Area Christians seek spots on ‘Bible Challenge’
A new type of trivia is poised to join the game show landscape, and on Saturday, area residents well-versed in a certain historic book lined up for their chance to be a part of the contest.
“The American Bible Challenge,” hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy and planned to air in late summer on the Game Show Network, held an open casting call in Glen Ellyn, drawing Bible scholars, faith-based motivational speakers and Christians who hold the Bible in high esteem, all hoping to appear on the new show.
Calling their team “En Fuego,” three hopefuls who met years ago at a Rolling Meadows church said they are itching for the chance to compete on the show and possibly win money for their favorite charity.
Faith Coons, 36, of Wheaton, Eric Wang, 33, of Volo, and Amy Wiener, 44, of Winfield each filled out a Bible quiz testing their knowledge, then sat down to talk with two casting producers.
In an on-camera interview, the group of “Bible Challenge” hopefuls discussed the charity they’d be playing for and why it matters to them. Wang said his team’s charity of choice is Eve’s Angels, a Michigan-based nonprofit started by one of his friends that “ministers the love of Jesus Christ to women in the sex industry,” according to its website.
During the conversation Coons described as “laid-back,” the team also answered weightier questions such as “What does the Bible mean to you?”
“It’s the lifeline of your life of how to live it out on a daily basis,” Coons said.
“The Bible is a segue into our relationship with Jesus Christ,” Wang said.
And for prospective contestant Kelly Janowiak of Crystal Lake, a 28-year-old faith-based motivational speaker, the Bible is something to study for its revelations that people can feel God’s love and closeness without living as a nun or preacher.
But the Bible is not something prospective “Bible Challenge” contestants have to know word-for-word, said casting producer Richard Calhoun II. People with a Christian background who attend church with some regularity are likely to have the biblical recall it takes to handle the show’s questions, he said.
“It’s not Bible Jeopardy, but it definitely makes you think a little bit,” Calhoun said.
So did the quiz hopefuls completed Saturday, although En Fuego team members thought they did fine.
“I felt a little intimidated, but the quiz wasn’t bad,” Wiener said.
The questions on the show won’t be either, said casting producer Jill Bandemer. Aside from Bible-based trivia, the show will test contestants’ knowledge of pop culture and entertainment. Good contestants would be relatable people whom audiences could get behind, and anyone 12 or older can audition to compete.
“It’s also a game show, so of course, we want energy and enthusiasm as well,” Bandemer said.
Despite the name, “The American Bible Challenge” will be more of a family friendly entertainment option than a Bible study, casting producers said.
“It’s not about your Bible knowledge,” Calhoun said. “We’re here playing for charity and that’s what the show is about.”
Anyone interested in trying out for the show still has time. The open casting call continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Crowne Plaza, 1250 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn.