Hosting a National Bible Bee (NBB) summer study group is a great way to get involved in your community and instill a love for the Lord and His Word through fellowship with other families participating in the summer study. Whether you are new to the National Bible Bee or have been participating for several years now, hosting a summer study group creates a fun and encouraging environment where families can build friendships and motivate each other through the summer study.
One NBB host, Krishna Cart, has joined the blog to share about her experience and provide encouragement to those who are already hosting or participating in the summer study, as well as to those who are considering hosting a summer study group.
Hi Krishna! Welcome to the NBB blog! Please describe your family’s NBB participation journey for us. What inspired you and your family to become hosts?
Our journey with the National Bible Bee began with a heartfelt prayer while I was pursuing a graduate certificate at Harvard University. My husband and I have always been heavily involved in family life and marriage ministry, and we saw the [National] Bible Bee as an extension of our mission to bring families closer to Christ.
Hosting the [National] Bible Bee has been a transformative experience for us. It strengthened our faith and allowed us to witness the incredible growth and dedication of our students and their families. We were blessed to see some of them qualify for the Nationals, which was a proud and joyful moment for us all. Excited by its impact and learning opportunities, we eagerly signed up to host again.
The [National] Bible Bee has become a vital part of our family and ministry life, enabling us to grow in our understanding of Scripture alongside our students and their families.
God has blessed us tremendously through this journey. It is a profound joy to serve Him and to see His work in the lives of those around us. The National Bible Bee has drawn us closer to Christ and has been a source of immense spiritual enrichment and community building. We are grateful for this incredible journey and look forward to continuing to serve and learn with our [National] Bible Bee family.
Wow, it’s incredible to see how hosting a summer study group has so positively impacted you and your husband. It is definitely a wonderful and fulfilling experience to aid others in a study of God’s Word.
When did you begin hosting a summer study group?
Last year (2023) was our first year.
How has hosting impacted your family and community?
Family Growth and Unity
For our family, the [National] Bible Bee has been a transformative journey that has drawn us closer to Christ and each other. The preparation and study sessions have become cherished times of spiritual growth and bonding. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we have strengthened our faith and deepened our understanding of God’s Word. This shared commitment has fostered a sense of unity and purpose within our household, reinforcing our dedication to living out our faith together.
Community Building
The impact on our community has been equally significant.
Hosting the [National] Bible Bee has brought families together meaningfully, creating a supportive network where participants encourage and uplift one another. We have seen relationships deepen and new friendships form as families unite to grow in their faith.
The sense of community extends beyond the competition, fostering lasting connections grounded in shared values and spiritual growth.
Inspiration and Motivation
Seeing our students and their families qualify for the Nationals has been incredibly inspiring. Their achievements have motivated us to continue investing our time and resources into this ministry. It’s a rewarding experience to witness participants’ hard work and dedication pay off, knowing that we played a part in their spiritual and personal development.
Spiritual Legacy
Ultimately, hosting the [National] Bible Bee has allowed us to contribute to a legacy of faith within our family and community. By providing a platform for children and families to engage deeply with Scripture, we are helping to lay a foundation for lifelong spiritual growth. This legacy is a testament to God’s Word’s power and the community’s importance in fostering faith.
In summary, hosting the [National] Bible Bee has enriched our family’s spiritual journey, strengthened our community bonds, and provided a personal and spiritual growth platform. Being part of such a transformative ministry is a blessing, and we look forward to continuing this journey with our [National] Bible Bee family.
The National Bible Bee has definitely allowed many to grow in a spiritual community and build life-lasting friendships. It’s so encouraging to hear how having a summer study host group has had such a profound impact on your family and your community.
What is your favorite aspect of your host group meetings?
One of my favorite aspects of hosting group meetings for the [National] Bible Bee is the sense of community and fellowship that these gatherings foster. These meetings provide a unique opportunity for families to unite, share their faith journeys, and support one another in a collaborative and encouraging environment.
Community and Fellowship
Hosting group meetings creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere where participants feel part of a larger faith family. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see children, teens, and parents interact, form friendships, and build a supportive network beyond [National] Bible Bee activities. The joy and camaraderie experienced during these meetings are truly heartwarming and inspiring.
Collaborative Learning
Another favorite aspect is collaborative learning. When families gather to study and discuss Scripture, they bring diverse perspectives and insights that enrich everyone’s understanding of God’s Word. This collaborative approach enhances individual learning and fosters a deeper appreciation for the Bible as a living and dynamic text.
Encouragement and Motivation
Group meetings are also a great source of encouragement and motivation. Seeing peers succeed and overcome challenges inspires others to persevere and strive for their best. The mutual support and positive reinforcement shared among participants boost morale and motivate everyone to continue their study and memorization efforts.
Interactive Activities
Incorporating interactive activities and games into the meetings makes learning fun and engaging for all ages. These activities break the monotony of traditional study methods and add an element of excitement and competition that keeps participants eager to participate and learn.
Spiritual Growth
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect is witnessing the participants’ spiritual growth. Hosting these meetings allows me to see firsthand how children and families deepen their faith, grow in their knowledge of Scripture, and develop a closer relationship with God. It’s a blessing to be a part of their spiritual journey and to contribute to their growth in such a meaningful way.
In summary, the sense of community, collaborative learning, mutual encouragement, engaging activities, and spiritual growth are what make hosting group meetings for the [National] Bible Bee an incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable experience. These meetings strengthen our faith and create lasting memories and bonds that enrich our lives.
Do you have any tips for newer hosts?
Just do it and rely on God’s wisdom and provisions. I became heavily dependent on God when I hosted, and my relationship became more profound as I created materials and activities for our [National] Bible Bee families. God is ahead of us. If this is their calling, God will provide all that they need. Last year, The Museum of the Bible allowed us to use the “Gathering Room” for free. It was God’s provision!
How would you encourage someone who is considering hosting a summer study group?
Be like Daniel and David. We have a creative community of hosts, and the entire NBB Community is very helpful. I encourage all co-laborers in Christ to step up in faith and do the calling – Matthew 28:18-20. We are all planters.
Interview by NBB Alumna: Emma Fernandez
