Contact: Genee Maxfeldt, National Bible Bee, 210-367-4101

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Nov. 15, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- The 2016 National Bible Bee will be broadcast on Facebook LIVE beginning November 17th. Viewers will watch the Scripture knowledge phenomenon of the year, from the Opening Ceremony to the Competition Finals, through Facebook Live and BibleBee.org.

This powerful, heart-grabbing proclamation of God's Word culminates a year long journey for the top 362 contestants who arrive this week in San Antonio, Texas from across the Nation. These young people will compete for over $270,000 in prize money. "This competition will have audiences on the edge of their seats," says Emeal Zwayne, master of ceremonies for the National Bible Bee Competition. "We expect an entire new level of engagement with audiences through Facebook Live."

Contestants ranging in age from 7 to 18 have been preparing for months committing to memory more than 800 Bible verses. "All the contestants know that the real prize of the National Bible Bee is the Word of God." says Hannah Leary, the 2015 winner of the National Bible Bee Game Show and one of this year's commentators for the National Bible Bee Competition.

Broadcast Schedule:

Thursday, November 17 at 7:30 PM - Opening Ceremony
Friday, November 18 at 8:00 AM - Qualifier Awards Presentation
Friday, November 18 at 11:00 AM - Junior Semi-Finals
Friday, November 18 at 2:30 PM - Primary Semi-Finals
Friday, November 18 at 6:00 PM - Senior Semi-Finals
Saturday, November 19 at 8:00 AM - Junior Finals
Saturday, November 19 at 11:00 AM - Primary Finals
Saturday, November 19 at 2:00 PM - Senior Finals
Saturday, November 19 at 6:45 PM - Award Celebration and Keynote Speakers

Keynote speakers this year include Steve Green, president of Hobby Lobby and chairman of the Museum of the Bible and Ken Ham president and Chairman of Answers in Genesis, the Creation Museum and the newly opened Ark Encounter.

Learn more about the National Bible Bee at biblebee.org/competition.

WATCH LIVE: www.biblebee.org/live
Or at www.facebook.com/nationalbiblebee

THE NATIONAL BIBLE BEE: A nonprofit ministry that began in 2009 with a vision "to know God's Word and make Him known," the National Bible Bee's mission is to engage young people in the memorization and study of God's Word and provide opportunities to proclaim it through local, national and televised competitions.