FREE METHODIST BIBLE QUIZZING EXPERIENCES

OF MIKE HOPPER

I. Greatest blessings from quizzing:

Quizzing provided me spiritual growth: Were it not for my three years of quizzing as a teen, I doubt I would be a Christian today and certainly not serving the Lord as a pastor. Those quizzing years were a time of great spiritual growth in my life, and the scriptures learned then still come to mind and guide my life today.

Quizzing provided me with a wife: While I was attending Asbury Seminary and directing quizzing for the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference, at regional tournaments I met a wonderful quiz coach from Hookstown, PA who later became my wife.

Quizzing provided meaningful discipleship for my children: All three of my children competed at least 6 years in quizzing and learned and memorized many scriptures. While four national championships were won by them, what will last is God’s word that was planted in their hearts. Quizzing provided a good format for our family to study God’s word together.

Quizzing provided me with many friendships: Many of my best friends are serving in the ministry of Bible Quizzing. Our common desire to see youth grow spiritually through studying and applying God’s word and the opportunity to visit at monthly tournaments has helped develop and sustain those relationships.

II. Experiences as a quizzer:

1976-1979 - Competed with the Indianapolis (West Morris Street) Church, and memorized Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Romans, James, and John. At Bible Quiz Finals, our team placed 2 nd in STV-A in 1977, and won the championship in STV-A in 1978, and I was top point scorer at Quiz Finals in 1978 and 1979.

III. Experiences as a coach:

1979-1981 - Coached the Greenville (IL) teams.

1980 - Coached the Danville (IL) team.

1981-1984 - Coached the Wilmore (KY) teams.

1983-1984 - Coached the Harrodsburg (KY) team.

1994-1996 & 1998-2008 - Coached the Fillmore (MN) teams.

IV. Experiences as a Conference Quiz Director:

1980-1981 - Director for the Central Illinois (now Gateway) Conference

1981-1984 - Director for the Kentucky-Tennessee (now New South) Conference

1984-1989 - Director for the Wabash Conference

1995-1996 - Director for the Minn-I-Kota Conference

1999-2008 - Director for the North Central Conference

V. Experiences as a Regional Director:

1986-1989 - Director for the Mid-East Region

VI. Experiences as Denominational Jump Seat Producer:

1991-1993 - Built 16 sets of “Hop Up” jump seats that were distributed across the United States.

VII. Experiences as Denominational Director: (15 years)

1988 - FM Youth Ministries Director Dave Markell asked me to lead Bible Quizzing, and I directed my first denominational Quiz Finals at Seattle Pacific University in 1989.

1988-1994 - Denominational Director

1999-2002 - Denominational Co-Director (teamed up with Mark Colgan)

2002-2006 - Denominational Director

2006-2008 - Denominational Co-Director (teamed up with Eric Young)

VIII. Favorite verses:

“All Scripture is God‑breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:16-17) The Bible is God’s unique and inspired word and provides guidance for every area of my life.

Jesus said, “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest?’ I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35) (See also Matthew 9:36-38.) My calling to ministry centers upon introducing unbelievers to Jesus Christ, and the time to do that is not later, but now! Also, a primary focus for my ministry has been to “harvest dedicated workers and leaders for Christ.”

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21) This passage reminds me that God can do greater things in and through me than I can even imagine, and one key to this is for me to be totally open and committed to God.

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION: Effective July 11, 2008, Eric Young will become the new director of Free Methodist Youth Bible Quizzing. The Board of Bishops has approved Eric to replace Mike Hopper who is "retiring" after leading the ministry for 15 of the last 20 years.

• 2008 Bible Quiz Leadership Transition Letter.
• Mike Hopper's Bible Quiz Experiences.
• Eric Young's Hall of Fame induction page.