In some religious circles
certain programs are considered essential and above scrutiny because they
appear spiritual and involve big numbers to brag about, such as Church Bus
Ministry. Does a Church Bus Ministry involve any negatives to consider?
-The bus ministry is an example of class evangelism:
The bus ministry was never intended to reach all men, the purpose is to bring
in large numbers of children to worship services, and bus workers are often
told not to bother trying to convert adults.
-There is little or no long-term fruit. Many point to
numbers and motives as a sign of success and spirituality while neglecting to
look honestly and objectively at long-term results. (For example, how many of
those involved stayed active in church through their teen years, through their
twenties, and into their middle-age years, and how many of those who did would
never have heard the Gospel otherwise?)
-This encourages and reinforces poor parenting habits
and neglect of parental responsibilities. (E.g., encouraging parents to send
and not bring children to church, makes the religious education of children by
their parents at home appear unnecessary, etc.)
-While nobody should object to the church arranging to
provide transportation to church for those who are already interested in
attending church and would come if they had transportation, this is not the
purpose of a bus ministry. Bus workers routinely pick up children from homes
with more than one vehicle, and church bus ministries often operate in cities
and towns where adequate transportation is already available (busses, trains,
subways, taxis, etc.) and transportation to church is rarely a problem.
-Bus ministries thrive on reward motivation, not
witnessing and discipling. When the gimmicks cease, so do the riders.
