WHEN THE CHURCH BECAME A FREE DAYCARE CENTER
Decades ago, churches—trying to bring more people in—came up with what they called the “church bus/van ministry.” The idea sounded great: make it easier for people who couldn’t get to church on their own. Maybe there were older folks who wanted to attend worship even though their families didn’t go. Maybe transportation was a struggle. The church van was the perfect “vehicle” (yes, pun absolutely intended) to help. Let’s take a fictional example: Mrs. Kate Harris. Her husband is unsaved and refuses to take her to church. She’s in decent health but no longer allowed to drive. For someone like her, the van ministry is a blessing. It gets her to the service she desperately longs to attend. But then word spreads. Suddenly, parents who have no desire to set foot inside a church are shoving their kids out the door on Sunday mornings so the church van can pick them up. I mean, what parent wouldn’t love four peaceful hours with the kids gone and someone else supervising them? The church down ...
