April 20, 2024
MONROE — Bible Drill and Speakers is the new organization looking to help the next generation develop Scripture memory and public speaking skills.
Formerly operated directly under the auspices of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, Bible Drill and Speakers is currently a non-profit organization expecting to reach 501c3 status in a few months, its leader, Maria Brannen, told The Index.
“There are many churches and individuals across the state offering to help with their gifts and time,” said Brannen, who until recently had served for years as the statewide GBMB Bible Drill and Speakers coordinator. “Those groups will be helping us take stock of our inventory of Bible Drill materials and walking alongside us in other areas such as prayer needs. Like any organization, volunteers come in and do things that make it all possible.”
First Baptist Church in Monroe has volunteered to provide space for those materials, she added. Anyone interested in assisting Bible Drill and Speakers this summer can get more information here.
“Pastor Todd Ware has been incredibly supportive of Bible Drill over the years, as his children were involved in Drill as well as the Speakers competition. When churches help us over the summer, they’ll be doing so at the resource area we have at First Baptist.”
The Georgia Baptist Mission Board has committed to provide the awards for regional and state-level winners. In addition, the GBMB will cover registration and housing costs for state winners moving on to nationals.
Bible Drill and Speakers recently wrapped up its 2018-19 year with a statewide event before nationals. On July 18 the group will host its first-ever Bible Drill Day, held on the lawn at Stone Mountain State Park.
“It will be a time for our Bible drillers to celebrate the end of the year as well as serve as a kind of alumni gathering for previous participants,” said Brannen.
A staff of a dozen will lead the statewide effort of equipping churches and their students through Bible Drill, including six regional coordinators. Brannen called them “a team of individuals from across our state that is committed to investing in and nurturing the next generation of kids and students in Biblical literacy and scripture memorization.”
In addition to Brannen, former Georgia Baptist state missionary in Discipleship Ministries/Collegiate Ministries Dennis Rogers will served as advisor.
“LifeWay Research shared in the book ‘Nothing Less – Engaging Kids in a Lifetime of Faith’ by Jana Magruder that the number 1 predictor of spiritual maturity as young adults is regularly reading the Bible as kids,” said Brannen. “Through Georgia Baptist Bible Drill and Speakers Inc, we will continue to provide resources and events/drills to encourage a love for God’s Word and a growth in Christian Discipleship.”
