PCUSA Pastor Wins Jeopardy! After Coming From Behind

Kristin Franke, an associate pastor at National Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., recently made headlines by winning an episode of *Jeopardy!* despite starting the game with a significant deficit. Franke entered the Final Jeopardy round $1,500 behind two-day defending champion Justin Robbins of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Both contestants failed to answer the final clue correctly, but Franke’s strategic bet of $1,400 secured her victory with a total of $8,900. Robbins, who bet $8,801, finished in second place.

Franke, who has been taking the *Jeopardy!* anytime test since 2012, said she cannot imagine life without the game. To prepare for the show, she followed the study habits of *Jeopardy!* super champion James Holzhauer, reading children’s non-fiction to strengthen her general knowledge, especially in areas like world history where she felt less confident. Her first episodes were recorded on August 26, the day after the death of music icon Dolly Parton. Franke noted that the “Remembering Dolly Parton” category, which appeared in the second half of the episode, was written the day of the recording.

Franke began the game slowly, but she turned it around by correctly answering four out of five clues in the Kid Lit category, giving her a modest lead at the first break. In the Double Jeopardy round, she fell behind Robbins but rebounded with correct answers in categories about gems and six-syllable words. A missed Daily Double bet temporarily set her back, but she regained momentum when Robbins also fumbled a Daily Double. Franke admitted she was not confident in the “The movies” category for Final Jeopardy, choosing to bet conservatively to avoid risking a large amount. She was surprised when Robbins missed the correct answer, which was *Thelma & Louise*.

Despite her strong performance, Franke did not retain the championship title. The October 1 episode was won by new champion Rian Robertson. Franke, who was ordained in March at National Presbyterian Church, serves as associate pastor for next generation formation. She previously held the position of director of youth ministries at the same church and has spent the past 20 years working in youth ministry. Her journey to *Jeopardy!* highlights the intersection of faith, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge, reflecting the values often emphasized in Reformed Christian communities. As Proverbs 18:17 reminds us, “The first to present his case seems right, until the other comes forward.” Franke’s story is a testament to perseverance and the unexpected ways in which God may use individuals to shine in their unique callings.

Source: Read the original report