Part VI Ð The Leadership Of A Bus Ministry................................................................ 92-112
Traits Of Successful Leaders ................................................................................................ 92
How To Be A Visionary Leader ........................................................................................... 93
Leadership Principles For Bus Workers ......................................................................... 94-95
Delegation, Biblically Illustrated .................................................................................... 96-97
Delegation ..................................................................................................................... 98-100
Goal Characteristics ............................................................................................................ 101
How To Get A Great Idea........................................................................................... 102-103
Practical Thoughts In Effective Time Management ........................................................... 104
How To Get An Extra Hour Out Of Every Day ......................................................... 105-106
Making A Move.......................................................................................................... 107-109
The Bus Worker And His Family ............................................................................... 110-111
Bus Ministry Helps ............................................................................................................. 112 4
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PHILOSOPHY OF THE BUS MINISTRY
Matthew 28: 19-20; Acts 16: 31

I. The Purpose Of The Bus Ministry
A. To carry out the Great Commission
1. Winning people to Jesus Christ
2. Baptizing the converts
3. Discipling the converts
B. To have any other purpose will not have God's blessing
C. Some wrong purposes
1. To feel sorry for poor children
2. To have a bus ministry because other churches' in your fellowship have one
3. To please influential members that may feel strongly that the church should have one
4. To have one because you have always had one
II. The Practice Of The Bus Ministry
A. To attempt to get unchurched (non-gospel preaching churches) children to ride the bus
B. To do this, obviously, you must secure parents' permission
C. To attempt through the Sunday School to evangelize the children
D. To do follow-up on the riders that make professions and to determine if they have understood
the plan of salvation

E. If they do understand, explain believer's baptism to the rider and attempt to get the parents'
permission for baptism

F. Using various programs, disciple the riders in the Lord
G. In the process of bringing children and attempting to reach them, you are also inviting and
giving the parents the gospel

H. Your goal is to get the whole family saved, "driving-in" to church and serving the Lord 5
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III. The Problems Of The Bus Ministry
A. Resisting the devil's opposition
B. Securing and maintaining a staff of workers
C. Training and motivating the workers to be productive
D. Problems with discipline
E. Discouragement of workers
F. Keeping workers steadfast
IV. The Price Of The Bus Ministry
A. It costs money
B. It costs leaders and workers time and effort
C. It costs misunderstanding on occasion
D. Its rewards far outweigh its overall costs
V. The Potential Of The Bus Ministry
A. A bus ministry has as much potential as its leaders and workers have faith
B. Riders lives are changed for time and eternity
C. Parents are reached and the home is transformed
D. Riders grow up and become workers and leaders in the church 6
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SEVEN ESSENTIALS OF THE BUS MINISTRY
I. Prayer
There is a necessity for prayer on the bus route. Sometimes bus workers learn methodology but
neglect the most important essential. Prayer gets God working in people's lives on the bus route.

II. Love
Does five things:
¨ Gets peoples' attention ¨ Brings about their approval
¨ Brings about their acceptance ¨ Brings about their affection for you
¨ Brings about attachment to you
Bus kids can sense if the bus worker loves them. People respond to love.
III. Visitation
¨ Should be planned ¨ Should be disciplined
¨ Should be long (you reap what you sow) ¨ Should go on despite the weather or your feelings

IV. Excitement
Kids are attracted to people that are exciting. Be as excited as your personality will allow you to be.
V. Service
Minister to the people. You are their servant for Jesus' sake.
VI. Promotion
Smallest percentage of seven essentials.
VII. Persistence
Be faithful, don't quit, commit yourself to that bus route.

Note: These Seven Essentials were presented years ago by Dr. Jim Vineyard. I have found them to be exactly
on target. 7
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THE MOTIVE OF THE BUS MINISTRY
I. The Wrong Motives
A. Some churches are in the bus ministry just because someone donated a bus to them.
B. Some churches are in the bus ministry because some influential member has demanded they
be in it.

C. Some pastors are in the bus ministry because their pastor friends would look down on them if
they got out.

D. Some churches got in the bus ministry because it was the popular thing to do. This certainly
is not the case today, as the bus ministry is less popular today than ever before.

E. Some churches are in the bus ministry because they feel their church should do something to
help poor people (social gospel).

F. Some churches are in the bus ministry as a way to increase their attendance figures.
Attendance is the sole motivating factor.

II. The Right Motives
A. The right motive for getting in the bus ministry is to reach souls with the gospel. The
byproduct will be church growth.

B. Consider the church at Jerusalem as they got burdened for souls
1. Acts 1: 15 Ð 120 in upper room
2. Acts 2: 41 Ð 3000 saved on day of Pentecost
3. Acts 2: 47 Ð Lord added daily such as should be saved
4. Acts 4: 1-4 Ð 5000 men saved
5. Acts 4: 32 Ð a multitude saved
6. Acts 5: 14 Ð multitudes saved
7. Acts 6: 1 Ð multiplied
8. Acts 6: 7 Ð multiplied greatly
C. Make sure your motive is right so God can bless your ministry 8
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PROBLEMS IN STARTING A BUS MINISTRY
I. The Pastor
The pastor must be for the bus ministry if it is to succeed
II. The People Of The Church
A. Must be supportive of the bus ministry
B. A lack of burden for souls is the reason they are not sold
C. Use of proper support by the pastor is the best way to sell the church
III. Securing Reliable And Reasonably Priced Buses
IV. Securing Workers
Biggest problem
V. Teachers And Space
The church must have adequate space and trained teachers to work with the bus kids
VI. Motivation Of Workers
Second biggest problem
VII. Finances
The church would need adequate finances to afford the bus ministry
VIII. Problems With Follow-up
Problems getting workers to follow-up on riders and their families
IX. Discipline
Problems with discipline of bus riders
X. Discouragement
Problems with discouragement of workers (third greatest problem) 9
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WHAT CAUSES BUS WORKERS TO BE DISCOURAGED
I. Some Think About Their Problems Too Much
Think about your victories, not problems
II. Feeling Sorry For Yourself (Martyr Complex)
III. Taking Your Problems To Others Seeking Sympathy
Take problems only to people who can help you
IV. The Idea You've Visited Everybody On The Bus Route
This happens after you are on the same route for a period of time
V. You've Done Your Time In The Bus Ministry
The devil will tell you to change to a less demanding ministry
VI. You've Lost Your Favorite Bus Riders
Anybody that has been on a bus route has experienced this heartache
VII. The Devil Will Tell You That You Spend Too Much Time On Your Bus Route
VIII. The Kids Are Not Getting Anything Out Of It
IX. The Bus Is Worn Out
Buses should be well maintained so this will not be a discouraging factor
X. The Preacher Doesn't Appreciate What You Are Doing
The pastor needs to be sensitive to his workers and often praise them
XI. Trouble With The Sunday School Teachers
Mostly lack of communication
XII. Discouragement From Outsider's Comments
People that are critics
XIII. You Don't Have Enough Help On The Bus Route
Very common problem 10
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HANDLING PROBLEMS
I. Expect Problems
Any time you work with people expect problems.
II. Identify The Real Problem
Sometimes the surface problem is not the real underlying problem.
III. Consider The Source
Always evaluate who it is that is bringing the problem to your attention.
IV. Don't Overreact
Be calm as you are listening to and solving problems.
V. Decide What Action Should Be Taken
A leader must make wise decisions to solve the problem.
VI. Be Careful When You Deal With People
Never overreact to people. You can correct people firmly but with kindness.
VII. Correct The Problem As Soon As Possible
Problems that are not corrected quickly build to be larger problems.
VIII. Avoid Bothering The Pastor With Small Problems
Only major problems should be brought to the pastor's attention.
IX. Pray About Problems
God through prayer will give you the wisdom you need for problem solutions.
X. Give God The Glory
Always reflect all glory to the Lord, not to yourself. 11
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SIXTEEN THINGS THAT WILL KILL A BUS ROUTE
Gardner Gentry years ago taught there were sixteen things that would kill a bus route. See if you
don't agree.

I. Laziness
Lazy bus workers will never put in the necessary effort needed to build a successful bus route
II. Lack Of Training
New folks getting involved in the bus ministry must be given some training to be successful on
their bus route

III. Lack Of Concern
People that are not burdened for their route will be little used by the Lord
IV. Inconsistency
You must be instant in season and out of season
V. Grouchiness
Bus kids don't like grouches!
VI. Worldliness
A. "Love not the world." (1 John 2: 15)
B. "Be not conformed to this world." (Romans 12: 2)
VII. Fear
We are commanded to be strong and of a good courage (Joshua 1: 6)
VIII. No Program On The Bus
Boring bus rides do not interest bus kids!
IX. No Love
Bus kids know if you love them
X. Quitting
"Be ye steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15: 58) 12
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XI. No Prayer
No prayer, no power; little prayer, little power; much prayer, much power
XII. No Zeal
We are to be "zealous of good works" (Titus 2: 14)
XIII. Wrong Approach
"Be ye wise as serpents" (Matthew 10: 16)
XIV. Staying Too Long
Don't wear people out on visitation by camping at their door
XV. False Promises
Always keep any promises you make to your bus riders
XVI. Unprepared Teachers
Teachers must be made to understand the importance of their privilege to give out the Word of
God 13
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WHERE TO SELECT THE ROUTES FOR THE BUS MINISTRY
I. Always Pray For God's Leadership In This Matter
II. The Pastor Should Do The Selecting Of The Beginning Routes
He should have as much input as he wants when adding additional routes
III. Look Around Your Own Church Building First
You may or may not want to have a route by your own church
IV. Start Where There Are Many Children As They Will Make Up Most Of Your Bus
Attendance

V. Consider The Many Areas Where There Are Large Numbers Of Unchurched People
A. Normal residential areas
B. Government housing projects
C. Apartment complexes
D. Mobile home parks (many have young couples with children)
E. Low income areas (you will always find it easier to get riders in the lower income areas)
F. Military installations (most married military have children)
VI. As Your Bus Ministry Grows, Consider Areas Where You Bus Captains May Have A Special
Burden

VII. Don't Be Afraid To Consider The Area Where Other Churches Are Or Where Other
Church Buses Are Going

Make sure your workers do not proselyte! Nobody can reach everybody.
VIII. It Is A Good Idea To Get A Good Map Of Your Area
Mark the boundaries on the map so each captain clearly understands the boundaries 14
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PRAYER AND THE BUS MINISTRY
Introduction:
Any type of service for Christ in the local church must be rooted and grounded in prayer. The bus
ministry, like other ministries in the local church, sometimes depends more on methods and techniques
than God. Make note, any bus ministry that is burdened to reach the lost and baptize and disciple the
converts will be a bus ministry that has workers that labor in prayer.

I. We Need To Pray For Our Needs
A. We need to learn to ask God for the needs of our co-workers, riders, and parents on our bus
routes (Philippians 4: 19)

B. Some needs we can supply for people such as food or clothing, but we need to let people know
God is concerned about them and will supply their needs

C. Make a prayer list after visitation each week and pray for the needs of families on your bus
route

D. Tell people you are specifically praying for them, then do not neglect to do it
II. We Need To Pray Without Ceasing
A. Some needs are so pressing the Holy Spirit will lead us to pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5: 17)
B. This means praying at all times for these needs
C. We can pray as we are working, walking, driving in the car, eating, or any waking moment
III. We Need To Pray And Fast At Times
A. When we want special things from God, prayer and fasting are the key (Mark 9: 29)
B. Fasting may be for a day or sometimes for a number of days
C. Prayer and fasting generally come at desperate times when only "this kind" will work
IV. We Need On Occasion To Pray All Night
A. All night praying is a form of fasting, for a person is going without sleep to pray (Luke
22: 40,46)

B. We are showing God our sincere desire for Him to answer our prayers
C. Every bus worker will find there will be times when he must pray all night 15
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THE BUS BOOK AND HOW TO USE IT
The bus book should contain information on each family that rides your bus. Many bus workers
do not utilize their bus book to profit their route, as they should.

I. Information Contained In Your Bus Book
A. The name, age, birth date, and school grade of each rider
B. The parent's or parents' name( s)
C. The spiritual condition of each person in that family (you should add this information as riders
get saved and baptized)

D. The address and phone number (if they have a phone) of each family
II. How To Use This Information In Relation To The Children
A. You know what Sunday School class they need to attend
You may want to use a permanent marker to put the bus number and grade on each child's
hand

B. As you get decision reports of the ones saved, you can record their salvation date in the bus
book

C. As you follow up and get them baptized, you can record their baptism date
D. Mark their attendance so you can track their faithfulness
E. You can recognize them on their birthday
F. It will allow you to get to know everybody by name
III. How To Use This Information In Relation To The Parents
A. As you visit, you can address the parents by name
B. You can inquire about the parents' spiritual condition and record it in the bus book
C. Now you know how to pray and work on the parents
You need to give them the gospel or get them back in church if they are backslidden 16
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IV. Further Uses Of The Bus Book
A. Your bus book forms your prayer list
B. If the family has a telephone, you can show concern and make an occasional phone call to the
house

C. If they have trouble getting up on Sunday mornings, you can ask permission to give them a
wake-up call

D. You have written records in case there is ever a legal charge
E. You have information in case of any type of accident 17
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BUS VISITATION THAT IS EFFICIENT
I. When To Visit
A. Saturday after 9: 00 a. m. Visit as early as possible, but it must be late enough that people are
out of bed.

B. Set a time to start and a time to quit.
C. Be prepared spiritually before you go.
II. Who To Visit
A. Every regular rider and occasional rider each week.
B. Don't ever give up on old riders that you cannot get to come. Lay off for a while, but never
fail to continue to pray for them and then occasionally call back on them.

C. Knock on new doors each week and sign up new riders on a weekly basis. This is a must if
your route is to maintain and grow in attendance.

III. How To Visit
A. Regular riders
1. Be brief when you visit. There are always exceptions to this statement. You will always
want to spend more time with new riders and ones that are not faithful. Also, folks will
have problems and you will need to spend time counseling with them.

2. Be friendly to everyone you see.
3. Walk rapidly as you visit. This makes the best use of time and gives people the impression
that you must have something important to do!

4. Knock loudly as you come to each door.
5. Be loving while you visit. Tell folks you love them and demonstrate that you love them.
6. Be excited while you visit. Do you realize yours is the most important business in the
world?

7. Be polite and tactful.
8. Be patient with parents.
9. Take a personal interest in people and their problems. That will win them to you so that
you might win them to Jesus. 18
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10. If you have time, make callbacks on families not home.
11. Leave a flyer in the door if folks are not home so they will know you have been faithful to
come by to visit.

12. If you are not able to catch the bus family on visitation you must assume they are coming
on Sunday and automatically stop for them.

13. If possible, place a phone call Saturday night to those you do not catch on visitation.
14. If you have people that indicate they want to come but have a continual problem with
oversleeping, ask if you can give them a wake-up call.

B. New riders
1. Materials to use -Gospel tracts, brochures, permanent record cards.
2. At times, you should go door-to-door.
3. At times, you should spot canvas.
4. Ask kids that ride the bus to take you to their friends or point out new kids in the
neighborhood.

5. Reward riders that bring visitors. Make sure you get names and addresses of all visitors
that anyone brings on the bus. If they live on your route, visit them the next Saturday and
see if they might become regular riders. If they live on another route, feed them to the
proper route at the bus meeting the following Saturday.

6. Ask parents for prospects.
a. Work acquaintances
b. Relatives
c. Friends in the neighborhood
7. Keep an eye open for empty houses and spot people when they move into them.
8. Follow the school bus during their drop-offs after school. This will show you where kids
live.

9. Use electrical cut-in lists you can secure from the local power company. All these lists tell
you is that someone has had the power turned on the past month. This could be a family
that had their electricity reconnected due to failure to pay a bill or it could be a new family
that moved to that address. The new move-in may or may not have children interested in
riding your bus. 19
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10. Use clown teams in areas where there are large concentrations of potential riders such as
apartments or trailer parks or residential areas with a lot of children. The whole concept of
this is to draw the children out where you can talk to them and their parents about your bus
route and try to enlist the unchurched folks. Be careful to make contacts with parents
quickly.

11. Sell your door-to-door service.
12. As you enlist each new rider, pray and plan from that moment to win the parents.
13. Do not proselyte; do not proselyte!
14. Keep accurate bus records or hundreds of potential riders will be lost and potentially lost
for eternity!!!!

15. Don't forget to pray for your regular riders and new sign-ups. 20
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WORKING A PROSPECT LIST
A prospect list is a list of prospects you are trying to get into church.
I. Where To Get Prospects
A. Door-to-door visitation
B. Visitors from the services
C. When out and about town
D. People you meet doing business
E. Friends of members
F. Bus parents
II. What You Do With It
A. Look at it every day
B. Pray over it every day
C. Contact them every week or so
1. Phone calls
2. Letters
3. Personal visits
III. Who To Place On The List
A. Unchurched but saved people
B. Unsaved people
C. Unbaptized people
IV. The Goal Of The Prospect List
A. Salvation of many souls
B. Baptism of converts
C. Membership of saved but unchurched folks 21
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V. What To Do After They Are Saved And Baptized
A. Introduce to other members
B. Follow-up visits
C. Sunday School enrollment
D. Have over to your house
E. Enroll in discipleship program
F. Give follow-up materials
G. Pastor them 22
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GETTING WATER ON THE BRAIN
I. Fear Is One Reason Many Do Not Follow-Up For Baptism On Their Riders That Make
Professions

A. Fear of making parents mad
B Fear of losing riders
C. Fear of rejection
D. Fear because of a lack of knowledge of "how to do it"

II. The Great Commission Has Three Parts: The Command Left To Us By The Lord
A. Salvation
B. Baptism
C. Discipleship
III. Getting People Saved Is Only A Third Of The Commission
We need to get water on the brain
IV. When We Get As Involved Getting People Baptized As Getting Them Saved, Things Will
Begin To Happen

We need to get water on the brain
V. We Need To Use Wisdom In Getting Children Baptized!
A. A major reason parents won't allow kids to get baptized is they don't think they know what
they are doing

B. Another reason is religious backgrounds that they do not want to step over
C. Another reason is false preconceived notions
1. Have to be 12 years old
2. Only adults can be truly saved
3. You have to be good to get baptized Ð don't misbehave after you are saved or you didn't
get saved Ð kids will be kids Ð adults will be adults

D. Another reason is parents are too sorry to even let you explain to the child what it's all about
VI. We Must Use God's Wisdom And Be Conscious Of The Need Of God's Help To Overcome
These Objections 23
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VII. Using Wisdom
A. When we approach the parents, we announce the children have been saved and we would like
to make sure they understand what they did. "Could we review this with you and the child to
see if they understood?"

B. Don't even mention baptism until you are sure the child understands salvation
C. Review salvation step-by-step asking questions of the child so you know he properly
understands

D. Close by asking the child where he would go if he died now
E. What are you trusting to take you to Heaven?
F. Where would you go if you died next week, next year, etc.?
VIII. After This Review Only, When You Are Sure The Child Understands His Salvation, Do You
Ask The Parent's Permission To Explain Baptism To Him

A. Explain to the parents that we do not discuss this in the classroom because baptism is only for
saved kids and we want to explain this to the kids that know they are saved

B. Use a baptism tract (or Acts 8) to explain baptism step-by-step
C. Then review baptism using the review to make sure the kids understood what you have just
explained

IX. Only Now Do You Ask The Parent's Permission For The Children To Be Baptized
X. Fill Out The Parent Permission Card
It is best to get parent's written permission
XI. Explain To Them What Will Take Place
A. We will take you to get baptized
B. The water is warm
C. You are only under the water a second
D. There are robes to wear; there is no need to bring special clothes
E. There will be a clean towel to dry off
F. There are dressing rooms for each person 24
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G. People will be there to help you
H. After baptism, you will be taken back to your bus
I. It is important the prospect knows what will take place to eliminate any fear in their mind
XII. Who Should Do Baptism Follow-Up On Bus Riders
A. The Bus Director could do it
B. The Bus Captain could do it
C. The teacher could do it
D. Any trained individual or group of individuals could do it
E. Make sure someone is doing it. It is such a blessing to see children that have been soundly
converted obey the Lord in blessed believer's baptism.

XIII. Some Final Comments
A. To get folks baptized, you must first get them saved. To have bus riders saved, you must have
your captains consistently signing up and bringing new riders. If you keep your status quo, old
regular riders coming only, you won't have many candidates for baptism.

B. Make sure your Sunday School and Junior Church is set up so the gospel is clearly presented
each week. Have an invitation and trained personal workers that know how to lead children to
Christ.

C. If you get new riders coming and they don't make professions in the first few months, single
them out one-on-one and attempt to lead them to the Lord on Saturday visitation or Sunday.
Now you have a potential baptism candidate.

D. You must have available a list of riders that made salvation decisions. The best time to follow-up
is the week after the Sunday the rider made their decision. Get this information in the hands
of the people doing the work.

E. If he/ she does not understand, answer questions and encourage them to keep coming and come
forward again.

F. Use this as an opportunity to invite the parents to come and view the baptism.
G. Use this as an opportunity to lead into salvation with the parent. 25
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DISCIPLING BUS KIDS
There are three parts to the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 19-20)
1. Get people saved.
2. Get converts baptized.
3. Disciple baptized believers (Note "all things")

Let us discuss discipling bus kids. We will list a number of ways you can disciple your bus kids.
I. Lessons At Church Class
However your church situation is set up, the Bible should be taught and applied so as to disciple
the young converts in addition to a clear presentation of the gospel each week

II. Use Both Songs And Choruses In Class And On The Bus That Teach The Kids To Live For
God

III. When On The Bus And In Class, Teach And Explain Memory Verses And Apply Them To
Help Disciple Riders

IV. Teach Lessons On The Bus As Part Of The Bus Program On Basic Topics
A. Salvation
B. Assurance of salvation
C. Baptism
D. Prayer
E. Daily Bible reading
F. Giving
G. Obedience
H. Missions
I. Soulwinning
J. The home
Note: Plenty of visual materials along these lines are available to aid you
V. Preach To Them On The Bus And Aim At Their Hearts To Produce Change And Set
Convictions 26
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VI. Give Them Bible Reading Assignments Each Week
Reward them after so much reading is completed
VII. There Are Bible Lessons For Children Such As The "Mail Box Club" That Can Be Used
You could design a series of lessons yourself
VIII. Pick Bus Kids Up In Your Car And Bring Them Back To Your Evening Services
IX. Bring Kids In For Your AWANA Program If You Have One
X. Work With Each Kid One-On-One Saturday Or Some Other Time
Work on problems in their life
XI. Take The Bus Kids Out For A Snack (With Parent's Permission) And Talk To Them, Teach
Them, And Love Them

Never do this alone
XII. Invite Them To Your Home For A Meal Or To Spend The Night
A. Use this time to help disciple them
B. Never do this alone
XIII. Groom Bus Kids To Assist You On The Bus
As they prove themselves faithful and useful, give them a greater position of service
XIV. Take Bus Kids Visiting With You On Saturday Visitation To Teach Them About Christian
Service And Soulwinning

XV. Your Church Can Have A Special Discipleship Class For A Limited Times (4-5 Weeks)
A. After the kids are saved, they can be taken out of their regular class and attend this discipleship
class

B. It doesn't matter what week they are placed in the class since every 4-5 weeks the same
sequence of lessons is repeated

C. After they complete the discipleship class, they are returned to their regular Sunday School
class

D. A nice diploma could be awarded to the rider as an added incentive to be faithful in attendance 27
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XVI. Have "Neighborhood Discipleship Clubs" Where You Would Get A Bus Parent To
Volunteer A Garage, Front Porch Or Room In Their Home To Have The Club Meeting Each
Saturday

A. You could gear this to new converts or bus kids that exhibit positive spiritual growth
B. A lesson would be taught and possibly refreshments served, then the kids would be taken
surveying or soulwinning, which ever is preferred 28
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DISCIPLINE ON THE BUS
I. Four Reasons Children Misbehave
A. Boredom
B. Tension
C. Desire for attention
D. Lost and need Jesus
II. You Must Control The Children Or They Will Control You
III. You Do This By:
A. Having Bus Rules (You do what works for you)
1. No heads and hands out the window
2. Everybody must be seated
3. No cursing
4. No loud speech
5. No hitting other riders
6. Everybody participate
7. Must go to class
B. Infraction of these rules may result in suspension
1. Suspensions may be for 1,2,3 or 4 weeks
2. After repeated suspensions, you may have to make an elimination
3. Always remember to tell the children, "When you do not obey, you are deciding not to
attend"

C. Rules must be enforced or you have no rules
D. The program on the bus is the main thing that will prevent discipline problems
1. Children must be kept busy or they will get busy on their own (i. e. discipline problems)
2. Make the program lively and exciting 29
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IV. Additional Helps To Aid In Discipline
A. Do not continue to bring disruptive riders
1. One rider is not worth 20 riders
2. You will lose your good kids
B. Change riders seating arrangements on the bus
C. Be prepared
Prepare yourself spiritually, mentally and physically
D. Be fair Ð be impartial
E. Be consistent
You must keep after it, not one Sunday and not the next, etc.
F. Use common sense
G. Don't threaten what you won't carry out
H. Use your voice to your advantage
Raise your voice, then lower it
I. Be flexible, what can happen, will happen
J. Reject bad behavior, not the child
K. Don't expect perfection
L. Be positive Ð you and the Lord can do it
M. Don't punish in the heat of anger
N. Don't punish the whole bus for the bad behavior of a few riders
O. Be a happy person with a sense of humor
P. Be firm Ð don't let them run over you
Q. Each rider is different
R. Don't try to be a kid; you will destroy your authority
S. Be poised; don't become easily out of control 30
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V. Additional Tips
A. Reprimand in private, if possible
B. Focus on a child's strong points
C. Learn to listen to verbal facial expressions
D. Do not ridicule
E. Don't put off needed discipline
F. Don't argue with riders
G. Know your parents
1. You need to know which ones will support you
2. You need to know which parents will pull them off the bus with the slightest discipline
problem

H. Allow children to save face (make things right)
I. Set the climate by a warm, friendly, loving welcome from the door to the bus
J. Don't do things on the bus that "could stir riders up" which would lead to problems
K. Look at yourself Ð you are they key
L. Let the children know you love them
M. Pray for the children with whom you have discipline problems 31
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REACHING BUS PARENTS
I. Intend To Win And Get Bus Parents In Church
II. You Must Believe You Can Win Them
III. Never Loose The Reality That Each Bus Kid And Bus Parent Will Spend Eternity In Either
Heaven Or Hell

IV. Develop A Rapport With Each Bus Parent
V. Set A Goal For Bus Parents You Intend To Reach Each Year
A goal gives you something to work towards
VI. Pray For The Salvation Of Your Bus Riders And Their Families
VII. Form A "Sweetheart List" Of Bus Parents That Show The Slightest Interest
A. Look at the list each day so you will develop a greater burden
B. Pray over the list each day
C. Contact them consistently with:
1. Visits
2. Phone calls
3. Letters
D. Have the Bus Director call on them too
E. Keep it up until they get saved and into church
VIII. Use Attendance Campaigns As An Incentive To Invite Parents To The Church Service
IX. Use Any Family Sickness, Accidents, Death Or Problems As An Opportunity To Minister To
Them

You may reach them at a time of great need in their lives
X. Use "Parent Sunday" As An Incentive To Invite Parents To The Services
Note: This will be explained in detail later 32
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XI. Fear Not The Difficult Cases
XII. Keep On Praying And Working Until You Reach Them 33
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PROGRAM ON THE BUS
The program on the bus should be:
1. Planned
2. Exciting
3. Enjoyable
4. Varied each week
5. Prayed over
6. Holy Spirit anointed

There are 168 hours in a week. We have kids in children's church approximately 1_ hours per
week. You will control the children or the children will control you. The above reasons are the
two leading factors that, in my opinion, mandate a program on the bus.

The program on the bus is divided in half by children's church (at the church).

I. On The Way To Church (Spiritual Time Ð prepare hearts and minds for children's church)
A. Songs and choruses
1. Can purchase visual songs
2. Can make visual songs
a. Copy machine Ð enlarge Ð can color and use clear contact paper to protect
b. Can be as simple as a marker and poster board
3. Can teach short choruses with no visuals
B. Teach a memory verse
1. Put on poster board
2. Repeat in short phrases a number of times with children
3. You can have a reward for those that learn it
C. Have a Bible lesson
1. Have a visual lesson, simple and short
2. Tell a Bible story
3. Preach (aiming at the riders' hearts)
4. Always make plain the plan of salvation
5. Have review questions on the way home 34
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II. On The Way Home
A. Review of the Bible lesson taught on the way to church
B. Bible quizzes
1. You make up questions
2. Use Bible trivia, etc. that you can purchase at Christian bookstores
C. Review Bible verse taught on the way to church
D. Play games
1. Ugly face contest (see who can make the ugliest face on the bus)
2. Sleeping game (everybody fall asleep, best sleepers are rewarded. This is your driver's
favorite.)

3. Marshmallow stuffing (how many can you stuff in two selected riders' mouths)
4. Balloon blowing (who can blow up and burst a balloon first; select two riders to
participate)

5. Balloon relay (relay a balloon from seat to seat on each side of the bus aisle; see which side
can do it first)

6. Balloon popping Ð prize inside
(Accumulate a supply of small prizes. Look at closeouts at discount stores in your town or
order an assortment from Oriental Trading or Kipp Brothers. Put the names of about 6-8
prizes on a small slip of paper and put in a different balloon. Blow up the balloons before
the return trip home and tape them to the plastic ceiling lights on the bus. Assign each rider
a number. Have a bowl with the numbers enclosed. Draw numbers out of the bowl and if
the rider whose number is drawn is seated, he/ she can select which balloon they want. Pop
the balloon and give them the prize you listed on the slip. Do the game slowly so as to take
up time on the ride home.)

7. Shaving cream on nose (put a dab of shaving cream on each rider's nose; see who is the
last one to keep it there)

8. 30 second game (quiet and in your seat for 30 seconds; at end of 30 seconds ask them to
show you an item they would have on them Ð the first to show you wins)

9. Life Saver on tongue (have each rider put a Life Saver on their tongue at the same time;
last one to dissolve wins)

10. Bubble blowing (first one on bus to blow bubble wins; all start by putting gum in their
mouth at the same time) 35
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11. Toilet paper unrolling (pick two riders, give each a roll of toilet paper, first one to unroll
wins)

12. Quiet side contest (the quietest side of the bus for a time interval wins)
13. Mystery seat (mark a seat with masking tape under the seat before riders get back on bus
after church; if that person stays in his seat and is quiet he/ she wins the mystery prize seat)

14. Ping Pong match game
(Buy 10 inexpensive ping pong balls and number them 1 through 9 and put a "w" on the
last ball (that is the winner ball). Put the balls in a plastic jug. Go from rider to rider
asking each one to call out a number from 1 to 9. Then without looking draw a numbered
ball from the jug. If they don't get a match, they get one piece of candy for playing. If
they get a match, they get 2 pieces of candy. If they draw the winner ball, they get 3 pieces
of candy.)

15. Time out 3 minutes or 5 minutes on your watch; the quietest side of the bus wins a piece of
bus candy

16. ABC game (Each side is a team; sides take turns naming Bible characters whose names
begin with the corresponding letter. For example, the left side starts with letter A and has a
chance to name a Bible character (Adam would be an example). Then switch sides and go
to letter B and so on. The side with the most points at the end of the alphabet wins and can
be given a small treat.)

17. Name that tune (Sing part of a well-known bus song. The rider must sing the rest of the
phrase. For example, you could sing "Jesus Love me this I knowÉ" The bus rider you
pick would win a point by singing "for the Bible tells me so." The child that has the most
points when you finish wins a nice prize.)

18. Bible jeopardy (Purchase thick card stock of poster board size. Cut envelopes in half and
stick to board to hold 3x5 question cards. Create your own categories and questions. You
can have 100,200,300,400 and 500 point questions per category. Boys versus girls is good
or sides. Play until all categories and questions are exhausted.)

19. Laughing contest (The 2 sides are teams. Pick a child to get up and try to make the other
side laugh. Give him 30 seconds, then switch sides and pick another child, etc. If the rider
can make the other side laugh, his team gets a point. Play to 5 or 10 points depending on
the interest of the kids. You can make them be silent while attempting to make them laugh
or they can also do it verbally. Warn them Ð no dirty jokes!)

20. Eat the licorice string contest (Buy a package of licorice strings Ð the thin licorice strings
are 12-18 inches long. Select two bus riders about the same age and give each of them a
licorice string. They are instructed to put the licorice strings in their teeth and then remove
their hands. The one that can eat the string of licorice first, drawing it in their mouth with
their teeth only, wins.) 36
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III. Things That Will Kill Your Program
A. No variation Ð same thing week after week
B. No enthusiasm
C. Lack of control
D. Favoritism
E. Laziness and lack of preparation
F. Program on wrong maturity level
G. Having no program one week
Keep in mind the most important time of the day is the ride home. If they have a fun time on
the way home, they will be back next week. This last experience of the day is remembered
most. Why can't we teach them of Jesus and the Bible and make it fun? 37
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BUS MINISTRY PROCEDURES
(Listed in no specific order)

Every ministry should have some definite procedures to follow so "things are done decently and in
order." You may find our list of procedures helpful to better organize your bus ministry.
Obviously, many of our procedures would have no application with your ministry.

1. The side door on your bus must be shut when the bus is in motion.
2. All drivers must wear their seat belts while going down the road.
3. Someone must be in the back of the bus (outside) when it backs on or off the church property.
4. There should never be a key left in the ignition of the bus. The driver must take the key with
him. If there's a mechanical problem, the key must be given to the person in charge. Under no
circumstance should keys be left in the ignition.

5. When a bus run is completed, all windows must be up, doors shut, the bus must be cleaned out
immaculately. This is regardless of the condition you found the bus.

6. If there is ever any unsafe driving by any drivers, whether hired or church members, these
incidents should be reported to the bus director. Our ultimate goal is absolute safety for the
ministries of our church.

7. All teenagers must attend teen church. They should not be in the auditorium.
8. Division I represents routes 4 through 12, Division II represents routes 29A through 40B,
Division III represents routes 77 through 87C, and routes 50 through 59 represents Division IV.

9. Every bus worker must be involved taking children to class.
10. Every bus worker must have assignments of picking up children after class.
11. All bus workers should scan through all the buildings helping to get stray riders in class. This is
absolutely necessary.

12. If your route is running less than 50 in attendance, you should visit more than the 3-hour
minimum. With the great cost to rent buses, we must make sure we are making every effort to
fill them.

13. When you visit, you must not talk to groups of children on the street. You can say hello and
quickly find out if they attend church but then quickly go to the door with them to talk to the
parents. Talking to groups of children as an adult on the street creates the wrong impression.

14. All bus reports need to be ready to be turned in as the bus arrives. The bus captain should have
most of the information already filled out on the report where he merely has to put the rider total
and the last few figures on the bus after the pick-ups are made. All attendances and visiting
hours on the back of the bus report and much of the information on the front of the report can be 38
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35
filled out before the bus even leaves for the morning pick-up. Please make sure attendances are
accurately marked since college Christian service records are taken from these.

15. There can be no eating or drinking on the bus by workers or riders. Since the buses are rented,
we must obey the guidelines of the owners. Pass treats out as riders exit bus to go into their
house.

16. If you ever discover a rider is missing on your bus, call the bus director immediately on the
emergency number and be prepared to give him the name, address and phone number of the bus
family.

17. If in dropping your riders back home after church you discover you have an extra rider, do not
haul him around for the duration of the route, but immediately call the bus director and let him
know who you have on the bus. He's probably got the information on the other missing part of
the puzzle and can give you instructions on what to do to get the misplaced rider to his home.

18. Bus workers should never make it a policy of aggressively hugging children or touching children
in any way. If children show a natural affection towards you by hugging you, quickly hug them
around the shoulder or pat them on the head. Use as little physical contact as possible so it will
not be misinterpreted by the perverse world.

19. Never rough a child up in any way. Do not jerk them around. If a child becomes uncontrollable,
all you can do is put your arms around the child and try to hold them and restrain them. Never
physically strike a child in any way. If you sense yourself becoming angry where you might lose
your temper, call for somebody else to help you. Something of this nature could shut our church
and its ministry down immediately.

20. If any riders must cross the street coming to the bus or going back to their house, you must make
sure that you cross the street and walk them as the first person across the street. Particularly be
careful of younger children who do not understand the importance of having an adult walk them
across the street. You must always be the first one off the bus, making sure everything is safe as
they cross the street.

21. You cannot pull the bus away from the home until you make sure that the rider is safely inside
his house. Do not leave children standing on the street or in their yard. Make sure they get in
their house before the bus pulls away.

22. Never baptize any children unless you've first reviewed the plan of salvation making sure that
the child understands. Also make sure each child has been instructed on baptism and review this
with them making sure they understand. And then, of course, each parent must give written
permission. Never baptize any children without parents' written permission. Never baptize any
children unless you're certain to the best of your ability that they understand the plan of salvation
and understand what they are doing when they get baptized. This may cut down on our baptisms
but we are not in a numbers game. We want to make sure to the best of our ability children are
saved and understand baptism.

23. The yellow bus ministry brochure is to be used only to explain to parents the procedures if they
show interest in their children riding the bus. Due to the cost of these brochures, they should not
be stuck in doors randomly. Gospel tracts can be left at individual residences but if you're in 39
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apartments or trailer parks, please do not leave gospel tracts or information at every door.
Apartment managers and trailer park managers do not like this because as people see literature in
the door of an unoccupied trailer they may break into that particular property. We want to
cooperate with them in this area to have a good testimony.

24. If there are any problems on your bus of a major nature, you must always make sure you
accompany that rider to the door explaining to the parents what took place. Make sure the
parents get the "straight scoop" from you rather than a distorted view from the bus rider who is
upset. Also, inform the bus director of what took place so if he is contacted by an upset parent
he is knowledgeable of the situation (don't forget to fill out the incident form).

25. Always let parents know why a child is being suspended and if you are suspending him for a
number of weeks. Then work with the parents and emphasize that improved behavior must be
observed as the rider starts coming back on the bus.

26. Never promise a rider awards, prizes, or treats that you do not give to them. We would do better
not to promise anything than to promise it and not to come through. You have just made
yourself and Trinity Baptist Church a liar when you don't give the children what you promise.

27. There should be no socializing on the bus lot on Sunday. We are all involved ministering to
people and we don't need to be having girlfriend-boyfriend relations and buddy talks during this
important time. This goes for bus riders (especially teens) that stand around on the bus lot. No
one should stand around on the bus lot.

28. Make sure that one bus person, whether driver or worker, is on the bus before the children are
released from Sunday School at 12: 20 p. m. or 2: 30 p. m. for afternoon Sunday School. Bus
damage and injuries can result if a trained worker is not on the bus when the children arrive and
begin to climb aboard.

29. If you do not catch the regular bus family home on Saturday, you must stop with the bus on
Sunday morning. Just because they are not home on Saturday in no way implies they are not
coming on Sunday. If not home, always leave a flyer so they know you have been there.

30. If you have time, make callbacks on regular riders that are not home when you visit them
Saturday. In other words, try and go by later in the day and visit them. Getting a face to face
commitment is always better than a bus flyer in the door.

31. Never haul riders in your car alone. Never allow yourself to be in a situation where you could be
falsely accused of questionable behavior.

32. Never allow riders to sit close to you or on your lap where a false impression could be created.
33. The bus must be at church at 10: 40 a. m. for "B" Sunday School (12: 55 p. m. for "C" Sunday
School). If you are later than that, unless providentially hindered (bus break down, late driver,
etc.), you must change your start time, the way you run your route, or something that will allow
you to get to church on time. Getting to church late robs your kids from time in church,
interrupts every class you put kids in to, and causes you to be out of place. 40
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34. Never unload your bus until 10: 45 a. m. for "B" Sunday School (1: 00 p. m. for "C" Sunday
School).

35. Only adult bus workers should take children to class and pick them up. You should promise
parents the children will be under adult supervision at all times and keep this promise.

36. Do not bring children under 3 years of age, unless their parents attend. They also must be potty
trained for "B" Sunday School.

37. Do not sign up children for "C" Sunday School unless they are 6 years old. If older brothers and
sisters come, you may bring kindergartners only. Never bring younger children unless a parent
comes.

38. As bus captain, you are responsible for anyone you bring and their behavior.
39. All bus riders 2 nd grade and under must have their hands marked with the bus number.
40. If you have children that are different ages that the parents insist on keeping together, you must
always put the older child with the younger.

41. No bus riders should bring any electronic devices to Sunday School (headphones, radios,
beepers, etc.). No gang garb should be allowed. Keep your eyes open for these signs.

42. All bus captains should have a bus book that is up-to-date including: parent's names, address,
phone #, birthdates, attendance record, salvation and baptism date, if applicable.

43. Bus children should never be allowed to stand while the bus is moving.
44. Teenagers should never be allowed to take children to class or pick them up, unless assisting an
adult bus worker who is with them.

45. All "B" bus workers are encouraged to work in "B" Sunday School in some capacity. If you are
not working in the Sunday School, you must sit in the south end of the balcony along with all
other bus workers. This allows us to easily locate you in case of a problem with one of your
riders. Under no circumstances should you be sitting in the office or wandering the property.

46. "B" Sunday School workers may take children that are going to be baptized into the main service
to sit with them. Have the "yellow baptism permission card" filled out completely and take them
forward at the start of the invitation.

47. Report any minor mechanical problems, scrapes, or accidents immediately to the bus director.
48. All buses should observe city speed limits. On interstates, no buses should run over 55 mph.
49. Any time a bus worker is going to be absent, notify your bus captain, division leader or bus
director. Please do not just disappear. 41
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ENLISTING WORKERS FOR THE BUS MINISTRY
I. You Should Instill Your People With The Conviction That If They Are Saved, They Should
Serve God

II. You Must Have A Continual Enlistment Program
III. Effective Fervent Prayer For Laborers For The Harvest Field
This is the only scriptural method to obtain workers
IV. Challenge From The Pulpit To Get Involved In The Bus Ministry
V. Disciple New Christians For Workers
New Christians should have an eagerness to serve Jesus
VI. Extend The Invitation To Them Based On God's Work
VII. Have Faith That The Lord Will Supply Workers And You Will Get Them
VIII. Preach On The Need In Messages By The Pastor
IX. Give An Invitation For Workers
X. Have A New Members' Reception And Attempt To Enlist Workers There
XI. Pass Out A Worker's Survey Form At Church
List the areas where you need workers and challenge your people to volunteer
XII. Ask Every Likely Looking Member Of Your Church
XIII. Have A Tour Of Duty Enlistment Campaign
A. Ask people to serve in the bus ministry for a given length of time or "Tour of Duty." This time
could be 3 months, 6 months or 1 year.

B. After they commit to serve, pray for them that God might call them to be a permanent bus
captain, driver or worker.

C. Use your pulpit, church bulletin and commitment cards to promote this campaign.
XIV. The Pastor And Bus Director Are Responsible For Obtaining Bus Ministry Personnel 42
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XV. Each Worker Recruits One
Encourage each of your present workers to seek out their friends and acquaintances to help them
on their bus route

XVI. Have A "Get Acquainted Day"
A. Invite people to come out on a Saturday morning and go visiting on a bus route with a bus
captain

B. Have a breakfast for them and have the Pastor challenge them from the Bible
C. Let them visit for any amount of time they can
D. Encourage them to come out and ride the bus Sunday Ð the eye effects the heart and
hopefully God will tug at their hearts

XVII. Look For Members Who Bring Visitors And Are Soul Conscious
These are the ones that really appreciate the number of people they could reach if they took a bus
route

XVIII. Have Bus Captains Share Their Testimony In A Service
XIX. Magnify The Successes Of The Bus Ministry
The pastor or bus director could share a conversion that just happened or a family that was just
reached

XX. Use The Bulletin Or Prayer List To Explain The Need For Workers
XXI. Excuses People Will Give Why They Cannot Get Involved
A. No time
Probably it is the wrong use of time; their priorities don't make time to serve Jesus
B. No ability
Anybody can be trained
C. Don't know what to say
Again, training can overcome this
D. I am not cut out for the bus ministry
Who is cut out? 43
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E. Saturday is my only day off
A perfect day to lay up some treasure in Heaven
F. I like to rest on Sunday
This is the flesh talking
G. I don't spend enough time with my family
1. Certainly if God expects us to serve Him, He will also provide time for our families
2. Most people waste their time on meaningless activities. A balance is needful in our lives.
XXII. After You Have Enlisted Bus Workers, Then You Need to Train Them, Then Learn How
To Keep Them Excited 44
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TRAINING WORKERS
After you enlist workers for the bus ministry, it is important that you train them so they will feel
confident serving. This will also help them to be more productive on their route.

I. If You Want Your Bus Ministry To Operate Effectively And Be Productive You Must Be
Committed To Train Each New Worker The Lord Gives You

II. Have A Training Class For Your Workers
A. You can do this at your Saturday bus meeting
B. You can do this before the Sunday evening service
C. You could video tape the training sessions and have it for those next ones that need training
during the year

D. It does not hurt your old workers to go through these training sessions a couple of times; you
never can absorb it all the first time

III. There Is Nothing Like On-The-Job Training
Make sure new workers are placed with your best people for on-the-job training before going on
their own or working with an individual that is not very productive

IV. Let Your People Hear From People That Have Been In The Bus Ministry For Years
A. Take them to a bus conference
B. Have an experienced outside speaker come to your church and instruct and motivate your bus
workers

C. Provide them with books to read or tapes (audio and video) on the bus ministry
V. Don't Put Your People In A Place Of Responsibility Until They Have Been Trained
A. This could discourage them and you may quickly lose them
B. You must do everything in your power to conserve your workers 45
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KEEPING BUS WORKERS EXCITED
I. Understand That The Holy Spirit Is The Main Source Of Strength And Motivation
Teach your people to rely upon Him
II. Realize That God Uses Focal Personalities
This should be the pastor, bus director and your highly motivated bus workers
III. Remind Your Workers Often That They Are Working For The Lord
It is not for the pastor, bus director or even the church
IV. Don't Overload Your Workers
A. If people are overloaded they will not be efficient at any work they are doing
B. The pressure could cause discouragement and spiritual harm
V. Do Not Appeal To Them On The Basis Of Pride
Do not overly boast on those that are having great success
VI. Set High Standards To Motivate Your People
We all do a little more or a little less than is required of us
VII. Use Your Bus Messages At The Saturday Bus Meeting To Motivate
VIII. Give The Workers Credit For The Victories
Let them know how the Lord is blessing and using them in a letter or by a personal word of
appreciation

IX. Use Personal Calls From Time To Time
A small note of appreciation or phone call can be a great encouragement to a bus worker 46
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WHY DO WE HAVE BUS MINISTRY SLUMPS
I. Workers Lose Their "First Love"
Most people get involved in the bus ministry because they love the Lord and are interested in
bringing people to know Him. In the "busyness" of serving the Lord, some forget whom they are
serving. This generally comes from getting away from the basics of personal Bible study, prayer
and regular church attendance.

II. When Workers Quit Serving It Causes The Bus Ministry To Loose Momentum
When workers quit, they do not realize the harmful effect it causes not only on their own bus route,
but also upon the ministry as a whole. Be ye faithful!

III. Some Negative Comments By Workers Can Spread Throughout The Bus Ministry Causing
Discouragement

That is why criticism and negative comments need to be withheld. We are to build one another up
(edify), not discourage one another.

IV. Some Workers After Serving For A Period Of Time Get A "Know It All" Attitude
When you become unteachable, you will tend not to go forward. Always be learning 'till the day
you go home to see Jesus!

V. Many Bus Workers Serve By Emotions And Not Faith
Stable bus workers walking by faith produce growing bus ministries.
VI. Bus Workers Many Times Lose Their Vision
If you loose your vision of what God wants to accomplish and can accomplish, your ministry will
fall into a slump. 47
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WAYS TO OVERCOME A BUS MINISTRY SLUMP
I. The Leader Is The Key
Dr. Lee Roberson often said "everything rises and falls on leadership." The leader understanding
what causes a slump is invaluable in preventing a slump.

II. The Leader Can Use His Preaching To Keep The Bus Ministry On Fire
The leader must be highly motivated himself to motivate others.
III. Set New Goals To Attain
Don't become content, but by use of goals do your best to motivate the workers to new heights.
"They that shoot at nothing will surely hit nothing."

IV. Keep Attempting To Add New Workers So You Can Add Routes
Nothing generates excitement like adding new workers and starting new routes (of course, this is
not always achieved but should be every bus director's goal).

V. Keep The Worker's Passion For Souls
The pulpit should preach it and the one preaching should set the pace by bringing converts down
the aisle. People generally will do a little less than their leader.

VI. Make The Bus Ministry The Most Exciting Ministry In The Church
The bus ministry is certainly not the easiest ministry in the church, but attempt to make it the most
exciting. Do different things at the bus meeting, have campaigns, have banquets and fellowships,
give workers motivational literature, have special speakers, etc.

VII. Try New Things That You Have Never Done Before Or Have Not Done In A Long Time
Variety always keeps people excited.
VIII. Do Not Neglect To Pray For Your Workers
The Lord can do more for your ministry than human iniquity. 48
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PROMOTION AND THE BUS MINISTRY
I. What Is Promotion?
Promotion is the use of excitement to get people assembled for one reason, that we might give
them the gospel.

II. What Promotion Is Not
Promotion is not a bribe. A bribe is something given to a person to get them to do something
wrong. It is doing something right to get bus kids in Sunday School that we might present Christ
to them.

III. Scriptures That Support Promotion
A. Matthew 18: 14 Ð God wants bus kids saved.
B. Mark 9: 41 Ð God promises a reward for giving "a cup of cold water in his name." How much
more reward should a bus captain receive for giving a snow cone or ice cream cone, for
example?

C. Mark 9: 42 Ð I think we can offend children by not making Sunday School an exciting
experience. How many times have we all invited an adult to our church where they have
replied, "I found it boring when I was a child."

D. John 6: 2 Ð Jesus used promotion to get a crowd assembled by giving out fish sandwiches. He
used this opportunity to preach unto them the kingdom of God.

E. Find me one scripture that states a lost person should desire to go to church (1 Cor. 2: 14). You
will not find one! But many admonish us to go after lost sinners and win them to Christ.

IV. Great Men Of The Past Used Promotion
A. Whitfield and Wesley Ð used field preaching.
B. Booth Ð used musicians and preached from a soapbox on the street corner.
C. D. L. Moody Ð gave out pennies for attending Sunday School and gave out new suits to boys
that were faithful for a year.

D. Billy Sunday Ð broke chairs over the pulpit and slid across the platform in baseball fashion.
V. The Key To All Promotion
EXCITEMENT 49
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VI. What Will Promotion Do?
A. It will attract new bus riders.
B. It will excite riders that have quit to come back.
C. It should encourage your workers to visit more.
D. It will get more people together to give them the gospel.
E. It should result in more being saved.
F. Some may come because of the promotion; but leave with Christ as their Savior.
VII. What Types Of Promotion Can You Have?
A. Both primary and secondary promotion
B. Primary promotion is aimed at getting your bus workers excited.
C. Secondary promotion is aimed at getting your bus riders excited.
VIII. Examples Of Primary Promotion
A. Plaques designed in different ways to go along with your campaign
B. Bibles
C. Tape sets
D. Monogrammed coats and shirts, etc.
E. Evening out to dinner with the leaders
F. A nice preplanned trip with their spouse
IX. Examples Of Secondary Promotion
See following pages where they are listed
X. How To Have A Promotion
A. Plan any details if it involves an activity such as a picnic, pizza party, etc.
B. Make sure you have an adequate supply of the promotional item.
C. Inform you workers of your plans.
D. Make sure your workers understand work on their part is needed with the promotion. 50
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E. Tell your workers to get excited about it as they visit their riders.
F. Have a bus flyer as a tool to help your workers.
G. In your initial thinking, get counsel from children and see their reaction to your ideas. If they
get excited, it is probably a good promotion.

H. Don't be afraid to try new things.
I. Any promotions that are questionable should probably not be used.
J. Keep your promotions in line with the money in your budget.
K. Your pastor may want to be made aware of what you are doing.
L. Remind your workers that promotion does not take the place of prayer and hard work.
M. Don't be afraid to use successful promotions again. Just do not over use them.
XI. How About My Bus Flyer
A. It should be concise and to the point.
B. It should use good graphics to make the promotion look attractive.
C. It should include a _" border for copying purposes.
D. It should include large enough quantities so no one will run out.
E. It should include a good scripture verse you can use for memorization for the riders.
F. It should include your church name, address and phone number.
XII. Questions To Ask Yourself
A. Why am I having the promotion? God always blesses right motive!
B. Have I run through my "check list" and is everything set?
C. Have I forgotten to pray? 51
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SUCCESSFUL INDIVIDUAL SUNDAY PROMOTIONS
I. Picnic
Hot dog, peanut butter sandwich, or lunchmeat sandwich with chips, cookies, and soda or punch
II. Pizza Served With Soda
III. Ice Cream
Dilly Bars, ice cream in a cup (you add any extras), or ice cream cones
IV. Squirt Guns Or Squirt Rings Or Water Balloon Throws
V. Valentine Party (Around That Special Day)
VI. Pumpkins (Right Before Halloween)
VII. Christmas In Another Month
By this I mean have a Christmas Sunday in March, July or October. By out Christmas candy after
Christmas and store it for this special Sunday. Have small gifts for riders and definitely sing
Christmas songs.

VIII. Watermelons In The Summer
IX. Goldfish
A goldfish for each rider
X. Everybody's Birthday
Cookies or cupcakes, treat bags, and always include a small gift. You can also have birthday hats.
Do this annually where you celebrate every rider's birthday on a given Sunday.

XI. Treat Bags
Load a 2-lb. size bag with a number of nice candy treats. You can use left over treats from
previous Sundays.

XII. Pirate Day
Eye patches, Long John Silver's pirate hats, and pirate food (gummy fish or fish crackers)
XIII. Double Bars
Two different well-liked candy bars 52
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XIV. Christmas Socks
Make or buy
XV. Giant Coins
Order from promotional catalogs
XVI. McDonald's Hamburgers
XVII. Christmas Store
Kids can earn "bus bucks" and spend them buying toys and gifts for family members.
XVIII. Carnival
Always guaranteed to drastically increase your attendance. Have it as big or little as your budget
dictates. Contact a company that rents carnival games to schools and organizations. 53
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HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL "BIG DAY"
I. Let God Lead
Set realizable goals that can be met with God's help and plenty of work
II. Pray Long And Hard Well In Advance About A BIG DAY
A. Pray about every aspect Ð people's hearts to work toward a BIG DAY, extra buses, finances,
many extra workers, promotions to be used, etc.

B. Lead your key people to pray individually
C. Announce to the church and have them pray collectively
D. Have bus workers gather for prayer meetings
E. Set a goal and pray God will allow you to have victory
III. Line Up All Promotional Items Well In Advance In Adequate Quantities
You should not fail to give out what you promised
IV. Let Your People Know That A Lot Of Visitation Will Be Required
VISIT, VISIT, and VISIT!
V. Spend Time With "Clown Teams" On Each Route A Number Of Evenings In Advance Of A
BIG DAY

A. Have plenty of flyers to hand out
B. Get all names and addresses of all prospective riders for your BIG DAY
Make sure you get parent's permission at that time
C. The "clown team" will pull the kids "out of the woodwork" so you can tell them what you're
doing

The clown could be in any kind of costume Ð dressed character that could be used to draw
people out to meet you

D. Go in a church van or bus that is lettered on the outside so people can tell where you are from 54
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VI. Give Advance Tickets To Your Event Starting 4 To 5 Weeks Before The BIG DAY SUNDAY
A. Give tickets based on faithfulness in attendance and bringing visitors
B. Try to get the visitors to start coming and encourage them to bring visitors
VII. As You Come To Friday And Saturday Of The BIG DAY, Have Your Captains Visit All
Regulars, Visitors And Prospects

A. Have large quantities of flyers
B. Talk to all parents since pickup and drop-off times will all be altered from the normal times
C. Tell kids to bring cousins, friends, etc.
D. Try and commit parents to come
E. Answer all questions
VIII. Make Sure You Have Everything Lined Up And All Extra Workers Well Informed Of Their
Role

A. Always remember "anything that can go wrong, probably will go wrong." The best way to
overcome this is to contact and re-contact workers to "shore everything up."

B. Make sure everybody is clear on their role of service. If you fail here, you will generate a lot
of confusion. The extra workers will "bad-mouth" your BIG DAY and when you schedule
another BIG DAY, no one will volunteer to help. The opposite is also true. When everything
is well organized, things go smoothly and great numbers of people are saved as a result of your
BIG DAY, people will look forward to the next one.

IX. Make Sure The Results Are Presented To The Church And Outstanding Performances Are
Recognized

A. Use the pulpit
B. Use the church bulletin
C. Send a nice "thank you" letter to all regular and extra workers that helped on the BIG DAY
X. In All Your Public Recognition Of People, Make Sure God Receives The Greatest Glory
A lot of human effort was certainly put in, but don't forget, without God blessing it and speaking
to hearts, none of it would be possible 55
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XI. Have An Immediate Emphasis On Baptism To Try And Have Large Numbers Of Converts
Baptized The Following Couple Of Weeks

A. Make sure you have proper lists of converts for all bus captains
B. Make sure you, as the bus director, are also helping in the effort
C. Success in this area will add "icing to the cake." This is very important. 56
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HAVING A REACHING PARENTS MONTH AND PARENT SUNDAY
I. Every Church Should Have A Reaching Parents Month And Parents Sunday
II. This Gives Each Church An Excellent Opportunity To Reach Their Bus Parents
A. Encourage bus workers to go all out to give the gospel to each unsaved parent in the home
B. Many parents can be saved due to the witness in the home
C. Use an invitation card, as shown on a following page, to get your parents committed to attend
Parent Sunday

Work on this for a whole month
D. Turn these cards into the Bus Director so estimates can be made on the number of parents
committed to attend

E. Have bus captains make a final check on commitments the Saturday before (day before) the
Parent Sunday

III. Bus Parent Sunday
A. Have people lined up to greet your many bus parents
B. Pass out visitor cards in your service to register them
C. Recognize bus parents publicly; welcome them warmly
D. Have a special video of your bus ministry to show them, if possible
E. Special music by bus kids
F. Make sure the gospel is clearly given and the net drawn
G. You might want to have a special speaker that would also be an encouragement for them to
attend

H. Have a luncheon for them immediately after the service
IV. The Parent Luncheon
A. You may want to prepare it yourself if you have a church kitchen
B. You possibly can get members to bring part of the luncheon (dessert), prepare part of it at the
church, or secure some items at a local eatery 57
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C. Some have had a roast beef dinner, mashed potatoes, corn, with a dessert; some have had fried
chicken, mashed potatoes, slaw or beans, with a dessert

D. Have it ready on time
E. Have adequate servers
F. Have some to circulate, greet and host them
G. No grumps allowed; everyone must show themselves friendly
V. What To Do With The Bus Riders During The Parents' Luncheon
A. Have a separate activity for the riders that will coordinate with the ending time of the parents'
luncheon

B. Good suggestions include an outside picnic for the riders, ice cream cones, cookies and a drink,
and possible games for each bus route

C. This will allow the parents to enjoy their dinner without having to be concerned about their
kids

D. This will also keep your cost much lower since the cost of the children's activity/ food will be
much less than feeding them the same meal as the parents

VI. Additional Things To Consider
A. Some kids may want to accompany their parents home in the car (assuming parents drove in).
Make sure each captain knows this information.

B. Some parents may not have their own transportation and come on the bus that day. Make sure
they are given instructions.

C. The bus director needs to think out all possible situations so parents and kids get back home in
a timely fashion. Discuss this with all of your workers.

VII. If You Do It Once; You Will Do It Annually 58
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RECORDS
I. List Figures You Feel Are Vital
II. Make Comparisons Of Figures To:
A. Last week
B. Last year
C. Best year ever
D. Worst year ever
III. If The Figures Are Compiled To Present Or Hand Out, Have Them Accurately Typed In
Logical Fashion

IV. Make Sure Reports Are Easy For People To Quickly Evaluate Results
V. You May Want To Graph Comparing The Year's Statistics
VI. Reports May Be Compiled:
A. Weekly
B. Monthly
C. Yearly
VII. Use Records To Encourage Workers
VIII. Emphasize Victories Ð De-emphasize Down Days
IX. Computers Can Easily Be Programmed To Store And Generate Reports
X. Make Sure Master Records Are Kept In A Secure Place

Note: The next two pages show computer-generated reports that we use in the bus ministry at Trinity
Baptist Church. These may give you ideas for your ministry. 59
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PROTECTION FOR YOUR CHURCH AGAINST CHILD ABUSE CHARGES
Introduction:
With more and more cases of child abuse charges being levied against churches, let us give a few
basic guidelines to keep your church and ministry safe in these last days.

When churches are taken to court over accusations, the following three things help to legally
define the church's actions:

¨ Written Records ¨ Written Rules For Workers
¨ Screening Of All Workers
In 1980, this new development did not exist. By 1994, it had become the rule. When an
accusation is brought against you by a child, the courts seemingly no longer believe you. They believe
the child. In court, they will call expert witnesses to prove that "children don't lie."

¨ Your Word vs. Child's Word = Child Wins ¨ Your Defense = Written Records!!!
¨ Your Word + Written Records vs. Child's Word = You Win!
I. What Kind Of Written Records Do You Need?
A. Attendance records both on the bus and in the classroom
B. Written records from each classroom and bus every week of any incidents involving discipline
problems, threats by children, suspicious behavior. This would include detailed description of
what took place, worker witnesses, and riders that saw the incident.

C. These should be kept on file indefinitely
II. Written Rules For Workers
A. These should be gone over with each worker and prospective worker
B. Any questions should be clarified
C. A form should be signed by each worker stating they agree to abide by the guidelines
III. Screening Of All Workers
Each worker should fill out a screening form listing former places of service, any criminal charges
and their result and a list of references

*For a good reference of this subject get a copy of "Protecting Your Church From Allegations Of
Child Abuse" by CLA. 60
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PURCHASING BUSES
I. Do Not Be In A Big Hurry; Do Not Buy Impulsively
II. Shop Around Before You Make The Purchase
III. Have The Owner Or Dealer Give You The List Price Before Looking
A. You can purchase buses from dealers, other churches, or from local school boards (probably
the best price)

B. Some owners will donate a bus to your church to obtain a tax deduction
IV. Make A List Of Deficiencies As You Look Over The Bus
A. Body problems
1. Rust generally comes around the front fenders and rear wheel wells
2. Look for dents and bangs
3. Check floor condition (particularly the front step and around rear wheel wells)
B. Look over all the window glass
Front windshields are particularly expensive
C. Look at the condition of seats
Replacement foam and covers can be ordered from manufacturer
D. Check tread depth of tires and their condition
1. Tires are a great expense
2. New tires are required on the front
3. Retreads can be used on the rear
E. Check all gauges
F. Check if the heaters are connected and working
G. Check the oil on dip stick to see how well oil changes have been made
Dark gritty oil is a signal the owner has not made regular oil changes 61
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H. Ask to see maintenance records
Lack of them may or may not be a good indication of the mechanical condition
I. As you start the engine, listen for any initial noises
See how quick oil pressure comes up and what it is
J. As you drive the bus, listen for engine, transmission or rear end noises
K. Make sure the clutch and transmission work properly as you go through the gears
Most buses today have automatic transmissions
L. Check the operation of the brakes and also listen for noise
M. Check the operation of the emergency brakes
N. Check the exhaust system for leaks from the manifold all the way to the tail pipe
O. Check the steering for any unnecessary motion, etc.
P. Turn the bus off, smell and look for oil, and/ or water and transmission fluid leaks.
This could be an indicator of minor or major problems
V. Review The Decencies And Cost Of Repair With The Seller If You Are Interested In Making
A Purchase

VI. The Asking Price And Cost Of Repair Estimates
A. Make the seller an offer if the problems are not serious
B. Make sure the offer is not too high on your part
C. He may make a counter offer
VII. You May Have To Bargain With The Seller Over The Price
VIII. Stay Away From Pushers, Pullers, City Buses, And Greyhounds
IX. Have A Pocket Full Of $100 Bills To Roll Out At The Appropriate Time
Many times this can help you to get a better price 62
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X. Additional Thoughts On Purchasing Buses
A. Think about staying with one bus manufacturer if possible
They can interchange parts
B. Try and make the bus as attractive as you can
1. Hopefully it had a good paint job, so letter it attractively
2. You may decide to repaint it also
3. If so, make sure you do a good job prepping the surface
4. Some states require church buses be painted some other color than school bus yellow
C. Get sources of good used parts
1. This can save a lot of money
2. Lots of times buying good junkyard parts is a good way to go
D. Diesel engines get much better mileage than gasoline engines and run longer
1. Their cost is higher
2. You can also run them for about 3 times the miles before an overhaul
3. The cost of the overhaul is much more expensive
4. Get the facts and make your decision
E. After you secure your bus, make sure you have a regular preventive maintenance program
1. This will save you money in the long run
2. It will prevent discouraging breakdowns while you are on your Sunday routes
3. Make sure you are particularly safety conscious on regular brake checks and adjustments
4. Have good tires on your bus
5. Make sure you keep written maintenance records for your own information and also as a
proof of a regular maintenance program in case of an accident and potential law suit 63
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THE BUS MEETING
The Bus Meeting Usually Includes:
A. Songs
1. Led by one of the bus captains
2. Use bus songs to help your people learn them
3. Visual songs are excellent for the bus*
B. Prayer
Requests can be made
C. Blessings
Victories and praises from the bus workers
D. Announcements
Promotions, upcoming events, correction of problems, etc.
E. Motivation
10-15 minute message from the bus director or designated person
F. Goals
Review your goals once a month to see if routes are progressing
G. Time of the bus meeting
1. If your ministry is fairly large, a Saturday morning meeting would be best on a weekly
basis

A breakfast could be served every week or as a special treat for the workers once a month
2. An alternate time might be a brief meeting immediately before or after church on a Sunday
evening

This would have to be shorter than a Saturday meeting
3. A smaller ministry could very well do with a once a month meeting
You could always have special meetings more often, for example during campaigns 64
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H. Don'ts about the bus meeting
1. Don't have a bus meeting just for the sake of having one
2. Think out your meeting and make it exciting
3. Don't drag the meeting out; keep it to the point
Your workers' time is limited
I. Have all materials for workers to take on visitation
1. Salvation tracts, brochures, record cards, baptism tracts, baptism permission cards, lists of
salvation decisions for follow-up, and other forms you use

2. Have bus flyers already counted out in stacks (rubber banded), ready for your workers to
take

a. You may wish to have a flyer 52 weeks each year
b. You may choose to have flyers just for special promotion days
c. If you choose option B instruct workers to leave a note on a tract or a door hanger so
folks know they have been by if they do not catch them on visitation**

*Visual songs can be ordered from:
CEF Press 1-800-748-7710
Bible Visuals 1-717-859-1131
BCM Bible Teaching Materials 1-610-352-7177, ext. 335

Call and request a free catalog.
** Dr. Beebe carries bus ministry door hangers.
Special Note:
Trinity Baptist Church uses only KJV. Some of the above companies use other versions. Look
over each selection before purchasing! 65
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FINANCING THE BUS MINISTRY
I. Always Pray Much About Your Finances
II. Budget Item In The Church Budget
III. Offering Taken At The Bus Meeting To Supplement Cost
IV. A Planned Program Of Finance To Supplement Budget Item (Some Suggestions)
A. Envelopes in the pews where people can give designated money to the bus ministry
B. Wednesday offering goes to the bus ministry
C. "Buy a bus" offering (when you are ready to purchase a bus)
Where members give in a service until you raise enough money to buy the bus
D. "Buy a seat" offering (when you are ready to purchase a bus)
1. Divide the cost of buying the bus by the number of seats
2. Get 66 people in your church to buy a seat
E. Piggy banks
1. Give out cardboard bus piggy banks and ask the people to return them (available from Dr.
Beebe)

2. You could also give these to your bus riders
F. Bus Club
1. Get people to give a designated amount each month that will help finance some aspect of
the bus ministry.

2. Ask them to pray for the bus ministry.
3. Give them a frameable certificate indicating they are a member of your Bus Club
4. Invite these folks to your yearly Bus Banquet if you have one
G. Missionary program
Some churches may want to pay for a portion of the operation costs of the bus ministry out of
the mission program of their church (possibly the insurance costs)

V. Pursue Souls And God Will Supply The Needs 66
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HOW TO HANDLE BENEVOLENCE REQUESTS
A bus ministry will greatly increase benevolence requests. Wisdom must be used in today's
society or the church will be taken advantage of and unnecessary money spent.

These guidelines will be found helpful to head-off the "professional beggars."
I. Only Members Of The Church Or Families Of Regular Bus Riders Are Candidates For Food
II. Explain To People Calling In That Due To The Many Requests, You Can Only Help The
Before Mentioned Groups Of People (See #1)

III. With Bus Families, Our Procedure Is To Provide Food Assistance Twice A Year
A. If you don't have some policy like this, many will expect a food delivery every month when
their food stamp money runs out due to mismanagement in most cases

B. Keep in mind that there are always exceptions to a policy like this
IV. If You Are Contacted About The Need For Food While Visiting On The Bus Route, Always
Say, "Our Pastor Wants Us To Look In The Refrigerator And Cabinets To Verify Your Real
Need"

Explain to them that we want to help those that have a real need but must guard against those who
take advantage of a church

V. If The People Call The Church Requesting Food, The Bus Director Should Always Call The
Bus Captain To (1) See If The Kids Do Attend, (2) See If, In His Opinion, There Is A Real
Need

VI. If Possible, The Bus Captain Should Buy And Deliver The Food; If Not Possible, The Bus
Director Should Take Care Of It

VII. There Are A Number Of Ways You Can Come Up With The Food
A. Purchase the food at the grocery store
B. Have a food pantry at the church that members periodically stock with canned and dry goods;
then you would only have to purchase bread, milk, meat, etc.

C. Refer the people to a food bank or community agency that will actually help them
D. Keep in mind that a lot of requests can sure "eat" into a benevolence budget quickly 67
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VIII. When Purchasing The Groceries At The Market, We Only Purchase About $25.00 Worth Of
Food

Explain to the people that we have a limit to our purchases for each family due to the many
requests

IX. Purchase Only Necessary Items
A. Don't provide items such as cookies, ice cream, chips, T-bone steaks, soft drinks, etc.
B. Limit it to items that are the least expensive but would stretch to filling meals (Examples)
1. Potatoes
2. Bread
3. Milk
4. Eggs
5. Rice
6. Soup
7. Beans
8. Crackers
9. Hot dogs
10. Ground beef
11. Canned fruit
12. Canned vegetables
13. Macaroni and cheese (boxed)

X. The Above Procedures Will Help You Head Off The Professional Church Beggars And
Conserve Your Church Finances So You Can Continue To Help Those With A Real Need

XI. Every Time A Benevolence Request Is Made It Goes Without Saying That The Families
Spiritual Condition Should Be Investigated

Many times due to a real need in their lives, it is a good time to win the family to Christ
XII. You Would Want To Be Very Cautious About Paying Rent And Utility Bills
A. Keep in mind this will really get expensive in the case of bus families
B. You must have a consistent policy
C. Active families attending your church would be treated differently in most cases
D. Your pastor, deacons and bus director should have a workable policy for your ministry 68
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THE DRIVER FILE
There should be a file kept on each driver. It should include the following:
I. A Copy Of The License
A. Make sure it is a Class B CDL (or higher) with air brake and passenger endorsement
B. Make sure the license has not expired
C. Make sure the driver meets the age guidelines of your insurance carrier (if they have one)
II. Run An MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) On The Driver
A. Your insurance carrier will do this for you
B. This allows you and your insurance carrier to see if the driver has any points off of his license
C. Our carrier will only allow 3 points off with non-serious offenses
D. Your carrier will tell you if you can use this driver
III. The Driver Needs To Read Your Ministry Driver Handbook
A. This handbook tells your drivers what special safety procedures you expect them to follow
B. The last page of the manual should be signed by the driver and placed in his file indicating he
has read and will abide by your guidelines

IV. The Manual Describing Drug Testing Needs To Be Read
A. This is required by Federal Law
B. The last page of this manual needs to be signed by the driver and included in the driver's file
C. These are available or you can get the information and produce your own
V. The Driver Test Check List
A. Every driver should be road tested behind the wheel of the bus
B. A check list showing the driver's ability to perform needed skills should be checked and signed
and placed in the driver's file 69
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VI. The Driving With A Loaded Bus Verification
A. If the new driver has had no previous experience driving a bus, have him drive a minimum of
three Sundays with the driving instructor observing his driving with a loaded bus on an actual
bus route

B. A signed form showing this has been completed is placed in the driver's file
VII. Paperwork Showing Reports Of Any Accidents
A. The Accident Review Committee will meet to discuss the case if negligence is present
B. More than one report of an accident a year should put up a flag
VIII. A Copy Of The Driver's Pre-employment NIDA Drug Test
A. Every new driver must take a pre-employment drug test
B. Put this in the driver's file 70
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COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE (CDL) REQUIREMENT
I. Since April 1, 1992 A CDL License Has Been Required To Drive A Church Bus
II. This Involves Passing A Written Test To Obtain The License
A. General knowledge
B. Air brake endorsement
C. Passenger endorsement
III. This Also Involves Passing A Skills Test Driving The Bus
A. A pre-trip inspection is required
B. A skills test behind the wheel on a state approved course with a state certified instructor is
required

IV. After The Written And Skills Parts Are Completed, The Class "B" License Is Issued
A. The cost varies from state to state
B. The length before renewal varies from state to state
C. Some states require a physical; some do not
D. No re-testing is required as you move to another state since this is a Federal license and should
be uniform state to state

V. Sample Written Tests And Information On The Skills Test Follows 71
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GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
Sample Test

1. When the roads are slippery
A. Drive alongside other vehicles
B. Make turns as gentle as possible
C. Test the traction while going uphill
D. Decrease the distance you look ahead

2. Which of these statements about brakes is true?
A. The heavier a vehicle or the faster it is moving the more heat the brakes have to absorb to stop
B. Brakes have more stopping power when they get very hot
C. Brake drums cool very quickly when the vehicle is moving very fast
D. All of the above are true

3. Truck escape ramps
A. Help avoid damage to vehicles
B. Should not be used if brakes fail on a downgrade
C. Cannot be used by certain types of heavy vehicles
D. All of the above

4. You are starting your vehicle in motion from a stop: as you apply power to the drive wheels they
start to spin: what should you do?

A. Take your foot off the accelerator
B. Take your foot off the accelerator and apply the brakes
C. Press harder on the accelerator
D. Try a lower gear

5. The distance you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving amounts to about what fraction
of a mile at high speeds?

A. A tenth (1/ 10) of a mile
B. An eight (1/ 8) of a mile
C. A quarter (1/ 4) of a mile
D. Half (1/ 2) of a mile

6. The Commercial Drivers Manual suggests several things to do when you pass a vehicle, which of
these is not one of the suggested things to do?

A. Lightly tap on your horn
B. When passing at night, turn on your high beams before you start to pass and leave them on
until you have completely passed the vehicle
C. Drive carefully to avoid a crash
D. Assume the other driver does not see you 72
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7. Which of these statements about downshifting is true:
A. When you downshift from a curve, you should do so before you enter the curve
B. When you downshift from a hill, you should do so after you start down the hill
C. When double clutching, you should let the Rpm's decrease while the clutch is released and the
shift lever is in neutral
D. All of the above

8. Which of these can cause a vehicle to skid?
A. Turning too sharply
B. Not enough weight on the front axle
C. Over-acceleration
D. All of the above

9. Which of these pieces of emergency equipment should always be carried in your vehicle?
A. Fire extinguishers
B. Spare electrical fuses
C. Warning devices for parked vehicles
D. All of the above

10. Which of these statements about drugs is true?
A. A driver can use any prescription drug while driving
B. Amphetamines such as pep pills or bennies can be used to help the driver stay alert
C. The use of drugs can lead to accidents or arrests
D. All of the above

11. Which of these can tell you that a shipment contains hazardous material?
A. The name of a