Next Level Bible Scholars Competition Inspires Future Ministers

The FHU College of Biblical Studies welcomed 10 high school seniors from seven states to compete in the second annual Next Level Bible Scholars Competition in November. Designed to inspire and equip future ministers, the competition evaluates participants in areas essential for ministry and leadership. Participating students were judged in four events: Bible knowledge, extemporaneous speaking, problem solving and team building. This year, Blake Donaho of China Spring, Texas, was awarded first place and $10,000 in FHU scholarships, while William Cheshier of Dallas, Texas, earned second place and $7,500 in scholarships.

President David R. Shannon, who kicked off the event, shared his admiration for the group of participants. “These young men represent the future of ministry and service in God’s church. Their participation in this competition highlights their individual talents as well as their collective commitment to serving others,” he said. “We are confident they will make a profound impact in God’s kingdom.”

Blake Donaho delivers a prepared lesson to Bible professors and his peers

Participants construct a bridge for a team building activity

Donaho, who earned the top scholarship prize for the competition, said that he was incredibly pleased with his experience in the Next Level Bible Scholars Competition. “I enjoyed getting to meet several professors and faculty members in the Bible department,” he said. “They were all very personal and treated me like family. I also liked getting to meet several kids my age who shared my interests and passions in ministry.”

Second-place winner, Cheshier, also shared his positive experience. “It was awesome to connect with like minded peers and see the different places and personalities we all come from with the same end goal in mind,” Cheshier added. “Even if I hadn’t won a scholarship, I would still have been very grateful for the experience of the competition!”

Both young men stated that their favorite individual event was the problem solving simulation, in which participants were split into groups of mock elderships and were presented with issues that congregations may face today. “It was interesting to hear many different scenarios that we had to create solutions for,” Donaho said. “Afterward, we were given great insight from the judges, who also served as elders, and listened to their wisdom. It was evident I still had a lot to learn!”

Cheshier also appreciated the practical training exercise. “Even if we got the answer wrong, I enjoyed the chance to test my knowledge and interpretations of scripture in real-life applications.”

Young scholars dig into the Word of God

Students form bonds with experienced preachers, teachers and Bible professors

Both high school seniors are strongly considering attending FHU in the fall of 2025. Donaho aims to double major in Bible and psychology and has long-term plans to become a pulpit minister who incorporates counseling as part of his ministry. Cheshier plans to major in Bible while preparing for med school and the MCAT. Eventually, he hopes to decide between preaching or being a doctor—or both.

Dr. Justin Rogers, dean of the FHU College of Biblical Studies, was very pleased with this second successful year of the Next Level Bible Scholars Competition and is excited to see the annual event continue. “This competition allows us to reward academic excellence and ministry promise,” he said. “It is a wonderful opportunity to build relationships and recruit the next generation of great ministers.”

Other students involved in this year’s event were Evan Alsup of Knoxville, Tennessee; Jack Butler of Philadelphia, Mississippi; Logan Daggett of Clovis, California; Josiah Fuller of Alexandria, Kentucky; Stryder Lynch of Dinwiddie, Virginia; Butler Matthews of Blossom, Texas; Allen Tribble of Coffeeville, Mississippi; and Quinn Walton of Madison, Alabama.