Pathfinder Bible Experience is one of the most effective programs for helping children, teens and their adult coaches engage deeply with scripture — memorizing passages, exploring their meaning and laying a strong foundation for a lifelong habit of Bible study.
Year after year, teams from Pathfinder clubs sign up for this Bible knowledge testing experience, committing to months of study and preparation. They participate in up to four qualifying rounds at the area, conference, union and division levels. Any team can earn a first-, second- or third-place ranking at each level, but only first-place teams advance to the next round.
At every stage, PBE teams attempt to answer 90 questions related to the year’s designated Bible books. This year, participants studied Rom., 1 Cor., along with the accompanying Bible commentary. A team that competes through all four rounds will have answered an impressive 360 questions!
“We know that each of the teams has had prayer warriors in their clubs and churches praying for them,” said Rob Lang, North Pacific Union youth and young adult ministries director. “Each team member has spent time hiding God’s Word in their hearts.”
The union-level PBE event took place on March 8, 2025 at Sunnyside Church, with Paul Betlinski, a Pathfinder coordinator from Tillamook, officiating.
“I have the best job in the room,” Betlinski said. “I get to see you all working together and figuring out questions as a team.”
Boise Ponderosa
Helena Lightbearers
Sojourners Truth Seekers
Fort Vancouver Flaming Swords
Whipple Creek Faithful Watchmen
The NPUC judging team verifies submitted answers from PBE teams. (Disclaimer: naturally blurred photographed text further blurred to avoid potentially revealing any answers.)
Alki-Columbia District Pathfinders lead the 11 qualified Pathfinder Bible Experience teams in reciting the Pathfinder Pledge, Law, Aim and Motto.
Rob Lang, NPUC youth and young adult ministries director, commends northwest Pathfinder Bible Experience teams for spending focused time in God's word.
Rob Lang, NPUC youth and young adult ministries director, is joined on stage by Pathfinder directors or representatives from each of the qualified conferences represented.
Don Russell, Idaho Conference Pathfinder director, along with fellow conference Pathfinder directors, gives high fives to Pathfinder Bible Experience participants.
Jim Field, Washington Conference Pathfinder area coordinator, inspects Chehalis Mountaineers ahead of this year's union-level Pathfinder Bible Experience.
Paul Belinski, Tillamook Pathfinder coordinator, officiates the union-level Pathfinder Bible Experience. He read each of the 90 questions with a combination of seriousness, subtle humor and fairness.
David Prest, Idaho Conference president, photographs the Boise Ponderosa PBE team. Two PBE teams participated from Idaho Conference.
To maintain the integrity of the competition, strict ethics were upheld for both teams and the audience. Bibles were removed from pews, and spectators were prohibited from sharing answers, taking photos of the question screens or recording any of the questions. These measures ensure that every team competes on a level playing field, relying solely on their preparation and knowledge.
PBE events are held across the division — often on different dates — and each location uses the same official question bank. This consistency ensures fairness and allows all teams, regardless of when or where they compete, to be assessed on the same material.
Beyond the competition itself, the impact of PBE extends into the spiritual lives of participants. One conference coordinator shared that club leaders in his area noticed a unique connection forming between their teams and their local church.
As the Pathfinders read and memorized scripture, their pastor preached on similar passages, reinforcing key themes. This overlap helped participants make deeper mental connections, ask thoughtful questions and apply their learning to their faith development.
Knowing that two hours of intense concentration is a challenge — especially for younger participants — many team leaders came prepared with fidget toys to help kids stay focused.
After the rigorous testing, a short program gave judges time to finalize the scores before the long-awaited results were announced — met with great cheers and happy smiles.
Idaho Conference
• Boise Ponderosa from Cloverdale: First place
• Nampa Zephyrs: First place
Montana Conference
• Helena Lightbearers: Third place
Oregon Conference
• Flaming Swords from Fort Vancouver: First place
• Steadfast Watchmen from Whipple Creek: First place
• Faithful Watchmen from Whipple Creek: First place
Upper Columbia Conference
• Redeemed from Colville and Deer Park: Third place (*group photo only released to team as requested)
• Yakima Braves: First place
Washington Conference
• Chehalis Mountaineers: First place
• Coals of Fire from Bellevue Sojourners: First place
• Truth Seekers from Bellevue Sojourners: Second place
Boise Ponderosa
Chehalis Mountaineers
Whipple Creek Faithful Watchmen
Sojourners Coals of Fire
Fort Vancouver Flaming Swords
Helena Lightbearers
Whipple Creek Steadfast Warriors
Nampa Zephyrs
Sojourners Truth Seekers
Yakima Braves
Eight of the 11 qualifying teams will advance to the division-level testing event on April 25–26, 2025 in Battle Creek, Michigan. This is the highest number of first-place finishes in recent memory from the Pacific Northwest.
“You have spent time in God’s word, and there’s no better place to be in this crazy world than to be in God’s word,” Lang said in his final remarks. “Stay in scripture. Share Jesus with the people around you. Keep finding your voice.”
Looking ahead, the PBE theme for 2025–2026 will be "Isaiah, Chapters 1–46," offering a new challenge for teams to dive into and explore.
