Discipline in the Bus Ministry

—Guest Post by Pastor Jeff Fugate

The question that is asked most about the bus ministry is in regard to discipline. I will offer ideas and reminders to help us in this important area. Let me say from the start that discipline on the bus—and in the classroom—is very important.

If we are not able to control behavior and have the attention of the young people, we are not going to fulfill our purpose of teaching and preaching the Word of God.

There Must Be a Planned Program From Start to Finish.
From the time the riders board the bus until they depart, there must be a planned program in which the bus captain and workers are positively engaged with the riders on the bus.

There Must Be a Positive Atmosphere.
The bus ministry must include some fun, laughter and positive interaction with the bus riders. The riders are not soldiers, the captain is not a drill instructor, and the young people are not required to attend.
A positive atmosphere begins on Saturday when visiting the riders. Is your spirit positive? Do you have a smile in your heart that is expressed on your face and in your actions? Are you happy to see those young people? Do you pray with them for special needs and requests?

There Must Be a Reasonable Expectation.
Sometimes we may expect a bit too much when it comes to behavior. It's okay to have your personality on the bus route; but if you expect the bus riders to behave as well as some children who have been reared in church, you may have a difficult time.
Still, there is a level of behavior that is expected. There must be a level of order that allows the riders to participate in the program in a way that enables them to learn the truths and principles being taught.

There Must Be Written and Defined Rules of Behavior.
I have written about this in Church Growth Through the Bus Ministry, so I will not do so again here. I recommend that a set of a few rules be posted on the bus for all to see.

There Must Be a Reward System or Program. 
There are some who do not like the idea of this; but if there is a punishment for breaking rules and bad behavior, it is okay to have a reward for good behavior. The Bible tells us that the Lord Jesus will return and will have His reward with Him.