009 Convention at multiple global sites, the opportunity exists to also conduct multiple BQM tournaments at those same sites.  Quizzing has been a traditional part of NYI Conventions since 1964 and it is only natural, as the NYI expands its convention boundaries, that truly international BQM tournament celebrations be included.

Observation

In a recent conversation with a local pastor in Ecuador, another opportunity was highlighted.  There was an expressed desire to have a tool like BQM for his whole church…  This immediately reinforced the desire to be bridging with Sunday School ministries toward the vision of easing the transition between Children’s and NYI Quizzing and helping to make Children’s Quizzing available globally also.

ETC.

Then, there are the opportunities for using field-translated materials in congregations here in the U.S. that worship in that language.  For example, 4 local Korean youth groups this past summer (from major U.S. cities) were involved in the USA NYI in a new way because the BQM material was translated into their language.

These truly are exciting days for the NYI Bible Quizzing Ministry and I am pleased to bring this report of our plans to continue its growth and value to the Kingdom.

Respectfully Submitted,
Dan Reinhart
NYI Global Quizzing Consultant

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The program/activity/ministry of Bible Quizzing has been part of the tool kit for NYI leaders at all levels since 1964 and has had a positive impact on the lives of thousands of our youth over these 42 years.

Today, the NYI BQM (Bible Quiz Ministry) continues to be a viable and proven tool to not only encourage the Christian Discipline of scriptural knowledge but also act as a living model for teaching and developing personal discipleship.

These core values of scripture knowledge and discipleship are the major elements being promoted and we seek to expand the awareness and use of this ministry tool in the Global NYI.  In 2006, there have been a number of developments as we move forward to meeting this objective. 

Ministry Strategy

In the past year, the BQM ministry strategy was developed and distributed to the Global Regional Presidents and Youth Coordinators to lay a ground work of understanding, both for those familiar with quizzing and those that are not.

Missions Funding

In the USA/Canada region, a tradition has developed over the last several years to collect offerings at the major events to help develop the quiz ministry in Global areas.  In 2005-06 over $5000 was raised using the JFANG project method to help with the anticipated cost of translating quiz materials into other languages.  In 2006-07, those same offerings will be gathered to help with the equipping and training in Global regions where it is needed.

Exposure & Training

Related to the strategy and funds mentioned above, training is being made available to help educate both NYI leadership and members to help spread the word in encourage the application of BQM. As these leaders show interest in using Bible Quizzing in their areas, the fund will be used as needed to assist when needed to overcome barriers that are found.

Web Site

While our Nazarene BQM is the largest teen quizzing organization in the world, we have not had a defined presence on the Internet like many other member organizations in the WBQA (World Bible Quiz Association).   That changed this year; a website has been created and is still being developed to provide useful information to encourage and support better understanding and use of this youth ministry tool.  The site will be formally introduced at Third Wave.

Children’s Quizzing

Another developing area is the opportunity to bridge the gap between the NYI and Children’s quizzing.  Conversations and plans are moving forward to do a better job connecting and supporting these two areas that truly have the same objectives.  Positive steps are beginning to appear in this area.

There have also been a number of BQM events that demonstrate the success and effectiveness of the ministry.

Q2006

This bi-annual event is a USA/Canada celebration that invites all who wish to spend a week of competition, and also learn and live out the truth that has been studied over the past year.   This year nearly 800 quizzers, coaches, leaders, and supporters gathered on the SNU campus.  In addition to the usual 8 USA/Can regional A & B teams, there were 55 District teams, and 25 local church teams out of over 1400 groups across the country.

JUNAMEX

This NYC for Mexico drew over 1000 youth to Oaxtepec, Mexico.  Bible Quizzing has been active in the MAC Region for over 10 years and is well developed on all 12 Districts of Mexico.  This ministry is well received and supported by the MAC Region. The NYI proudly points to the fact that 75% of their current leadership are past Bible Quizzers.

SEENYC - Macedonia

Youth from the 6 major national districts of this field gathered for their first NYC.  Workshops were included that presented the importance of a growing relationship with God and the need to know His Word.  BQM was introduced as a tool to help in this area and the youth participated in a demonstration of the use of competition to encourage the study of God’s Word.  There is now growing interest in seeking ways to use the BQM tool in the youth ministry of this field.

3^rd Wave

After presenting this week I am greatly encouraged by the response from all regional areas.  We are on the edge of significant growth in the use of this ministry.  As training and advise is being requested on several fields in the coming months, I pledge to be available to do all I can to help these fields develop Bible Quizzing to fit their culture and language groups. 

Based on the survey gathered this week, there are currently more than 2,250 youth groups using the Bible Quiz Ministry (This is 18% of our youth societies).  We cannot help but be excited and challenged as we look forward with God’s help to make this tool of ministry available to our Global organization. 

I desire and greatly appreciate your prayers, support and assistance as we go forward.  Those fields that have established BQM can help by providing equipment, sharing translation resources and funds.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dan Reinhart

NYI Global Quizzing Consultant

The ministry of NYI BQM continues to demonstrate its value within youth ministry as a useful tool, not only establishing strong scriptural knowledge, but also developing disciples and training our future leaders.

2007 has been a year of moving forward to address the objectives of increased awareness among NYI Global Youth leaders, provide training for field/district leaders, and seek solutions for the obstacles that limit the use of this ministry in every culture and language.

Since last year’s update after the Third Wave conference, BQM workshops and training were presented at – Philippines NYC, South Asia NYC, Argentina Youth Camp, and EJUNAP Peru.  In each of these settings, BQM is enjoying a new or re-introduction with good acceptance and interest in its use.  In all regions and fields, we are encouraging a level of organization by asking that a BQM coordinator be selected to enable communication and guidance for the region, field and district as the ministry develops.  These coordinators then work together with Global leaders to support and help the local leaders get answers and materials, and share experiences.

Among the greatest obstacles for the effective expansion of this ministry is the issue of gaining access to translated materials.  We are very pleased to state that a multi-year partnership has been established between the Nazarene Publishing House, World Mission Literature, and NYI to share in the funding of translations of Youth Ministry materials (including BQM).  The NYI portion of this project related to BQM material will continue to rely on the missions offerings gathered each year across the major tournament events in the US.  This is a well-established tradition that is made even more capable by the support of NPH and WML.

To help give a feel for the growth and excitement, the following is a random list of BQM related past year events, current status, and plans.

• NYC07 – USA/CAN - Again this year, the sub-regional teams came together to celebrate the Word in competition as one of the elements of this regional NYC.
• Mexico National Tournament - As in most off years (non-NYC or General Convention) during the last 37 years, this event drew teams and supporters from all the districts of Mexico.  The celebration and competition was amazing.
• A US W&W team to Panama June 22 – July 2, 2008, has requested Spanish BQM materials to take.  The Field contact is Eliezel Soto in Costa Rica.
• A Canadian W&W team did some BQM training and took a set of quiz equipment to a church in Cuba this past summer.
• Several requests from Peru & Argentina for Spanish materials to reintroduce and organize the ministry in South America as the result of leader workshops in early 2008.
• Requests from MAC wanting to purchase computer software and interface equipment. Interest has been expressed to take this much loved program to the next level in ministry development.  The national Mexico tournament this year participated in their first BQM missions offering.
• We received a wonderful report from Missionaries in East Timor.  With no equipment or materials they created quiz study material and questions in the native language and were having tournaments among 3 churches there.  Within these youth groups, ex street gang members are excited about studying God’s word!!! This spring, we responded to a request from East Timor for BQM material for them to translate for the next season.
• Training is being planned for Brazil in May08 with material in Portuguese.
• BQM Training is planned for Kiev08 in August.
• Plans are being made in response to a request for training in Columbia, Venezuela and Ecuador.
• Korea has presented BQM in all its zones and is excited to begin using the ministry in that district.
• Philippines are discussing organization and leadership for BQM at the national and district levels.
• India and South Asia fields are moving toward organizing with leaders that have received BQM training. Rules are being translated to a few of the local dialects.
• Africa has at least one set of quiz equipment in each District and is continuing to encourage the growth and use of the ministry across the region.
• Caribbean Region has a Regional BQM Coordinator and is expanding English and Spanish BQM and plans to move forward in French and other languages.
• US/Can has requests for Spanish materials in Latin congregations and French materials in Canadian districts.
• YIM request has been received to provide BQM training in Portugal.

All of these status and update details are representative of the vast number of young lives that are and will be changed as the purpose of BQM is achieved:  “Guiding our youth into God’s Word and The Word into their lives.”

Thank you for the privilege of serving in this ministry.

Dan Reinhart,

Global NYI Bible Quiz Consultant

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