“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
I am thankful for every person that is involved in the bus ministry in any capacity. I am grateful for everyone who is willing to sacrifice a portion of his week to be a part of the eternal cause of bringing people to church on a bus. I am thankful for the average bus route and for the good bus route; however, I believe we should
all strive to be a part of a GREAT bus route! I would like to offer ten indicators of a GREAT bus route. Maybe one of them will challenge and encourage you in your ministry for our Lord.
1. A good steward of God’s money—a full bus
It takes the same amount of gas, insurance, and maintenance to run a 66-passenger bus that brings only 20 riders to church as it does to bring a full load. It should be our goal to fill up our bus every week.
2. Adults on the bus or parents driving in to church every week
Develop a relationship with your bus riders’ families. Invite the parents, and plan special occasions that will encourage them to visit your church.
3. An exciting program every Sunday
The program on the bus is the first and last impression that your riders have of your ministry. Make it count!
4. A rider in the Christian school
If your church has a Christian school, you should make it your goal to see one of your bus riders enrolled in that school when the timing is right.
5. Teens in the youth department
Bus teenagers should be welcomed and involved in the church youth group. They should attend activities, camps, conferences, and other events. Seek to develop a “preacher boy” on your bus route.
6. Riders coming to church on Sunday night
Lee Roberson wisely said, “It takes three to thrive.” We should strive to see our riders in church on Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night.
7. Riders memorizing Scripture
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9).
8. A faithful driver
The driver is the first person each rider sees. Let them see the same smiling, friendly face every Sunday as they get on the bus for church.
9. A captain with a dirty white shirt
Get involved on your bus route. Invest your life in the lives of your riders!
10. The riders should know who the pastor is
Your church should be their church. They should know the pastor, the name of the church, and the phone number of the church. Encourage them to call the church should their family have any emergency or need.
Now, grade your route. Giving yourself 10% for each item, what is your bus route’s “grade”? Where can you improve? While a good route will accomplish much for the cause of Christ, seek to be involved with a GREAT route!
Perhaps your “score” fell a bit short of what you would like for it to be and you are wondering how can you achieve these worthy goals? In the next issue of the North Valley News, I will give you a little formula that I have used to encourage bus captains and workers in this endeavor. Until then, keep on the firing line of the bus ministry!
Something our bus route has done to reach families and that is to have a yearly bus banquet. Invite the families to the banquet and take time for the following: preach the gospel, show a video of the kids and the special days, take pictures leading up to this day, recognize your drivers and workers with a small gift (candy bar in a coffee mug), have the Sunday school teachers attend so the parents can meet them, provide a simple meal for the families and decorate for a specific theme. God blessed one year with a baptism for our bus ministry night and his dad was there to watch. Thank you for the encouragement. God bless you.