The 2010 State Bible Drill Competition

The State Bible Drill Competition came and went, but had the best turnout it has had in years! “What is a Bible Drill you ask?” The Bible Drill is a program that gets children and youth actively involved in learning the Word of God. Participants learn how to look up verses and books of the Bible in an efficient manner. They also learn to memorize scripture.

Practice for the Bible Drill season customarily begins in the Fall in preparation for a Church, Associational and State Drill. Participants learn to compete in a God-honoring way while they learn to hide God’s Word in their hearts. Cris Cavanaugh, the Bible Drill Leader for Reynoldsburg Baptist Church, describes the benefit of doing Bible Drills in your church: “As Christian parents we should be helping our kids hide God's Word in their hearts. Bible Drill is a great way to help us stay on track and meet our desires in this area. This is also a great way for the church to assist parents in this task. We involve our kids in many activities- sports, music, etc., but hiding God's Word in our hearts is something that will last for eternity.”

The State Bible Drill Competition was held at Reynoldsburg Baptist Church, Saturday, May 1st. This was my first experience watching and organizing the State Drill. I had a great time watching the participants as they recited memorized verses and looked up Bible passages. My applause goes out to the many participants and leaders that worked so hard over the past year to make it to the State drill!

Kimberly Jackson Kubik, the Bible Drill leader at First Baptist Church of Kettering, told me why Bible Drills are such a blessing in her life. “As a Bible Drill Leader, you realize that you are helping children learn verses and book locations they will remember for life. God allows us to be actively involved in the shaping of children who praise and glorify Him. It is a great joy to see these children put it all together for the Drills and show how much and how well they've learned His Word.” Kimberly has been involved with Bible Drills since she was a child participant herself.

This year, the winners of the Youth drill were: First place, Alexa Hershey (Jersey Baptist Church), Second place, Monica Yost (Lakota Hills Baptist Church) and Third place, Stephanie Cavanaugh (Reynoldsburg Baptist Church).

The High School drill winners were: First place, Cassi Lawless (Lakota Hills Baptist Church), Second place, Jaime Yost (Lakota Hills Baptist Church); and Third place, Sam Wagers (Lakota Hills Baptist Church).

Thank you to everyone who came to watch the State Drill. It was encouraging to see so many people in the audience, there to support and encourage the participants in their Drills.

If you would like more information about Bible Drills or how to start a team at your church, please contact Ashley Stickel at the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. Bible Drill demonstrations are also available upon request.

Ashley Stickel

Bible Teaching/Leadership

State Convention of Baptists in Ohio

614-827-1822 or Ashley@scbo.org