On May 31, 2005 at the age of 23, Shelby Kennedy went home to be with the Lord after an intense struggle with cancer. Shelby was described as a “one-in-a-million Christian who had an unusual spiritual gift of faith, a special person who radiated joy, life, and hope to everyone she met.” Although Shelby had minimal energy and needed to use a wheelchair most of the time she was awake, what energy she had was focused on proclaiming Jesus Christ. Her testimony of hope in the midst of a fiery trial sparked a spirit of revival in those around her.

Much of what kept Shelby’s joy alive in her last days was time spent studying the Word of God. Shelby is the inspiration behind the Shelby Kennedy Foundation, a nonprofit ministry established in her name to encourage children and youth to grow in Christ through Scripture memorization. Shelby’s testimony sparked an incredible vision—to launch a world-class Bible Bee!

 

Mission
The mission of The Shelby Kennedy Foundation is to help families strengthen their personal relationships with the Lord and dynamically impact the world as ambassadors of Jesus Christ.

Vision
The vision for the Bible Bee is to encourage parents as they disciple their children through in-depth study of the Word of God, Scripture memorization, and prayer.

Board of Directors

Dr. Michael Farris, Esq., Chairman
Mr. David Craven, President

 Mr. David Keith, Treasurer

Mrs. Debbi Kennedy, Secretary

Mr. Todd Thetford, Assistant Secretary

Mrs. Tracy Craven

Mr. Ken Kennedy

Dr. John Leininger

 Mr. Douglas Phillips, Esq.


Board of Advisors

Kay Arthur
Founder, Precept Ministries International (www.precept.org)

John Beckett
Businessman and Author

Joel Belz
Founder, WORLD Magazine (www.worldmag.com)

Dr. William Brown
President, Cedarville University (www.cedarville.edu)

Kirk Cameron
Actor, Speaker, Way of the Master (www.WayoftheMaster.com)

Ray Comfort
Author, Speaker, Way of the Master (www.WayoftheMaster.com)

Jack Eggar
President/CEO, Awana Clubs International (www.awana.org)

Joni Eareckson Tada
Founder, Joni and Friends, Inc. (www.joniandfriends.org)

Dr. Michael Farris
Chancellor, Patrick Henry College (www.phc.edu)

Dr. Bill Gothard
Founder,  Institute for Basic Life Principles and Advanced Training Institute International  (www.iblp.org)

Rebecca Hagelin
Vice President, The Heritage Foundation Chancellor, Patrick Henry College (www.heritage.org)

Ken Ham
Founder, Answers in Genesis; The Creation Museum (www.answersingenesis.org)

Alex and Brett Harris
Co-Founders, The Rebelution (www.therebelution.com)

Susan Howard
Actress, Writer, Political Activist

Dr. Tim LaHaye
Pastor, Author, Speaker (www.timlahaye.com)

Dr. John Morris
President, Institute for Creation Research (www.icr.org)

Tony Perkins
President, Family Research Council (www.frc.org)

Russell B. Pulliam
Associate Editor, Indianapolis Star (www.indystar.com)

Dennis Rainey
President / Co-founder of FamilyLife (www.familylife.com)

Pastor Chuck Smith
Pastor and Founder, Calvary Chapel (www.calvarychapel.com)

Matthew Staver
Founder and Chairman, Liberty Counsel (www.lc.org)

John Stonestreet
Executive Director, Summit Ministries (www.summit.org)

Mark Taylor
President,  Tyndale House Publishing  (www.tyndale.com/)

Wendy Wright
President, Concerned Women for America (www.cwfa.org)


Executive Staff

Mr. Mark D. McMahan, Chief Executive Officer
Mrs. Tammy McMahan, Vice President of Curriculum and Events
Mr. Thomas G. Widdoes, Vice President of Operations 


Professional Staff

Mr. Rich Zepernick, Accountant/Business Manager
Mrs. Susan Carter, Customer Service Manager

Mr. Ben Freeman, Fulfillment Manager

Mrs. Eastlyn Tolle, Technical Layout Supervisor

Ms. Caroline McKenzie, National Event Coordinator