Truth Magazine

By Guthrie Dean

“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem; and if it be meet for me to go also, they shall go with me.” This case of poverty in Jerusalem should not be confused with the famine which struck all of Judea in the days of Claudius Caesar which has already been discussed.

2 Corinthians 8:13-15

“For I say not this that others may be eased and ye distressed; but by equality; for your abundance being a supply at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want; that there may be equality: as it is written. He that gathered much had nothing over; and he that gathered little had no lack.” This passage also refers to the case of Jerusalem’s poverty, as mentioned in 1 Cor. 16:1-4 and 2 Cor. 8:16-24 (which follows).

2 Corinthians 8:16-24

“But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord. And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel is spread through all the churches; and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in the matter of this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and to show your readiness: avoiding this, that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministered by us: for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest, by reason of the great confidence which he hath in you. Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you-ward; or our brethren, they are the messengers of the churches, they are the glory of Christ. Show ye therefore unto them in the face of the churches the proof of your love, and of our glorying on your behalf.” Some have tried to use this example of church cooperation to prove a sponsoring church arrangement, or to prove the formation of a board of directors to oversee and head up a work for a number of churches. But such is not the case. These messengers merely took the funds from the contributing churches and delivered them to the “poor among the saints” which were at Jerusalem (Rom 15:26, A.S.). And this should not be taken to mean that the Jerusalem elders were by-passed in the delivery of the funds. David Lipscomb makes a clear and concise comment on t hi se messengers. “These messengers of the churches were sent by the churches, and sustained the same relation to the churches sending them as the apostles sent by Christ sustained to him. The apostles of Christ were sent by Him to deliver a message. They had no authority except to deliver the message and perform the work Christ sent them to do. They had no authority as delegates. They had no right to confer one with another to determine how the Lord should act. They had no right to legislate for God. The messengers or the churches had no more right to assemble, confer, determine how or what Christ and God should do. The messengers of the churches were sent to carry the message and do the specific work the church sent them to do, without direction or power to change or otherwise direct the work of the churches. Messengers have no right to meet other messengers and organize a body, nor to consider or determine what is best, nor to form a new organization, nor to legislate. Scriptural messengers carried a message or gift, went to do a work and return. Their power was limited to this” (A Commentary on the New Testament Epistles, Vol. 3, p. 117-118).

2 Corinthians 11:8

“I robbed other churches, taking wages of them that I might minister unto you.” This is a case of churches cooperating through concurrent action, by sending wages directly to Paul as he labored in the gospel. No sponsoring church nor society stood between Paul and the support sent to him.

Philippians 4:15-16

“And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only; for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need.” This is another case of support being sent directly to the evangelist in the field.

None of the above verses authorize a missionary or benevolent society. And none of the verses authorize the sponsoring church type of cooperation. The sponsoring church idea is foreign to the teachings of the Bible. Elred M. Stevens had a good article in the Firm Foundation (August 3, 1965) that I shall quote from with regards to the “sponsoring craze” among us: “A local church alone cannot even have a great gospel meeting any more. It has been told that `the day of great meetings is over.’ However, if that church will find one or two more congregations to cooperate in a ‘campaign’ to be financed by the cooperation of many churches, the picture changes. This is particularly true if arrangements are made for a brotherhood public relations firm to do the ballyhoo and handle the promotion. This author was recently shocked (to put it mildly) to learn the cost of postage and promotional commissions involved in some well-known cooperative ‘campaigns.’ We are traveling rapidly toward the need for turning over some tables and driving some moneychangers out of the temple! The local congregation has lost its appeal to preachers. We cry about our preacher shortage. Local preaching no longer challenges. It is only for one who is too limited in talent and void of ambition to break in at the higher levels, particularly the promotion of projects that are too big for the local church. We speak much of the scripturalness of our congregational autonomy; however, let a congregation try to exercise it and see what happens. Watch how quickly it is labeled and gets into trouble.”

Truth Magazine XXII: 19, pp. 312-313
May 11, 1978

By O. C. Birdwell

Statements are often made which indicate a prevalent lack of knowledge about Bible teaching concerning the church. Some ask, “Do you mean that one has to be a member of the church to be saved?” Another may say, “The church is not the savior,” inferring by the statement that someone teaches that the church is the savior. Also, one might hear, “I believe one church is as good as another,” indicating that they believe Jesus built many and that they are all equal. To this list the reader may be able to add similar statements he has heard, or possibly some that he himself has uttered. With this problem before us, let us do some simple, but honest and revealing, study about the church in the New Testament, and try to see how that church relates to our salvation.

“Church” in the New Testament

The Greek word “ekklesia, ” in the Greek New Testament, has been translated in different places by the words “church,” “congregation,” and “assembly.” The word “church” is used when reference is made by Jesus to the universal body He would build (Matt. 16:18), and also, by the apostle Paul, when he addresses a local congregation (1 Cor. 1:2). The word “congregation” is used on occasions when the writer is speaking of the local church or assembly (Heb. 2:12, ASV, or Matt. 18:17, ASV, see footnote in ASIA. The word `ekklesia”was commonly used in the days of the apostles to refer to most any assembly of people. Such is its usage in Acts 19:39, where it is translated “assembly.” The word is used by Luke to refer to townspeople who were not Christians. The word is also used in our day to refer to bodies of people who obviously do not belong to Christ. Just because a group may be a church does not mean they are “of Christ.” The word, however, is the one used by our Lord in Matt. 16:18 when He spoke of the spiritual institution He would build. He also called it the kingdom and revealed that it would begin in Jerusalem, in the lifetime of the then present disciples, and with the coming of the Holy Spirit to guide them unto all the truth. The event took place in Jerusalem on the Pentecost following the ascension of Christ (Luke 24:46ff; Acts ch. 1 and 2). The facts of the gospel were preached. People believed the facts and asked “What shall we do?” They were told to “repent and be baptized.” The Lord added “to them day by day” (v. 47, ASS, or to “the church daily” (KJV), such as were being saved. Obviously, those who were saved from past sins were added by the Lord to His church. They did not “join the church” but became members through their obedience to the gospel. In our day, if one has forgiveness of past sins and enters the church, he will do so through this same process.

Are Denominations the Church?

It is popularly believed that the church is the sum of all the denominations in the world. Often John 15:5 is used for proof. Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches.” Many interpret this statement as they view modern denominationalism. They conclude that Jesus means that the different churches are branches. This is not the case. Jesus is speaking about His disciples, individually, being branches. He said, “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch”‘(v. 6). It is somewhat ridiculous to suppose that the denominational bodies, many of which teach diametrically opposed doctrines, could come together to make up the one body of Christ. The idea is surely not taught in the New Testament.

Why Do Many Churches Exist?

Many have asked, “From whence, then, came all the :denominations?” First, we can say assuredly, and without fear of successful contradiction, that they were not built by Jesus Christ. This should be enough. If this is not enough, in the second place, we can show that all of them came into existence through human invention and intervention. In the early centuries following the establishment of the church, there was a falling away from the truth of the New Testament. This was predicted by New Testament writers (Acts 20:28-31; 1 Tim. 4:1-4, and others), and began even before some of them died. The completeness of the falling away has been presented by historians. In the falling away from the truth, false religions were established upon false doctrines. Since that time there have been many efforts to reform existing false religious institutions. These efforts have, in the main, resulted in still other denominations being started because the reformers have not gone back to only the Bible. They have followed men and men’s creeds. Even as did Israel of old, people have trusted in their “multitude of mighty men,” instead of depending upon Jehovah’s revelation for their guidance (Hos. 10:13).

Some of Their False Teaching

For many years some preachers in denominational bodies have claimed a direct guidance by the Holy Spirit. They have claimed this for their teaching, and some even affirm the ability to perform miracles by the Spirit. Yet, they, as already shown, teach contradictory doctrines. Surely one ought to have the right to suppose that they do not affirm that the Holy Spirit verifies, by signs and wonders, one teaching by one man, and, at the same time, another altogether different teaching by someone else! This would place the blame for the existing religious divisions on the Holy Spirit. But such is the doctrine of denominationalism! It teaches that the Spirit operates in one church to teach a doctrine and operates in another church to contradict the same doctrine.

One radio preacher, who preaches for a United Pentecostal Church, recently severely criticized the denominational machinery of the national denominational group with which he is identified. He affirmed that his local church is independent; that this is right, and the others are wrong and violate scripture. Yet, he still believes the organizational preachers can speak in tongues and work miracles, which power he also claims for himself. So, he has the Holy Spirit verifying what he believes to be right, and at the same time, verifying what he believes to be false. The truth is, the Holy Spirit has already confirmed the word through signs and miracles. That word is written in the New Testament. He does not continue, through direct intervention, to verify it today. Denominationalists need to see that the Holy Spirit has never endorsed any false teaching by enabling the teacher to perform signs and miracles. It is mere folly to claim such endorsement today.

Conclusion

One plea that we make to you, our reader, and to all who hear us preach, is that people should not become members of any of these man-made churches. They are not essential to salvation. Membership in the church Jesus built, however, is essential. To say this is not to say that the church is the savior. Rather than being the savior, the church constitutes the saved. Those who repent and are baptized are, upon this obedience, added to the church (Acts 2:38-47). Paul affirms that Christ is the savior of the church (Eph. 5:23).

Jesus, in presenting a parable about the kingdom, said, “The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). That which will produce the kingdom or church today in any community or nation is the pure and unadulterated word. Add to it the theology of Augustine, Luther, Calvin, or any other uninspired man, and something other than the church of the New Testament is produced. This is what has happened in our day. Jesus has not promised to save these bodies, but only the faithful in His own.

Truth Magazine XXII: 19, pp. 311-312
May 11, 1978

By David Harkrider

This is a story of how the church at Jerusalem provided transportation to its services. The story is based on supposition. However, you may not think this speculation farfetched when considered in the light of certain facts. Brethren in the twentieth century have devised a scheme for gathering crowds to church services called the Bus Ministry. This plan utilizes an appealing form of transportation, coupled with door prizes, as an inducement. Realizing that the Jerusalem brethren were no less brilliant and certainly as zealous to follow every scriptural means of gathering crowds to hear the gospel, gives us a good basis upon which to rest our supposition about the Jerusalem Mule Ministry. Add to this the fact that some among them were inspired with the mind of Christ, and we may be certain that no available and legitimate means of getting people to church services was overlooked. When brethren today question the Bus Ministry they are accused of being against getting people to hear the gospel. Surely we can not conclude that there was any such reluctance on the part of the Jerusalem brethren. Therefore, since the means were available, and the necessary zeal and wisdom were present, it seems inevitable that we must conclude that the Jerusalem brethren had a Mule Ministry. After all, do we not read in Acts that tremendous crowds assembled to hear the gospel preached? What further proof could we require to convince us that our supposition is well founded?

It is likely that the Pharisees had already established routes throughout Jerusalem transporting children to the synagogues. This seems apparent from the fact that they compassed land and sea to make one proselyte (Matt. 23:15). Not to be outdone by the Pharisees the Jerusalem brethren sent their mule trains on the same routes. They would get there earlier and offer bigger and better prizes to ride the Church of Christ Joy Mule Train. No doubt they even painted the mules bright colors and added some exotic forms of transportation. After all if twentieth century brethren can import buses from England, the Jerusalem brethren were wise enough to see the advantage of using camels from Egypt.

I can see that the Jerusalem brethren had a great advantage over the Pharisees. The apostles had the power to multiply loaves and fishes and there was no way the Pharisees could outdo them in offering prizes for coming to church. Multiplying loaves and fishes was proven to be an effective way to gather a multitude. In John 6:24 we read: “When the multitude therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they themselves got into the boats, and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.” Jesus identified that which prompted the multitude to assemble in verse 26: “Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye ate loaves and were filled.” So here we have positive proof that the apostles had the power to employ a gimmick that was a verified crowd getter. The rebuke spoken by Jesus in verse 27 offers some problem. But surely it was not an insurmountable obstacle. We judge this because twentieth century brethren seem to have no difficulty harmonizing this scripture with their Bus Ministry.

In all likelihood, the Jerusalem church had some problems controlling the crowds that rode their mule trains. Children attracted by the excitement of the transportation and the prizes, seem for some strange reason to lack interest in gospel preaching. They seem to react in much the same manner that a fish, drawn by an artificial lure, reacts when he feels the hook. But the fish who swallows the worm is hooked, and fight though he may, he still must submit to the will of him who fooled him with the worm.

Obviously though, humans cannot be controlled like fish and .such conflict of purposes inevitably will disrupt the services and distract those who came to worship God. No doubt the Jerusalem brethren experiencing such problems brought in Timothy, Titus and other young preachers and conducted special services for their Mule Ministry pupils. After all, who could expect children who have never been to church services to sit still and listen to an old head like Peter. Even promising them a picnic if they would sit quietly did not seem to help. The perfect solution was the Jerusalem youth church. Of course their limited attention span had to be accommodated and not much teaching could be done. But the whole program was considered worthwhile because it kept the children out of the synagogues of the Pharisees and gave the zealous Christians of Jerusalem a deep sense of personal satisfaction to work so diligently for the Lord by driving the mules.

It ought to be added that the parents of the Mule Ministry children didn’t seem to object to the indoctrination of their offspring. They seemed to welcome the free baby-sitting service and whatever teaching took place was not very apparent because all their children talked about was the fun they had riding the mules, attending the “fellowships” and getting the prizes. The brethren had so cunningly taught them, that even the children didn’t know that they had been indoctrinated.

The Mule Ministry was a tremendous success though it is somewhat strange that the Bible doesn’t mention it. Is it possible we have supposed too much?

Truth Magazine XXII: 19, pp. 310-311
May 11, 1978

By Mike Willis

In recent years, the liberals have mimicked the denominations in their involvement in the bus ministry. Whereas I had grown rather accustomed to seeing the parking lots of the denominations filled with buses, I have been shocked to see the Lord’s churches become involved in such nonsense. Yet, they have buried themselves in all of the promotional tactics used by the denominations.

Perhaps we should begin this article with a definition of a “bus ministry.” Like the youth ministry, campaign ministry, campus ministry, and youth camp ministry, the bus ministry is not mentioned in the Bible. Hence, to define what a bus ministry is, requires us to consult the materials published by those involved in them. Contrary to the impressions which some leave, the bus ministry is not just a method of providing transportation to those who would like to attend worship but have no way.

When most people start a bus program they think about a large number of small busses going out and bringing in people to the services who are already interested in coming to the church services and they will come because of free transportation. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Basically, the bus ministry is not a matter of transportation. It is a matter of personal interest.

Please erase from your mind that the bus ministry is simply transportation for people that have no other way to get to church. In many of the homes contacted, you will find two automobiles in the front yard but would never drive on to church services (Russell L. Sample, Reaching The Common Man With The Gospel of Christ Through The Bus Ministry, pp. 5-6).

We must approach the Bus Ministry with the realization that it IS NOT a transportation system. Greyhound and Trailways busses operate in most towns, and they are fine transportation systems, but they don’t bring very many people to church services. Many people have the idea that the church should buy a bus or two, and go out and bring in all the poor people who do not have a way. This could not be farther from the truth. An effective Bus Evangelism program is built on people, bus workers who love the Lord and who love souls (Toby Quinn, Bring Them In With Buses!, pp. 5-6).

Hence, the bus ministry is not just providing transportation to the underprivileged who have no way to attend services. It is a means used to help a congregation to grow. Hence, we need to find out whether or not it is a scriptural means. To do so, one will have to learn more about the bus ministry as it is presently being operated. No one, to my knowledge, is opposed to the church making arrangements to provide transportation to those who have no transportation to and from services. A better understanding of the bus ministry will clarify the opposition to it.

Class Evangelism

The bus ministry is a pure example of class evangelism. It was never intended to reach all men. It is designed to reach the children-persons generally to young to be obedient to the gospel of Christ. Notice the following quotations as evidence of this fact:

Look for children playing or play equipment and toys. Go after the children first but do not neglect the opportunity to bring any and all of the family. Consider every person with whom you talk a prospective rider! The bulk of the children who ride will be between the ages of four years and twelve years old. The largest percentage of these will probably be five years old through nine years old. However, many teens and adults will also ride (Carl W. Wade, Joy Bus Evangelism, p. 27).

Look for children! In order to establish a new route, some of the workers, along with the captain of the bus that will run the route, need to ride through certain areas and look for signs of a good route. Usually, housing projects, college or university dorms, trailer parks, military installations, subdivisions, etc., in the cities are likely places for finding many children. Look for a concentrated population. Watch for tricycles, bicycles, swing sets, toys, etc., in the yard. Remember your appeal is to and for children. Rural routes can be very profitable (Albert Hill, On the Move With Bus Evangelism, p. 49).

Keep in mind that your main appeal is for children — children that are not going anywhere regularly to Sunday School (Ibid., p. 52).

Don’t ask the parents to ride. If you do, most of them take it as an insult. They may have three cars sitting in the yard. Go after the children. Forget about the parents for the time being. You will reach them later, after a number of visits to their home on Saturdays by the bus captain (Ibid., p. 53).

The bus ministry is aimed at bringing large numbers of children to worship services. As a matter of fact, bus workers are told not to waste their time trying to convert adults.

The Devil is extremely shrewd. As you visit your bus route, you may run into a Jewish Rabbi, a Roman Catholic, Jehovah’s Witness, or a person of another religious sect. You might think — well, if I could convert just one of these fellows the Church would really sit up and take notice of me Sunday, and this could be possible but not likely.

The thing that will happen is this. The first thing you will notice is that you haven’t converted anyone of these fellows, and you have lost most of your time (Russell L. Sample, Reaching the Common Man With the Gospel of Christ Through the Bus Ministry, p. 15).

Inasmuch, as the bus ministry is aimed at children, all kinds of gimmicks are used to persuade the children to ride the bus. Here are the instructions given for soliciting riders:

The Captain is responsible for all visitation. It must be planned and supervised by the bus captain. All bus routes must be visited three hours or more each Saturday. Always visit when you can talk to Mother, Dad and Children. This way you can get a “Yes, my children can ride the bus Sunday.” We always work for a yes, not a no.

When we knock on the door and Mother answers we always start a conversation with her and Dad. When you see two or three children peek around behind Mother’s skirt, reach in your pocket and get a piece of candy or gum and give it to the children. Mother is thinking by now this man likes my child. She says, “I think I will let the children go with you Sunday!” On we go to the next call (Ibid., p.. 13).

If they have children, ask to see the children. Show interest in the children. Ask them about their interests, etc. For example, if they come up with a ball glove, take time to talk to them about ball. Give them some bubble gum or candy (Albert Hill, op. cit., pp. 52-63).

EQUIPMENT-You will need whatever flyer, booklet, ad, or handbill which the church is using to advertise your bussing program. Also, have on a name tag, pencil, enrollment cards (3×5 plain cards will suffice in the beginning), other tracts which might introduce the church to strangers and your “treats” for the bus riders. Candy (1, 2 pieces), bubble gum, balloons, suckers, etc. are appropriate to be given to regular bus riders and prospective riders. Carry these in a pocket or purse. Do not carry a gob of such “goodies” to the door with you.

Always gain permission from the parent or guardian to give the child the treat. Some children are cautioned against receiving treats from strangers. Be careful to not be offensive or show offense if they refuse. It is good to have on a Joy Bus pin or a name tag identifying you as being from the church. This will help to make people more receptive. Use the treats to gain the attention of the prospective rider. Carry one of two pieces of the treats in your hand ready for use. Never, never take back a treat if a child declines to ride the bus! These should be given generously and freely. Your partner should be carrying the enrollment cards and be ready to take down any and all pertinent information as you conduct the conversation with child and parent, or with the child alone (Carl W. Wade, op. cit., p. 27).

“Hello, I’m your Joy Bus worker! (Smile) Johnny and Suzie ride our Joy Bus to church. Are they home? Fine, I have a piece of bubble -gum for them and I want to tell them about our picnic tomorrow after services!” Many children are shy until they see the “treat”! Extend it quickly and be friendly! Close with, “We’ll see you in the morning at o’clock.” Be sure to talk with the parents if they are readily available! Children forget quickly. Leave a doorknob hanger where they are not at home. Call back. Telephone later that evening if they are still not at home. If a special award or “treat” is being given away the next day, then take along a sample to each stop and show the children what they’ll receive if they ride. Listen to the child also! Be a friend. Remember to be “Christ-like”! (Ibid., p. 30).

This touches only the tip of a great iceberg. The bus ministry thrives on reward motivation, usually called promotion.

Promotional Tactics

To show you that I have not misrepresented the bus ministry, I want to quote the blatant advice given concerning reward motivation.

The children begin to consider you somewhere between an uncle or an aunt and a grandma or grandpa! We give our children a token of our love each week in a form of a piece of bubble gum or a sucker. One little girl who had just been riding the bus for about three weeks answered my Saturday morning knock at her door. Seeing me standing there she threw open the door, went running back through the house shouting, “Mama, mama, it’s the bubble gum man!” At least I’ve left a sweeter taste in her mouth than some church members have in the attitude the community has of them (Ibid., pp. 15-16).

Before the first run of the bus, plans should have been made and formulated for the first month’s promotions. Gum, candy, balloons, fellowship, picnic, etc., whatever you determine to use should be prepared for, the member workers informed and drilled on how they will be used, such promotions purchased and available on the proper day (Ibid., p. 35).

Bible Award

A nice award Bible, with flexible binding is given to each new rider who rides several weeks in a row (4, 6, 8 or 10 weeks. Allowances are made for sickness and families being out of town. Bibles in differing colors are available. It is a good idea to carry one with you to show prospective riders ….

Kite Sunday

One Sunday in the early spring, have “kite ” Sunday. Every child attending Sunday School or riding the bus receives an inexpensive kit. Kites should be ordered in wholesale quantities from a supply house or get a local merchant to give you a discount on large quantity orders.

In presenting kites you can teach: “As you fly this kite, the wind blows it. You cannot see the wind, but it is there. You cannot see God, but He is always with us. As you look up in the sky and see the clouds, remember Christ is in heaven and wants you to be there with Him one day. And, we give you this kite because we love you.” (Also, teach safety in flying the kite.) We try to teach some type of lesson with each award!

Birthday Sunday

Pick one Sunday each month (the same one each time) for “Birthday” Sunday. (You may have a Birthday Wednesday the same week also.) Every child who has a birthday that month receives a cupcake with a candle and some little inexpensive gift. Sing “Happy Birthday” to each one with a birthday that month. The secretary may want to send out birthday cards in the mail! All riders love to receive mail addressed personally to them. Teach about Christ’s birth.

Freedom Sunday

The Sunday before the Fourth of July have “Freedom” Sunday. Do not give firecrackers! But give little flags or something along this line. Teach how Jesus has “set us free” from our sins!

Other Holidays

Use other Holidays in a similar manner. HALLOWEEN-Teach the truth about witches, goblins, etc. THANKSGIVING-Teach about being thankful for all of God’s blessings. Give some appropriate treat. Have the parents and children to come for a fellowship dinner prepared by the church. CHRISTMAS-Have a special party for the children of the Sunday School and see that each receives a special gift. Teach sharing and Acts 20:35. Our ladies have spent the entire year in preparing for this season in making gifts: stuffed animals, scarves, “paperclip” necklaces, etc., for the children. These are inexpensive and many get involved in this project. FATHER’S DAY and MOTHER’S DAY. Some inexpensive gift can be given to the child so he may give it to his father/or mother. Teach appreciation and obedience to parents.

Religious Holidays

As with Christmas and other religious holidays, we make it a point to teach the truth about such. We do not approach it in a negative but rather in a positive manner.

That is, we should teach the facts about Christ’s birth, but do it early, and teach that we do not know the date and that we are commanded to observe the Lord’s Supper, but not his birth.

Fellowship Sunday

To the children we announce a party perhaps two or three weeks ahead. They enjoy such, as do adults, in coming together to eat. Caution: in bus programs with 150-200 or more in attendance, it is difficult to have an orderly fellowship with cramped conditions. It may be advisable to have the fellowship with one or two busses at a time. PICNIC-Reserve a city park and encourage the congregation to commit themselves to preparing a picnic for the children of the Sunday School and the visiting parents.

It is easier also to have the children to bring a sandwich lunch for such occasions with their name on the sack. The church furnishes the drinks and desserts. The adults should eat the same type of lunch as the children!

Zoo Sunday

Take the children to the local zoo. A good time to teach about the Creation or Noah and the Ark with real, living, visual aids!

Sweetest Sunday

For all who ride the bus, give a gift bag or basket of candy, gum, suckers, etc. Teach about love and how it makes everyone “sweet”!

Dairy Queen

Take all bus riders to Dairy Queen on a particular Sunday or Wednesday after services! For ones bringing visitors give bigger treat: 1 visitor, double-dip; 2 visitors, sundae; 3 or more, banana split.

Pie Face

Children like “fun” things! Just for fun the bus captain could set a goal for the bus to reach in riders (high but realistic. If they reach the goal, then the captain gets a pie in the face! The one who brings the most visitors will be permitted to do the honors.

Fishing For Men

An award of a fishing outfit (s) is presented to the rider who brings the most visitors during the month. Each Sunday one brings a visitor he or she gets to “fish” in a large box for an award. (A fish pond of gifts could be constructed and each one bringing a visitor gets to “fish” for his award with a pole.)

Auction Sunday

Play money is awarded to the child during the month for special achievement. $15.00, perfect attendance; $2.00 each Sunday attends; $10.00 first time visitor; $5.00 each next visit; $20.00 each parent or adult (over 18) brought. Bus secretary keeps an accurate record of money awarded. Play money is given each week on return home trip. The last Sunday of the month an auction is held. Gifts of all types and price ranges are available for the children to “buy”: balloons, pens, books, puzzles, Bibles, radios, etc. (Ibid., pp. 48-51 ).

You may want to use promotion for the total program. The boy or girl who brings the most for a certain period of time will be given a Bible, the New Testament on records, a radio, a watch, a special trip, etc.

You may want to encourage promotion from a competition standpoint. As competition between busses or captains. A picnic or special outing will be given to the bus that wins. The captain and his family might be sent on a trip to another city for a weekend to observe a successful bus program.

Then there is specific promotion used on the individual busses. The captain and his workers should come up with a good promotion for their bus. They may give away prizes to hard working individuals or reward the whole group for their effort, by stopping at a hamburger place, after the Sunday night service, and buy them all a hamburger and a coke, etc. Use your imagination and you can come up with all types of legitimate promotion.

We stress to the children in our bus work that they do not come to church to play or be entertained, but they are coming to worship God and learn more about Jesus. This will pay off in the long run. If you seek to be sensational, it will last momentarily — soon it will cease to be interesting to the children. We emphasize that there will be occasions when we will have picnics, parties, entertainment, etc., but not during the services at church.

We give every child that rides the bus a treat when they get off the bus at home. It may be penny or nickle candy, bubble gum, a little toy, a Bible marker or a pencil with the name of the church on it. Do not give them anything before church and you better wait until they get off the bus to reward them for their faithfulness (Albert Hill, op cit., p. 74).

These quotations are sufficient to establish the fact that reward motivation is a vital part of the bus ministry. As a matter of fact, as go the promotions so goes the bus ministry. When the gimmicks cease, the riders will quit showing up. Reward motivation has probably been one of the most obvious things which has stirred up opposition to the bus ministry.

Truth Magazine XXII: 19, pp. 307-310
May 11, 1978