Your church has a worship team and a prayer team...but what about a "recitation team"? In this episode, Josh Summers sits down with Tom Griffins, founder of the By Heart Ministry, to explore the art and the power of scripture recitation in the modern church. Memorizing the Bible is more than just a private, personal discipline - it should also be for the edification of the church!

Tom walks us through the practical dynamics of implementing recitation in a service, how to coach nervous reciters, and why this discipline belongs in the body of Christ.

✅ Tom Griffins Website – https://byheart.org/ 

✅ Level up Your Scripture Recitation! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron

✅ Learn 12 Bible memory strategies: https://www.memorizewhatmatters.com/book/

Chapters:

(00:00:00)  Introduction & Recitation Team Concept
(00:03:42)  Why Recitation Matters in Church
(00:10:44)  How to Start Recitation in Your Church
(00:14:33)  Skillful Handling of God’s Word
(00:17:06)  Outro & Resources

🔹SUPPORT the MINISTRY 🔹

If you're one of those awesome people who understands that this "free" podcast takes time and effort to produce, there are a few ways that you can support what we're doing here:

• Buy the Merch! Start a conversation about your Bible memory journey with a shirt or sticker to show your love of Scripture! https://www.biblememory.store
• Become a Patron: For those who are part of our community, becoming a Patron is the best way to improve your memorization of Scripture. Get immediate access to all Scripture Sync replays, Memorize Together sessions, small group accountability and all of our courses! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron
• Pay it Forward: Give any amount to help offset the costs of producing and hosting this podcast. Thank you! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/support

This is final portion of the entire book of Psalms recited from memory by our community Patrons. This recitation was originally published on YouTube and includes multiple translations.

This is Book 5 of Psalms, which includes chapters 107 to 150. All previous chapters of Psalms can be found in previous episodes of this podcast.

  ➡️ Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILyuBj1tkO8

  ➡️ Start your Bible Memory Journey: https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron

  ➡️ Learn 12 Strategies for Scripture memory: https://www.memorizewhatmatters.com

🔹SUPPORT the MINISTRY 🔹

If you're one of those awesome people who understands that this "free" podcast takes time and effort to produce, there are a few ways that you can support what we're doing here:

• Buy the Merch! Start a conversation about your Bible memory journey with a shirt or sticker to show your love of Scripture! https://www.biblememory.store
• Become a Patron: For those who are part of our community, becoming a Patron is the best way to improve your memorization of Scripture. Get immediate access to all Scripture Sync replays, Memorize Together sessions, small group accountability and all of our courses! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron
• Pay it Forward: Give any amount to help offset the costs of producing and hosting this podcast. Thank you! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/support

This is part 4 of the entire book of Psalms recited from memory by our community Patrons. This recitation was originally published on YouTube and includes multiple translations.

This is Book 4 of Psalms, which includes chapters 90 to 106. The remaining book of Psalms will be published tomorrow.

  ➡️ Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILyuBj1tkO8

  ➡️ Start your Bible Memory Journey: https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron

  ➡️ Learn 12 Strategies for Scripture memory: https://www.memorizewhatmatters.com

🔹SUPPORT the MINISTRY 🔹

If you're one of those awesome people who understands that this "free" podcast takes time and effort to produce, there are a few ways that you can support what we're doing here:

• Buy the Merch! Start a conversation about your Bible memory journey with a shirt or sticker to show your love of Scripture! https://www.biblememory.store
• Become a Patron: For those who are part of our community, becoming a Patron is the best way to improve your memorization of Scripture. Get immediate access to all Scripture Sync replays, Memorize Together sessions, small group accountability and all of our courses! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron
• Pay it Forward: Give any amount to help offset the costs of producing and hosting this podcast. Thank you! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/support

This is part 3 of the entire book of Psalms recited from memory by our community Patrons. This recitation was originally published on YouTube and includes multiple translations.

This is Book 3 of Psalms, which includes chapters 73 to 89. The remaining 2 books of Psalms will be published later this week.

  ➡️ Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILyuBj1tkO8

  ➡️ Start your Bible Memory Journey: https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron

  ➡️ Learn 12 Strategies for Scripture memory: https://www.memorizewhatmatters.com

🔹SUPPORT the MINISTRY 🔹

If you're one of those awesome people who understands that this "free" podcast takes time and effort to produce, there are a few ways that you can support what we're doing here:

• Buy the Merch! Start a conversation about your Bible memory journey with a shirt or sticker to show your love of Scripture! https://www.biblememory.store
• Become a Patron: For those who are part of our community, becoming a Patron is the best way to improve your memorization of Scripture. Get immediate access to all Scripture Sync replays, Memorize Together sessions, small group accountability and all of our courses! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron
• Pay it Forward: Give any amount to help offset the costs of producing and hosting this podcast. Thank you! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/support

We continue the recitation of the entire book of Psalms from memory by our community Patrons. This recitation was originally published on YouTube and includes multiple translations.

This is Book 2 of Psalms, which includes chapters 42 to 72. The remaining 3 books of Psalms will be published later this week.

  ➡️ Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILyuBj1tkO8

  ➡️ Start your Bible Memory Journey: https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron

  ➡️ Learn 12 Strategies for Scripture memory: https://www.memorizewhatmatters.com

🔹SUPPORT the MINISTRY 🔹

If you're one of those awesome people who understands that this "free" podcast takes time and effort to produce, there are a few ways that you can support what we're doing here:

• Buy the Merch! Start a conversation about your Bible memory journey with a shirt or sticker to show your love of Scripture! https://www.biblememory.store
• Become a Patron: For those who are part of our community, becoming a Patron is the best way to improve your memorization of Scripture. Get immediate access to all Scripture Sync replays, Memorize Together sessions, small group accountability and all of our courses! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron
• Pay it Forward: Give any amount to help offset the costs of producing and hosting this podcast. Thank you! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/support

This week, experience the blessing of the entire book of Psalms recited from memory by our community Patrons. This recitation was originally published on YouTube and includes multiple translations.

This is Book 1 of Psalms. The recitation for the next four books will be shared every day this week.

  ➡️ Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILyuBj1tkO8

  ➡️ Start your Bible Memory Journey: https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron

  ➡️ Learn 12 Strategies for Scripture memory: https://www.memorizewhatmatters.com

🔹SUPPORT the MINISTRY 🔹

If you're one of those awesome people who understands that this "free" podcast takes time and effort to produce, there are a few ways that you can support what we're doing here:

• Buy the Merch! Start a conversation about your Bible memory journey with a shirt or sticker to show your love of Scripture! https://www.biblememory.store
• Become a Patron: For those who are part of our community, becoming a Patron is the best way to improve your memorization of Scripture. Get immediate access to all Scripture Sync replays, Memorize Together sessions, small group accountability and all of our courses! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron
• Pay it Forward: Give any amount to help offset the costs of producing and hosting this podcast. Thank you! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/support

Consider this your special invitation to join us for an incredible encounter with the book of Psalms, all 150 chapters recited from memory by our Patrons! Follow along in your Bible or have it playing in the background, but don't miss out on an experience of God's Word that you've never had before.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILyuBj1tkO8

This video will premier on Saturday, October 4th, 2026 at 8am Central Time and will be available for replay after the premier.

Want to join others who are passionate about memorizing Scripture? Become a Patron!

 ✅ Use coupon code "PSALMS" to get 20% off - https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron

 ✅ Learn more Bible memory techniques - https://www.memorizewhatmatters.com

🔹SUPPORT the MINISTRY 🔹

If you're one of those awesome people who understands that this "free" podcast takes time and effort to produce, there are a few ways that you can support what we're doing here:

• Buy the Merch! Start a conversation about your Bible memory journey with a shirt or sticker to show your love of Scripture! https://www.biblememory.store
• Become a Patron: For those who are part of our community, becoming a Patron is the best way to improve your memorization of Scripture. Get immediate access to all Scripture Sync replays, Memorize Together sessions, small group accountability and all of our courses! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron
• Pay it Forward: Give any amount to help offset the costs of producing and hosting this podcast. Thank you! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/support

Using various memory techniques, you're going to know a summary of each chapter of Esther so you have a solid overview of the book and you can retell it in your own words. We also have the free images that you can download and use for yourself or your ministry.

 ✅ Download Outline Images - https://www.biblememorygoal.com/outlines

 ✅ Learn more Bible memory techniques - https://www.memorizewhatmatters.com


🔹SUPPORT the MINISTRY 🔹

If you're one of those awesome people who understands that this "free" podcast takes time and effort to produce, there are a few ways that you can support what we're doing here:

• Buy the Merch! Start a conversation about your Bible memory journey with a shirt or sticker to show your love of Scripture! https://www.biblememory.store
• Become a Patron: For those who are part of our community, becoming a Patron is the best way to improve your memorization of Scripture. Get immediate access to all Scripture Sync replays, Memorize Together sessions, small group accountability and all of our courses! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron
• Pay it Forward: Give any amount to help offset the costs of producing and hosting this podcast. Thank you! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/support

What happens when a global ministry leader hits burnout, and God responds with a call to memorize the entire New Testament? In this episode, Paul Childers, co-founder of Word by Heart, shares how his mother’s radical decision to memorize Revelation under house arrest ignited a generational passion for Scripture memory.

You'll hear how Paul’s own cry for spiritual renewal led him to launch a worldwide Bible memory movement, and why he believes “the truth is in the whole.”


✅ Paul Childers Website - https://www.wordbyheart.org
✅ Word By Heart Resources - https://www.wordbyheart.org/resources/ 

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction & Family’s Faith Under Fire
04:20 The Call: Memorizing the New Testament
08:40 Building Community & Word by Heart’s Global Impact
12:25 Paul's Memory Methodology, Results & Encouragement

🔹SUPPORT BIBLE MEMORY GOAL 🔹

If you're one of those awesome people who understands that this "free" podcast takes time and effort to produce, there are a few ways that you can support what we're doing here:

• Buy the Merch! Start a conversation about your Bible memory journey with a shirt or sticker to show your love of Scripture! https://www.biblememory.store
• Become a Patron: For those who are part of our community, becoming a Patron is the best way to improve your memorization of Scripture. Get immediate access to all Scripture Sync replays, Memorize Together sessions, small group accountability and all of our courses! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron
• Pay it Forward: Give any amount to help offset the costs of producing and hosting this podcast. Thank you! https://www.biblememorygoal.com/support

It's been a difficult week. The news weighs heavy on all of us, and as we process together, I'd like to share a few thoughts on what this means for us as Christians.

If you'd like to support our mission with Bible Memory Goal, there are three ways you can do that:

• Leave a Podcast Rating: it's easy, it's free, and it genuinely helps us.
• Become a Patron: Take your Scripture memory to the next level with the best courses, small groups and accountability available. https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron
• Support Us Financially: We welcome any financial help to offset the costs of producing this free podcast. Every little bit makes a difference. https://www.biblememorygoal.com/support

This is the true story - and a cautionary tale - of a young boy in Russia who memorized all four Gospels word for word, yet grew up a militant atheist. This is what happens when the words enter your head but never penetrate your heart.

Did you enjoy this an other episodes of Memorize What Matters? Be sure to rate and review it here in this podcast player!


🔹SUPPORT BIBLE MEMORY GOAL 🔹

If you're one of those awesome people who understands that this "free" podcast takes time and effort to produce, there are a few ways that you can support what we're doing here:

• Buy the Merch! Start a conversation about your Bible memory journey with a shirt or sticker to show your love of Scripture! 
• Become a Patron: For those who are part of our community, becoming a Patron is the best way to improve your memorization of Scripture. Get immediate access to all Scripture Sync replays, Memorize Together sessions, small group accountability and all of our courses!
• Pay it Forward: Give any amount to help offset the costs of producing and hosting this podcast. Thank you! 

During the month of September, we're going to memorize the book of Psalms (all 150 chapters) as a Patron community. If you'd like to join us, but you're not yet a Patron, visit the following URL and use the code "PSALMS" to get $21 off. https://www.biblememorygoal.co...

Josh answers a number of questions that he's received about Bible memory techniques, the best translations and more.

✅ Learn 12 Proven Strategies: https://www.memorizewhatmatters.com/book


🔹SUPPORT BIBLE MEMORY GOAL 🔹

If you're one of those awesome people who understands that this "free" podcast takes time and effort to produce, there are a few ways that you can support what we're doing here:

• Buy the Merch! Start a conversation about your Bible memory journey with a shirt or sticker to show your love of Scripture! 
• Become a Patron: For those who are part of our community, becoming a Patron is the best way to improve your memorization of Scripture. Get immediate access to all Scripture Sync replays, Memorize Together sessions, small group accountability and all of our courses!
• Pay it Forward: Give any amount to help offset the costs of producing and hosting this podcast. Thank you! 

Billy Graham called it a "stubborn voice" and if you struggle with the voices in your head that tell you you're stupid, you're not enough, or you're not worth anything, a louder voice is important. I hope you're encouraged by this quick voice memo. 

*Don’t forget to leave a review! Every single rating and review makes a HUGE difference in the future of this podcast. Thank you in advance.

 --> Learn 12 proven Bible memory strategies: https://www.memorizewhatmatters.com/book/

What happens when a former meth dealer encounters the transformative power of God’s Word behind bars? Once a well-known face in Kansas car commercials, Aaron Wirtz became a militant atheist and drug dealer before landing in prison, where a skeptical request for a Bible turned into the beginning of spiritual rebirth.

Join Aaron and hundreds of others who prioritize Scripture memorization: https://www.biblememorygoal.com/patron


✅ Aaron Wirtz Website - https://www.aaronwirtz.com
✅ Watch all the Scripture Sync Replays: https://community.biblememorygoal.com/c/scripture-sync-replay/

Chapters:
(00:00:00) From Selling Meth to Memorizing John | Powerful Prison Testimony
(00:01:28) From Drug Addiction to Redemption: Aaron Wirtz's Journey
(00:11:17) Transformative Power of Scripture in a Prisoner's Life
(00:21:40) Bible Memorization Techniques and Personal Transformation
(00:24:49) Reciting the Gospel of John as a Transcendent Experience
(00:28:28) Healing Through Scripture Memorization and Overcoming Self-Doubt


🔹SUPPORT BIBLE MEMORY GOAL 🔹

If you're one of those awesome people who understands that this "free" podcast takes time and effort to produce, there are a few ways that you can support what we're doing here:

• Buy the Merch! Start a conversation about your Bible memory journey with a shirt or sticker to show your love of Scripture! 
• Become a Patron: For those who are part of our community, becoming a Patron is the best way to improve your memorization of Scripture. Get immediate access to all Scripture Sync replays, Memorize Together sessions, small group accountability and all of our courses!
• Pay it Forward: Give any amount to help offset the costs of producing and hosting this podcast. Thank you! 

This simple 7-step process for Bible memory is the best way to prepare you to internalize a chapter or book of the Bible. Download the checklist here: https://www.biblememorygoal.com/checklist

✅ Learn 12 Proven Strategies: https://www.memorizewhatmatters.com/book


🔹SUPPORT BIBLE MEMORY GOAL 🔹

If you're one of those awesome people who understands that this "free" podcast takes time and effort to produce, there are a few ways that you can support what we're doing here:

• Buy the Merch! Start a conversation about your Bible memory journey with a shirt or sticker to show your love of Scripture! 
• Become a Patron: For those who are part of our community, becoming a Patron is the best way to improve your memorization of Scripture. Get immediate access to all Scripture Sync replays, Memorize Together sessions, small group accountability and all of our courses!
• Pay it Forward: Give any amount to help offset the costs of producing and hosting this podcast. Thank you! 

Janet is proof that it doesn't matter when you start, only that you get started. In this keynote talk from Scripture Sync 2025, Janet encourages everyone to not just pray for consistency in Bible memory, but to pray for a hunger of God's Word.

✅ Watch all the Scripture Sync Replays: https://community.biblememorygoal.com/c/scripture-sync-replay/

✅ Buy Janet Pope's Book: https://geni.us/his-word-janet-pope

 🔹🔹 Learn how Janet creates a Scripture Memory Group: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anatomy-of-a-thriving-bible-memory-group-janet-pope-pt-1/id1624868713?i=1000665572543

✅ Learn 12 Proven Bible Memory Strategies: https://www.memorizewhatmatters.com/book/


🔹SUPPORT BIBLE MEMORY GOAL 🔹

If you're one of those awesome people who understands that this "free" podcast takes time and effort to produce, there are a few ways that you can support what we're doing here:

• Buy the Merch! Start a conversation about your Bible memory journey with a shirt or sticker to show your love of Scripture! 
• Become a Patron: For those who are part of our community, becoming a Patron is the best way to improve your memorization of Scripture. Get immediate access to all Scripture Sync replays, Memorize Together sessions, small group accountability and all of our courses!
• Pay it Forward: Give any amount to help offset the costs of producing and hosting this podcast. Thank you! 

If you've never heard of the first-letter method, you're in for a treat. But even if you have or you already use it, we're going to uncover 5 unique ways to leverage this method for memorization and review of Bible passages.

 ▶ Watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRGzfTxsCn8

 ▶ Or check out the visuals on the website: https://www.biblememorygoal.com/memory-methods/first-letter-bible-memory-method-explained/

There are plenty of resources from this episode that you'll find links to below, but make sure you also grab a copy of the Memorize What Matters book available as a papeback or audiobook: https://www.memorizewhatmatters.com

Bible Memory Apps I recommend
  ✅ Bible Memory App: https://www.biblememorygoal.com/app

  ✅ Verses App: https://www.getverses.com/

  ✅ Bible Memory App: https://www.remem.me/

Tools to Transform Text to First-Letter
  ✅ First Letter for ESV: https://bates.link/scripture-letters/

  ✅ First Letter Grid Tool: https://scripturememory.com/verselocker/grid/

  ✅ Josh's ChatGPT AI Tool: https://www.biblememorygoal.com/first-letter

Physical Reminders
  ✅ Get a T-Shirt: https://www.biblememory.store

  ✅ Bracelets, Tattoos, & Keyrings: https://dwelldifferently.com/

  ✅ Weekly Wristbands: https://biblememproject.com/

Is it possible to get an ENTIRE Sunday school class to memorize the outline of John...and ENJOY it? According to Esther Yunkin, it absolutely is. Not only that, you can even start attaching memory verses and lessons to the outline as well.

Esther shares the innovative techniques she used to help not only her boys but also her entire church's children memorize the outline of the Gospel of John.

✅ Esther Yunkin Website - https://healthwithhashimotos.c.../ 
✅ Health with Hashimoto's Podcast - Available on all major podcast platforms
✅ Outline of the Gospel of John Resource - https://www.biblememorygoal.co.../ 
✅ Biblical Illiteracy Episode (Abilene Christian University Interview) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?...=2s 
✅ Spanish Version of Memorize What Matters - hhttps://memorizaloqueimporta.c.../libro 
✅ Get Josh's book Memorize What Matters - https://www.memorizewhatmatter...

What would you memorize if you knew you couldn’t fail? Or better yet…what if we redefine what it means to “succeed” or “fail” in our Scripture memory journey? Join Josh from the balcony of his hotel in Laos as he shared a quick voice memo. 

*Don’t forget to leave a review! Every single rating and review makes a HUGE difference in the future of this podcast. Thank you in advance.

 --> Learn 12 proven Bible memory strategies: https://www.memorizewhatmatters.com/book/