Hot Off the Press: History of AG Bible Quiz

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.

Junior Bible Quiz Pioneer George Edgerly with the Lord at Age 76

George Allan Edgerly, 76, of Springfield, Missouri, left this life on May 21, 2016. He was born in Selma, Iowa, on July 14, 1939, to Ralph and Edith (Tweedy) Edgerly. George graduated from Eldon High School and attended college at Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, and the Open Bible College in Des Moines, Iowa. He later took classes at Drury College and North Central Bible College. He married Atha Waydene Martley on November 16, 1958, and to this union was born four children: Ruth, Dawn, Max, and Jorin.

George was ordained with the Assemblies of God in 1963 and pastored several Assemblies of God churches in Iowa: Colfax, Afton, Gray, Truesdale, Grinnell and Ottumwa. From 1970-1973, he was district Sunday school and youth director for the Iowa District. He also worked several years as the research and field services coordinator in in the Sunday School Department for the national office of the Assemblies of God before becoming Christian education director for the Minnesota District in 1980. Edgerly wrote widely on church growth and Christian education, with articles appearing in several Assemblies of God publications. He was the coauthor of the 1984 staff training book, Strategies for Sunday School Growth. He served for a time as north central area field representative for the Gospel Publishing House and Radiant Life curriculum before rejoining the national Sunday School Department in 1985, being named its head in June 1987.

Edgerly was a mainstay of Assemblies of God Bible Quiz ministry almost from its beginning in 1962, and was a major force in the creation of Junior Bible Quiz in 1975. He began coaching in 1965, leading Gray, Iowa, to four straight district second-place finishes. From 1986-1998 Edgerly coached Park Crest Assembly of God, Springfield, Missouri, leading the teen Bible Quiz team to frequent appearances at TBQ nationals. In 1990 that team was national runner-up and in 1992 was the national TBQ champion. He authored the Assemblies of God Bible Quiz study guide for a number of years, beginning in 1973. He also authored the Junior Bible Quiz Fact-Pak and the Teen Bible Quiz Coaches Manual. He believed his involvement with Junior Bible Quiz to be his greatest legacy.

After retiring from the national Sunday School Department, George Edgerly pastored First Pentecostal Assembly of God in Ottumwa, Iowa from 1999-2006 where he also started a Bible Quiz ministry. From 2006-2008 he co-pastored First Assembly in Grinnell, Iowa. His retirement years were spent living in Springfield, Missouri.

George was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter, Ruth. He is survived by his wife, three children, and five grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri, on Wednesday, May 25th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be at Life 360-Parkcrest Campus, Springfield, Missouri, at 10:00 am on Thursday, and at First Pentecostal Assembly of God, Ottumwa, Iowa, at 10:00 am on Friday with Pastor Richard Schlotter officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery near Douds, Iowa.

Contributions can be made in George’s name to the Once Lost Now Found ministry at First Pentecostal Assembly of God in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Posted by Glenn Gohr