Bryan Blankenship
McPherson Free Methodist Church
McPherson, KS
Quizzed 1979 – 1985
Inducted 2010
Bio
Notable Results
1985 – Alpha Omega Winner
Favorite Scripture
My favorite scripture is the entire Gospel of John. This was what we studied my senior year, and I can still quote major sections of it today. And because of this, the Lord is able to bring them to mind time after time when I need to hear a word from HIm. I particularly feed on chapters 13-14 where he spent that amazing evening with His disciples in the upper room, modeling servant leadership for them, as well as on His most intimate teaching and prayer for His disciples in chapters 15-17.
Questions & Answers
What were the highlights of your quizzing years?
Flying to Seattle, WA for Quiz Nationals at SPU (1983); quizzing for the Alpha Omega trophy in Estes Park, CO at IYC in front of several thousand peers (1985); and, beating Mary Helen (Brown) Gensch, Tim Huff and a very strong field of STV quizzers in individual finals at a regional quiz meet in Kansas City.
How did quizzing affect you as a teen?
It kept me in the Word during times where I was finding my own way as a believer and a young man. It also gave me an outlet for some of my more competitive drives. When I was unable to make the high school basketball team as a sophomore I was able to continue to turn to quizzing for more than just its spiritual rewards.
What difference has quizzing made in your life to this day?
A whole, whole lot! It planted in me the early seeds of a genuine love for God’s Word and a continuing desire to memorize it and hide it in my heart as an adult — not for competitive reasons any longer but for spiritual nourishment and guidance.
Are you presently involved in Bible quizzing?
Yes. I am currently the coach of the Wilmore, KY Bible quizzing ministry, having re-started it for the church in 2005. This is actually my third coaching stint, having also re-started programs in Wilmore in 1990 and McPherson, KS in 2001.
What other ministries are you involved in?
I serve as an assistant teacher in my wife’s and my Sunday School class as well as various other roles within our local FMC such as serving as a Delegate and chair of the church’s nominating committee. I also strongly view my vocational calling and role in the area of finance at Asbury Theological Seminary as a major part of my service to the Lord.