Past and present participants in Assemblies of God Bible Quiz will want to read the new history of Bible Quiz, published in the 2017/2018 edition of Assemblies of God Heritage magazine.
The article, co-authored by Robert Carter and Ruthie Edgerly Oberg, traces the origins and development of Teen Bible Quiz (TBQ) and Junior Bible Quiz (JBQ). Since quizzing first became a national AG ministry in 1963, it is estimated that over 300,000 young people have participated in AG Bible quizzing worldwide. AG Bible Quiz has developed a very loyal following of people who have participated as quizzers, parents, and coaches.
Carter and Oberg perused early Bible Quiz publications, conducted interviews, and combed through the records of the Assemblies of God Youth Department. Their research uncovered fascinating details about the historical development of this ministry that has encouraged and equipped Pentecostal youth to excel in biblical literacy, critical thinking, and sportsmanship.
For instance, did you know that…
… early “buzzer” systems were built at home with $7.00 worth of supplies from Sears & Roebuck?
… the first question writer for National TBQ competition (Stan Walters) was a Methodist with a Ph.D. from Harvard?
… the original red, white, and blue colors of the JBQ Fact-Pak were chosen to coincide with the 1976 American Bicentennial?
… two future general superintendents of the Assemblies of God were Bible Quiz question writers in their younger days?
… TBQ quizzers often finish their quizzing career having memorized thirteen to fifteen entire books of the Bible?
… based on sales of the Fact-Pak, more than 300,000 children have participated in JBQ?
This article breaks new ground, as no comparable history had previously been written. In addition to original research, Carter and Oberg built upon the work of other dedicated quizzers who published newsletters and websites documenting AG Bible Quiz history (most notably the website, www.biblequiz.com, which provides lists of annual winners, among other detailed information).
The 2017/2018 edition of Assemblies of God Heritage magazine, which features Carter and Oberg’s article, “A History of Bible Quiz in the Assemblies of God,” is accessible in both online and print formats.
The online edition is accessible for free on the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center website.
The print edition was mailed on March 23, 2018 to all licensed and ordained Assemblies of God USA ministers. It is a beautiful keepsake and would make a great gift for Bible Quiz participants and leaders.
Order the hard copy of the 2017/2018 edition of Assemblies of God Heritage for yourself or as a gift. It is available for $8 for a single copy, or $5 per copy on orders of 5 copies of more, as supplies last. To order, click here or call toll free: (877) 840-5200.
Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center 
I have always been curious to know if there is Bible Quiz for adults older than 21?
Hi Lori! Great question!
In its formative years many districts allowed anyone who was in CA’s (Christ’s Ambassadors when from age 12-35) to participate. Of course, that would include Bible College students and pastors quizzing against teens.
When the ministry became official it was limited to those in their teen years. There has never been an official BQ program for adults.
There is an “adult quiz” that competes at the National Finals competition each year after the teen quizzing is over. The fees for teams to enter go into a scholarship fund for quizzers. It’s not official but the adults have a lot of fun doing it.
With all that said, there is nothing that would stop a group of adults from taking the material the youth are studying and learning it along with them; perhaps even a youth/adult challenge competition would liven up a church ministry.
Thanks for reading and asking questions!
Ruthie Oberg
Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center