Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

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

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

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

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

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

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

Class Evangelism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Promotional Tactics

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

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

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

Bible Award

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

Kite Sunday

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

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

Birthday Sunday

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

Freedom Sunday

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

Other Holidays

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

Religious Holidays

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

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

Fellowship Sunday

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

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

Zoo Sunday

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

Sweetest Sunday

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

Dairy Queen

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

Pie Face

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

Fishing For Men

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

Auction Sunday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Leslie Diestelkamp

Since there is only one way to escape old age, and that is to die young, most people expend every effort to try to live out many years of senior citizenship. In fact, some become obsessed with ambitions for longevity. We have all heard many say, “I won’t be satisfied unless I .reach one hundred years.” Probably though, such ambitions are neither wise nor scriptural, and actually demonstrate too much love for this world and not enough interest in the eternity to come where days, weeks, months and years will be unknown and unnumbered, where there will be no flesh and bones to deteriorate and where all the physical things that we associate with the passing of time will be non-existent.

The real disciple of Christ does not dread death, though he may certainly dread the ordeal of dying. Also, because of circumstances and obligations to others, he may not want to leave various loved ones without his help and presence. But if he has fought a good fight, and has kept the faith (see 2 Tim. 4:7), he does not dread life after death, but joyously anticipates it. Paul exemplified such righteous desire for heaven but for the sake of others he gladly continued with them for their “furtherance and joy of faith” (Phil. 1:21-26).

Anticipating Retirement

A very large segment of American citizens are now retired, and another great segment of our people are actually counting the days and weeks and months until they reach retirement age. Indeed, many people desire retirement from secular occupations so that they may devote themselves more completely to spiritual objectives. I know several Christians who retired from their vocation and then devoted their whole time to preaching, teaching and to humanitarian work. Such people are to be highly commended for wisdom they have demonstrated. I do not think I have known such a person who was unhappy about the choice he had made.

Many other people seem to anticipate retirement only so it may enable them to rest. They think in terms of doing nothing at all, or if not that, of doing only that which gratifies their own physical desires. Frequently we see such people move off to some remote sanctuary to “get away from it all.” Soon they begin to miss assemblies of the saints “because it is too far” (which they knew when they arranged the location). Others settle down to a life consisting of a minimum of activity-doing as little as possible-and are usually unhappy and soon unhealthy.

It seems strange to me that people would be careful to make it practical to attend services of a faithful church for several decades, and then at retirement make an arrangement that causes difficulty or even precludes such faithfulness. Instead of thinking of a nice, quiet place “away from it all,” why not be concerned for a place where one can readily be most useful to the cause of Christ and most actively engaged in work and worship with other faithful ones.

Challenging Opportunities

It has become quite usual for many preachers to retire to some locality where they can serve in a small church that really needs their services and their maturity. This is great. However, it would be equally great for many others to do the same — those who are not preachers. Instead of settling down in the midst of a big group of strong Christians who really do not need you and where your impact will be minimal, why not choose a place where the brethren are few, the cause weak and where your influence will be immeasurably great?

It is not my desire to discuss the many complexities of senior citizenship in the physical, economic and social areas of life. In fact, for the purposes of this essay, I only desire to plead for faithfulness and fidelity in those sunset years. Jesus said, “He that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Mt. 10:22). There is no promise for those who served the Lord faithfully for forty or fifty years and then quit! Neither is there promise for those who lived in godliness for many years and then succumbed to corruption.

Finally, let us not become weary in well-doing. We must contend for the faith to the very end. Younger preachers sometimes accuse older ones of “mellowing” so much that they become “soft” doctrinally. Perhaps it is true that most older preachers do mellow somewhat. They do not manifest the same brashness and dogmatism of their youthful years. I do not lament this fact of life. However, it is pitiable when an old soldier of the cross puts down his sword and makes peace with the enemies of truth. And this sometimes happens to those who were not preachers also. Paul “the aged” was still enduring persecutions and was setting an example in steadfastness to the very end. Let us use our years of senior citizenship to produce the greatest possible impact upon the kingdom of Christ-for the strengthening of the weak, the encouragement of the strong, the saving of the lost and for our own eternal security.

Truth Magazine XXII: 19, p. 306
May 11, 1978

By O. C. Birdwell

My father-in-law would often tell a story about a farmer he knew during the depression days. The man farmed with mules, and being very poor, had little to feed them. He would dump a bucket of anything available (often during the summer, a bucket of peaches) into the feed trough and say to the ole mule, “Now you just suit yourself, you can eat it or leave it alone, it makes no difference to me.”

Causes for the “Come and Get it” Attitude

Them are many causes for this prevalent attitude that we are here considering. We do not know them all, and would not have the space to list them if they were known. We do, however, want to list a few that we feel to be obvious in so many cases.

(1) With some there may be less than a firm and confident conviction. Many religious groups are no longer eager to evangelize. Some forthrightly affirm that “one is as good as another” and that none are essential to salvation. Many even doubt that there is a salvation to be offered. Mr. Billy Graham, a well known Baptist preacher, recently was quoted in McCall’s as saying that he no longer believes pagans and Jews are lost without Christ. He believes they can say “yes to God” and be saved by viewing nature, apart from Christ. If this is so, why take the gospel to anyone? This attitude may have invaded the hearts of some in congregations of Christ. I know that there are some, even several preachers, who presently refuse to condemn as wrong religious teaching and practice that is clearly outside New Testament authority,

(2) Materialism, and the involvement of most people in business, recreation, and entertainment is a definite cause. Both the teacher and the one needing to be taught are affected. It is much easier to stay home, watch television by a warm fire, and have a nice bedtime snack, than it is to make the effort to teach someone. This is especially so when it is apparent that the one we are trying to reach had much rather be doing that himself.

(3) Our nice, comfortable, and convenient meeting houses may cause the attitude. Some feel that most everything has to be done in the church building. Please do not miss the point that is being made. This does not mean that adequate meeting houses with classrooms and teaching facilities are wrong, or even that they are not desirable. They are tools to be used to an end, but they ought not be regarded as an end within themselves. How many churches have been known to die after moving into a new building? Especially is there a danger after they pay for the building. Let us remember that a building will not do our teaching for us. A building cannot “go” anywhere with the gospel.

(4) Lack of knowledge and zeal is also a cause. Although both are essential, often it is evident that there is knowledge with no zeal. Then, we may see zeal with little or no knowledge. This condition may cause people to say, “Let them come to the church building and hear the preacher.”This lack of knowledge and zeal is a direct result of some of the causes already mentioned. Materialism and love for the world brings loss of zeal and lack of knowledge. Often there is too little time allotted for Bible study, and no manifested spiritual appetite.

(5) The aggressive nature of some false teachers causes the attitude. Some may say, “I do not want to appear to be a `Jehovah’s Witness,’ or ‘Mormon.'” We should remember, however, that the zeal of some in these false religious groups is not their problem. We should not take issue with their zeal. It is often commendable. Their teaching is their basic problem. It is false. Their zeal, along with the truth, would be desirable and fruitful for Christ.

(6) When our aim and purpose is forgotten, this attitude is developed. When we forget that all men are in desperate need, and the gospel is the only answer to that need, we become indifferent and tend to do as did the Israelites. “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play” (1 Cor. 10:7). We need a higher goal than this. We need more ambition. Our ambition, however, will usually depend upon our aim and purpose. For this cause our aim should be of the highest caliber. The aim of the church should not be political. We should not want worldly power and dominance. Neither

is the purpose to be commercial. Material possession is of no value except as it can be used to support the preaching of the gospel. Saving souls, and keeping them saved, is placed above everything in the world. It is the work Jesus came to do. This attitude should so completely control us that there will be no vague concept of duty or danger of drifting from complete dedication to the cause of the gospel.

Overcoming the “Come and Get It” Attitude

In the concluding part of this article it seems fitting and even necessary that some attention be given to overcoming the undesirable attitude we have been discussing. Material, presented by other writers in this issue, on subjects such as Finding Contacts, Working the Contract, Activating Members, and others, will help us in doing our work of evangelism once we divest ourselves of the “Come and get it” attitude, and get to the point where we can sincerely say with Isaiah, “Here am I send me” (Isa. 6:8). We will never accomplish much until we make the switch. The teaching and examples of Jesus and his early disciples will help us make the change. He will strengthen us to be active, and aggressive, and not passive and indifferent in evangelism. “He ordained twelve. . .that he might send them forth to preach” (Mk. 3:14). “They went forth and preached everywhere” (Mk. 16:20). It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor. 1:21). They were sent forth; they went forth; they preached. Where did they preach? They preached everywhere! This pleased God.

Jesus, the master teacher, left us an example. He taught in the synagogue, on the mountain, by the sea of Galilee, at the well in Smaria, and anywhere else he could speak to one or more. “In the parables of Luke 15, Jesus did not speak of a lost flock, but of a lost sheep; not of a lost fortune, but of a lost coin; not of a lost race or nation, but of a lost boy. Jesus reserved his best for individuals!” (Roland Q. Leavell, Evangelism, p. 157). The apostles did the same. They preached in the temple and synagogue, in market places, in prisons, in homes, and even in the hall of the Roman Emperor. They preached to both receptive multitudes and resentful mobs. They shunned not to declare the whole council of God. They made opportunities and preached anywhere they had the opportunity. They said, “For necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:17).

Friend, let us put away this “come and get it” attitude. Let us “go,” throuh every scriptural means, with the pure and simple gospel, to the lost and erring and bring them unto the redemption and salvation that is in Christ. This is the charge of our Captain. We can do no less and obey him.

Truth Magazine XXII: 18, pp. 301-302
May 4, 1978

By Brian V. Sullivan

Thirty-one baptized at 4th and 6th Street. Twenty-one at Route 3, Anywhere. Fourteen at Hendrick Street. Beautiful to think about, aren’t they?

It would be a cold, cold heart that would not rejoice over such progress being made in proclaiming the precious gospel and such increases being given. Yet, how many of those will ever reach maturity? How many will be privileged to be among the host of them that receive the inheritance? Or, how many will become statistics in an ever-increasing toll of those who begin but never finish the course before them? We are not questioning anyone’s obedience, but rather wish to draw attention to a much needed endeavor, that of stabilizing the new convert.

The Need Is Evident

I am not being cynical when I suggest that the possibility of failure looms close in the life of the new convert. A careful perusal of the Scripture will illustrate that there are many forces that rise against all Christians. As a personal worker, we need to be aware of them and seek to prepare the new convert to cope with them. Jesus, in Luke 8 (the parable of the sower), illustrated some of the forces or influences that could interfere with truth, and they are worthy of our consideration.

The hardening influence of Satan working through his agents of unrighteousness may interfere with our work. Such agents as worldliness, lust, sin, false teaching, man’s wisdom, et al are continually confronting all of us. However, with proper warning and preparation, they should not seduce us, nor bring us into subjection. This shows the need for teaching that will prepare and reinforce one’s faith (Eph. 6:13-18).

The pressures of ridicule, abuse and criticism add to the barriers through which the new Christian must pass. Friends (?) or family may attempt to interfere, attack or mock for any number of reasons. Since rejection by others, and the need for social contact is so great among mankind, we must teach the babe and encourage them through these situations.

The flooding influence of materialism, gain and selfish quests can smother the new convert as thorns do the grain, and a loss will result (1 Tim. 6:9-10). Surely, we can see the need for teaching here.

The question is not “Is teaching needed?”, for it is evident that it is! The question is “Where do I begin?”, and to that end we continue this article.

Begin Where The Lord Commanded

We have all quoted the Great Commission as it is found in Matthew’s gospel. From it, we have tried to impress not only the authority of Christ, but also the need for teaching and baptism. Yet, for some reason unknown to me, many seem to think that the instructions found there are: Teach, Baptize and Forget. No, the Lord did not say that! The Lord commanded: Teach, Baptize and Teach! (Look up Matthew 28:18-20 and consider it again.)

Since we recognize that a taught one should become a baptized one without delay, should we not also recognize that a baptized one should receive further teaching without delay? In any field, the most successful preventative maintenance scheme is one that begins long before the first problems arise. In much the same way, the most successful stabilizing effort is one which begins immediately after conversion.

The Babe’s Immediate Needs

The use of “birth” (John 3:5), “babe” (1 Pet. 2:2) and “milk” (Heb. 5:12 and 1 Pet. 2:2) should draw our attention to the helplessness, dependence, and care that is needed by the new convert. At no other time in their life will they need more attention.

If at all possible, have the same party that planted the seed bring in the sheave. In other words, do not switch teachers unless you can do it in a way that will be gradual (cf. John the Baptist’s statement: “He must increase, I must decrease” — John 3:30). The convert has confidence in the one that taught them, and should by this stage feel comfortable in their presence. This will open the door for meeting continued needs in this person. Review the plan of salvation with this person, showing them positively what they are now part of. Such repetition or reminding has a scriptural precedent (see 2 Tim. 1:5-2:26).

Make them aware of the fact that they will make mistakes from time to time, that they may yield in a time of weakness but that this does not mean that they are finished. Like the person who walks an icy sidewalk, they may not intend to fall, but inadvertently they do. What does that person do? They try to get up and go on. Do not be backward about telling them how this can be accomplished. Show them the picture of Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8) and acquaint them with the teaching of John in 1 John 1:7-10. Familiarity with these facts, at this stage, will help them to admit and correct their mistakes rather than to try to cover them up or excuse them.

As soon as possible, find out what questions they have that- are presenting problems, and try to supply scriptural answers on a personal basis. The Lord Himself utilized many occasions to teach but one person (cf. John 4; etc.), and by His action demonstrated the concern that we need to have. Only when this person has their own problem areas dealt with, will they be ready to continue the climb, and only personal contact can recognize and remove such barriers to growth and development.

Where Do I Go?

It would be impossible for me to suggest a program that would work in every place, and so I will not attempt it. However, let me make a few suggestions and perhaps by them you will find a direction to travel in this most important work.

The choice of materials for use in edifying new converts is plenteous. Film strips, study charts, prepared books, and open Bible studies are all available. The choice as to which to use must take into consideration the needs of the convert, and the ability of the teacher. Let us consider some of them briefly.

Personally, I have not utilized any of the follow-up film strips in studies with the new converts. Although I appreciate the effort that was involved in putting them together, I believe that they tend to keep the class too isolated. They lack the personal adaptability of other methods, and because they involve pictures this may mean that Junior or Sissy may stay up later and help to occupy your student’s attention. Do not interpret this to mean that I am not concerned about children, but please understand that experience has taught that even a brief period of time without interruption accomplishes more than great time with much interference.

Study charts are useful if you do not get too deep too fast. Most charts have a light splattering of scriptures on the surface, but by the time we teachers get through, we have presented a truck load. You would not feed a baby a whole box of pablum would you? Then remember that, when you confront them with a chart. Perhaps the best charts are the ones that you put together yourself. Instead of trying to guess why a particular passage is introduced, you will be acquainted with it and better prepared to relate it’s message.

Book studies come in all shapes and forms. Personally, I like to study “Fit for the Master’s Use” by Earle West. It is a good, general purpose study of 10 lessons in length. I do not teach it verbatim, but rather use it as a guide. The students are encouraged to read the next lesson and fill in the answers to the questions. Upon my return, we study the lesson and check the answers. I encourage the students to fill in the personal testimony part of the answer sheet after the class, explaining that it is their own measurement guide. They alone fill it , in, and date it. Then two to three months later they can get it out and see whether they would change any of their answers, hence determining whether they are growing or not. Another good series of practical studies is found in the efforts of Billy W. Moore. His series on Unity is valuable for home study usage and younger folks enjoy doing them. We could cite many other books by name but let me stress this all important point. Do not, I repeat, do not assume that since you are using.a book that you will not need to study. Such an attitude of laxness will result in a boring presentation of truth, and a ritualistic presentation (simply going through the motions-not really doing the job of teaching).

Open Bible studies are the best answer to edification. Choose a New Testament Book that will meet the needs of your class and then diligently study it. Encourage questions and answer them. Often in home studies of this nature we visit for a few minutes and then after a brief word of prayer with them, we take ten to fifteen minutes (or more, if required) to answer any questions on any subject in the Bible. This meets the immediate needs and then we can begin our study. Take along a pen and lots of paper. Jot down a brief outline of what you are saying as you go along, illustrating it with brief charts or line drawings. At the end of the study period, hand this over to your contacts to study. Remember two things in relationship to it: (a) They must be able to read it; and, (b) It must include scripture references. Begin the next study period in the same manner, only briefly review the main points of the previous lesson before going on.

Whatever the method you employ, go with determination to do the best you can. Go with enthusiasm that will generate enthusiasm. Go with the purpose of getting across at least one point but do not overkill it. Set the example of conduct, behaviour, reverence and appreciation for the things of God that becomes a Christian.

How Long?

Perhaps the most often heard question about this work is expressed in two words: “How long?’.’ The answer to this question lies with you and your contact. Many new converts, with proper encouragement and incentives set before them, will begin to progress on their own after only a brief period of time. Others may take, what seems like, years of careful feeding. If you are seeing success, by all means continue the class. Build these folks to the place where they will be able to take an active part in the church.

Sadly, much emphasis has been placed upon the number converted in different places. This is not :where the emphasis needs to be. The proof of the pudding is not in the number of puddings you make, but in the quality you attain. Jesus condemned the Pharisees because of the damage they did to their converts: att. 23:15). The Hebrew writer declared that “those who have tasted” and “were made partakers,” if they fell away, were impossible to renew again unto repentance (Heb. 6:4-9). Peter with vivid language showed the end of those who once having “escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” became entangled therein again (2 Pet. 2:20-22). With such warnings as those, let us never give up too soon. The farmer who does not bring his sheaves in the barn has little to show for his efforts, and is not being very thankful for the Lord’s increase. Neither is the soul winner who does not help bring the sheaves home to heaven.

It May Be Slow, But It’s Worth It!

Involvement in this type of teaching holds just as much excitement as sharing the good news in the first place. It does not allow glowing reports of conversions, but it does give personal satisfaction to see the babe continue to grow and blossom into a fruitful tree unto God (Psa. 1).

Have you always wished that everyone in the local church was an active personal worker? That, which seems like a dream, could be a reality if we will but extend the effort in this area of stabilizing the new converts. It brings me just as much happiness to see someone that I have labored and toiled with (in teaching the gospel and follow-up after conversion) bring in their first convert to Christ, as it would if I myself played some part in the effort. But, the beautiful thing is that the Lord’s plan is doing what it can do. Jesus set in motion in the Great Commission the greatest plan for increase known. Consider it carefully. In brief form, it declares: Go, teach, baptize and teach. Teaching them to observe what I commanded. That means, teaching them to go, teach, baptize and teach. What a wonderful day that will be! Not `will be,’ could be, if we will do our part.

Then, when the Lord comes to receive us home, in the last day, we like the song writer said, “can come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.” May we seek to glorify God and save souls through this most important work. Let me close with Paul’s words by inspiration: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2).

Truth Magazine XXII: 18, pp. 299-301
May 4, 1978