Church Bus Ministry

 

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.