“But grow in Grace, and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory now and forever. Amen" 2 Peter 3:18

SCRIPTURE MEMORY FELLOWSHIP (SMF) MEMORIZING PROGRAM

Based on this spiritual concept, the BMA/SMF "Accountability Memorization Program" was created sixty years ago by Dr. N.A. Woychuk. Forcey Memorial Church has used their 15 week accountability plan annually for over 40 years to encourage effective scripture memory. Numerous testimonies by participants over the years who completed their chosen book have proven that scripture memory is always a blessing to those who faithfully adhere to the program guidelines.  We are reminded in Ephesians 6:17 that the Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God.  Our memory is the tool He has provided so that we can be effectively prepared for spiritual warfare each day.

Memorization Guidelines

Welcome to the happy throng of Scripture memorizers! God bless you as you memorize His Word. There's hardly anything more important to do; therefore, give it your very best.

  • Memorize the name of your Memory Book, the assignment number and heading, and then the scripture references and verses.
  • Work on memorizing the full assignment during the first few days of the week, and have the rest of the week for review. Avoid “cramming” on the last day - your hearer will check this.

Participation Guidelines

The weekly recitation schedule normally begin in the middle of January.

  • Follow the prescribed schedule faithfully.
  • Bring your book every time and meet your hearer promptly. You may use your own translation typed out on a sheet of paper, but you must still bring your Memory Book each time.
  • Be courteous to the person who hears your recitations.
  • Always be on time. If you cannot make a scheduled appointment, call your hearer and inform him or her ahead of time.
  • You may recite more than one assignment on the first recitation day, provided you have worked at least a week on each assignment.
  • After the first recitation day, you can recite only one assignment per week. If you learned it, but could not be present, you may recite that week's assignment and the current one when you meet your hearer the next time.
  • Each time you recite, you are required to give the name of the Memory book, the assignment number and name, the references and verses, word for word, as written. All assignments are to be memorized and done in the order given.
  • The assignment is to be memorized during the first three days and periodically reviewed during the last four days of an assignment week.

Recitation Guidelines

  • Telephone recitations are not allowed.
  • Parents will not be hearers for their children - this is to be done by the Sunday School teachers.
  • Married couples may be paired up with other married couples where the men hear each other and the women hear each other.
  • A minimum of three people are expected for the accountability group - one person is in charge of filling out the form indicating weekly progress for each participant.
  • Recitations are expected to be done at the same time and place each week.
  • The hearer may draw attention to an error and help the contestant continue by suggesting a word. If more than three prompts are necessary, the contestant will be required to repeat the assignment the following week in conjunction with the next assignment that is due. The hearers should only accept perfect recitations. If a participant gets behind a week or more, time is allowed at the end to complete the memory book.

Reward Guidelines

  • Each memorizer may chose three rewards from the SMF
  • The first two rewards are called “Progress” rewards -- these are presented at indicated intervals.
  • The last reward, the “Completion” reward, is more substantial and will be presented, along with an Achievement Certificate, to each successful participant during the annual awards ceremony.

Hearer Guidelines

Be fair, considerate, and firm. Expect a perfect recitation each week, and for recitations that are below par, check to make sure contestants are doing the majority of the memorization work during the first three days of the assignment week. Pray for those you hear and encourage them to persevere in this most excellent work even during their times of struggle.

Recommendation for Maximum Spiritual Impact

Review previous assignments on a regular basis throughout this 15 week program.

Forcey Scripture Memory Accountability Program

Participation in Forcey's annual Scripture Memory Fellowship memorization program includes being matched up with two accountability partners, receiving awards, and participating in the annual awards ceremony. The program is kicked off with the annual fall registration from the second Sunday in November to the first Sunday in December. During this time, Memory Books for all ages are placed on a display table in the hallway leading to the education wing. People are invited to sign up using the current year's Fall edition of the Memorizer published by SMF. In order to sign up, one needs to select a memory book and may choose two progress awards and one completion award and record these choices on the order form located on the inside page of the Memorizer. Extra copies of the Memorizer are available to those who did not receive it in the mail. If more than one member of a family is signing up, extra copies of the order form are available so that only one Memorizer per familly is required. In either case, the cost for participating in the program is $12 for adults and $15 for children - in addition, at least a $1 is also requested for each order to cover the cost of shipping and handling. "Guidelines for Memorizing and Reciting" are included with each Memory Book. Orders are consolidated and placed by the Coordinator who will notify you when your memory book has arrived.

We are thankful to the leaders of our Sunday School departments who faithfully keep the weekly record of children who participate and give out the earned rewards. If it were not for our faithful adult hearers, many who have also memorized, the program would not have been able to continue with so many participants. Scripture memory has also proven to be a blessing to families who have joined together in learning and putting the Scriptures into daily practice. If you have any questions or would like to find out more information, please call Bill True the Coordinator - see church directory for his phone number. May the Lord bless all of you.