Remembering Sword Drills, “Charge!”

Growing up as a youth in a South Georgia Baptist church in the 50’s-60’s, part of our programming was Sunday evening Training Union. I have good memories of Jack and Sally Fletcher, our youth leaders, and the ways they led us. One of our favorite activities they introduced to us and we regularly enjoyed was “Sword Drill,” a race to see who could find a Bible verse the fastest. I later realized there was much more to such an activity than quickly locating a scripture. Unfortunately, we did not know about the organized SBC program which would have helped us grow significantly more in our Bible skills and knowledge.

Years later while working with age-graded training programs in many of our Georgia Baptist churches, I met many adults who reminisced with me about the sword drills they participated in while they were children and youth. On occasion at senior adult activities, I have seen or led an old-fashioned sword drill as a 15- minute delightfully fun activity. This has been an opportunity to remind them that Bible Drill is an opportunity available to help our children and youth become more adept in their use and knowledge of Scripture. However, Bible Skills and Biblical literacy is important for all ages. There is a lot of merit to including an old-fashioned sword drill at a senior adult gathering. Senior Adult classes can also challenge each other to memorize the books of the Bible or the scripture verses along with the Children’s Bible Drillers. Georgia Baptist Bible Drill and Speakers, Inc. will be glad to assist senior adult leaders with resources and ideas which can result in a regular Bible Skill/Drill activity for them and rekindle interest in growing in their discipleship using Scripture. Sharpening basic Bible skills, at any age, will pay significant spiritual dividends. For more information contact Maria Brannen, our Executive Director by email (maria@bibledrillandspeakers.com) or by phone: 470-650-8452.

This blog post was written by Dennis Rogers, Georgia Baptist Bible Drill and Speakers, Inc. board member.