I love the bus ministry! The bus ministry is the single greatest evangelistic tool in the history of the world. No other ministry of the local church has been responsible for more people coming to church and coming to Christ than the bus ministry.
Our church has run buses since the opening day in 1975. Last year, our church was privileged to bring our one millionth bus rider to Sunday school. There are three keys that must be a part of our service if we are to be effective bus workers.
The three “P’s” of the bus ministry are:
1. Prayer
Prayer is the supremely underutilized weapon in the Christian arsenal. Too often, we operate in the power of the flesh. If we are going to accomplish anything of eternal value and significance, it must be through the power of Christ. In John 15:5, our Lord said, “Without me ye can do nothing.”
It has been said that we should work like it all depends on us and pray like it all depends on God. A bus route bathed in work and prayer will experience the blessings of God.
Pray for your bus riders’ salvation, walk with God, family situations, physical needs, spiritual needs, protection, provision, and relationships. The more you pray for them, the more you will love them.
2. Promotion
Bus promotions are a great way to help build a bus route and encourage attendance of your faithful riders. If you will create a flyer advertising the upcoming promotion, I believe you will find it easier to invite new riders and get “old” riders excited about coming to church the next day.
Relating to promotions on the bus, you should run a bus program every week. This program may consist of singing, contests, games, Bible memory, Bible trivia, skits, and other exciting activities. The program is the first and last impression that your bus riders have of the church. Make it a great one!
3. Persistence
“By persistence, even the snail reached the ark.” If you stay in the bus ministry any length of time, you will have discouraging weeks on the bus. STAY AT IT! Keep investing, keep loving, and keep sowing. The reward is coming. God’s Word encourages us to “not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
In the bus ministry, there is some fruit that we do not get to enjoy until we stay faithful for many years. Stay faithful and stay excited about the ministry that God has given you – the greatest ministry in all the world!