The Heart of the Scriptorium

Written by Paola Insauste Marín

Photo by Danielle “Didi” Doran

The scriptorium at Bryan College is an event where students memorize and recite verses of Scripture, focusing this year on the teachings of Jesus. Jim Woychuk, the pastor overseeing the project explains, “The basic point is to honor the Lord by treasuring His words and to connect with Bryan College’s heritage, which emphasizes the glory of Jesus Christ and the infallibility of the Scriptures.”

The scriptorium isn’t about memorizing isolated verses; instead, it emphasizes larger portions, between six and twenty verses, recited with expression and passion. This approach echoes a rich tradition where memorization transforms into a deep spiritual engagement.

Discussing the significance of memorizing Scripture, the pastor notes, “No one becomes a Christian without first learning some of God’s promises.” He explains that Scripture plays a key role in faith, spiritual battles and finding comfort in moments of fear or anxiety.

When we’re attacked by worry, we often don’t have time to call someone or look something up. We need that truth already in our hearts,” he adds. Additionally, memorization equips believers to respond confidently to challenges, much like Jesus did when tempted by Satan.

His personal journey into this role is deeply rooted in influence from Bryan College and his family, especially his father. “My dad came to faith because he memorized Scripture,” he shares, recounting how his father initially memorized verses to impress a teacher, only for those words to come alive years later.

Woychuk’s commitment to promoting scripture memorization has taken him worldwide. He reflects on the impact, emphasizing that when people store Scripture in their hearts, “they are equipped for sharing their faith, for being wise, for family life and for facing life’s big questions.”

While he has not often seen the long-term impact of students’ memorization firsthand, he’s hopeful. “Sometimes I’ve seen students begin to really value God’s Word, but it often takes time for that to fully blossom,” he explains.

He has observed how Scripture equips people like a well-prepared camper or a skilled carpenter, ready for any situation. In fact, he stresses that when faced with spiritual struggles, “The right way to respond is to say, ‘It is written,’ focusing on what God says rather than what’s popular or what everyone else believes.”

When asked about memorization techniques, he offers practical advice: “Listen to it, write it out, or back it up with motions. Repetition is key. Say it out loud, even to another person.”

He also mentions the power of singing Scripture, noting an upcoming performance at the scriptorium by a group from Birmingham that sets Bible verses to music. Even with simple strategies, memorization is a discipline that requires perseverance.

Discussing his most challenging and cherished passages, he shares, “Psalm 119 is the hardest—it’s the longest chapter in the Bible, and I’ve been working on it for years. My favorites are a tie between Matthew 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount, and the book of Romans, which beautifully lays out the gospel.” For him, verses like Romans 5:1-2 are a reminder of the peace and grace that faith provides.

In response to whether memorizing isolated verses misses the bigger message, he clarifies that while understanding context is crucial, it’s practical to start small. “Jesus Himself often quoted half of a verse to make a point. Memorizing little bite-sized pieces helps in everyday life, though memorizing whole chapters later will deepen understanding.” With a balanced approach, Scripture becomes not just words committed to memory but a lasting guide through life.