Motorcycle Ministry Guidance

MOTORCYCLE MINISTRY GUIDANCE:
WHAT TO KNOW BEYOND THE SOUL-WINNING COURSE

This page shares unwritten, must-know guidance when interacting with and ministering to bikers--individuals, club (MC) riders and "1% club" (outlaw) riders.

As a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) since October of 2000, I've been to many secular biker rallies and CMA national and state rallies where I learned from others about little-known guidance not in training manuals when interacting with bikers. It is important to factor the below information into your way of reaching bikers in order to: 1) prevent irreparable harm to your name and organization; and 2) make the most of a positive experience and prayer to the rider and their ride.

First, let us orient ourselves on what the heartbeat of CMA is according to this 7-minute video by founder Herb Shreve in the Spring of 1975:

Matthew 9:36-38 reads, "But when He [Jesus] saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion [meaning he had to do something about what He saw] on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, 'The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.'" This is the heartbeat of CMA: what we see has moved our hearts and caused us to do the things we're doing today.
--Herb Shreve

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We are not ambassadors for CMA--we are ambassadors for Christ. CMA is one organization to open that door.

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One of the most valuable lessons is how to minister and interact with "1%'ers"-- the "outlaw clubs" who received that designation when the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) declared 99% of bikers are law-abiders and safe riders. Non-intuitive guidance includes:

• Never give out your chapter members' names/numbers; if asked, pass the requestor's info to whom they're asking for
• Never immediately commit a "yes" to a request -- say "let me check on it" and get back to them
• Don't "throw names around" of their club's members to sound important and networked
• Never touch a club member's patch/rockers when patting them on the back until you get their permission
• Never take pictures of a club member or their ride without their permission
• If you initiate a relationship with a club (which we always should), do so at peer-level, such as chapter president-to-president...not, say, CMA non-officer member to club president
• When taking your vest off (or taking another's unattended vest) into your car, neatly fold the vest with "colors up" and place on your lap, because for some clubs, their colors are their god;
• If taking your vest off in public, place it out of sight, such as in the car or bike trunk -- do NOT place over your windshield or hang on your handlebar
  
  
  Know that it is possible anyone who sees that (including your own club) may take it to their club's leadership who will return to your leadership (which actually shows a sign of respect by that MC of how much they value others' colors in addition to their own)
  
  
• Don't condone or condemn anyone's actions at any event/rally
• If invited to an evening party or concert, it is best to reply with "kind regrets" as the night is the time for riders of faith to go home

The CMA BB is one of the greatest ways to minister to people on all motorcycles. ln the world of motocross and off-road riding especially, motorcycle operators are well accustomed to placing stickers on their bikes. The CMA BB sticker can be used in a variety of ways. They are a great way to make initial contact with motorcycle riders. They can open the doors of conversation and give you an opportunity to pray for any specific needs that a person might have. They can also give you an opportunity to present the Gospel to the person you are speaking to.

Prayer is the most important element in the BB. Attempt to make a personal connection with those that you are praying with. The moment might be right to ask if there are other concerns, more than simply riding the motorcycle, that you could pray about. When blessing a young person, inquire about their family and ask if you can pray for them as well. Feel free to pray in your own words; however a CMA BB is included, below, if you prefer to use it.

First and foremost, the BB is about asking God to actively work in the life of the motorcyclist. A short time of prayer might lead to a moment of transparency. Always be ready to pray, listen, and then pray again if necessary. Many people have been led to Jesus as a result of a BB, and you will find that God will use you and these stickers as powerful tools of ministry. As you use these BB stickers, our prayer is that you would be used of God to fulfill the vision of CMA: changing the world, one heart at a time.

Offering to pray for someone touches their heart. You will be surprised how many people will want to have their bike and their lives covered in prayer as they ride their motorcycles. CMA Youth Movement students have performed thousands of bike blessings at MX and ATV events all over the country. lt is a simple yet very effective way to share your faith. Here is a simple process to try when you are performing a bike blessing:

• Ask. May I bless your motorcycle? Can I pray for your safety as you ride your bike? Can I pray over you and your motorcycle? Find what works best in your particular situation
  
  
• Explain. I am going to pray for you, the rider, that God will keep you safe, bless your life, and keep this machine that you ride functioning properly
  
  
• Ask again. Is there anything else I can pray about for you? Do you face difficult family or work situations? Be observant and don't pry too deep if they are not interested
  
  
• Pray. Pray the written bike blessing or pray a prayer from your heart
  
  
  • SAMPLE BIKE BLESSING: "The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26, NIV). May Almighty God, Creator and Ruler of the universe, watch over and protect this motorcyclist. May He send His angels to guard and keep you every time you ride your bike. We pray that your motorcycle will function safely and properly and that you would be blessed with clear judgment and effective operating skills when riding. We ask that you would be visible to others and safe in all of your travels. May your enjoyment of motorcycling increase as you ride in the blessing of God. We also ask that God would bless you in every area of your life. May your family and all other relationships be blessed. We ask God to provide for your needs both financially and emotionally. May you experience a continuing life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, His salvation, His peace, and His love. May the blessing of God rest upon you, May God's provision and protection surround you. May God's peace live in you. May God's life giving presence light up the dark areas of your life. Now and forever, ln the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen."
  
  
• Apply the sticker. Ask the rider where they want the sticker and carefully make a nice application (or let them do it)
  
  
• Follow through. This is the appropriate time to give a paper tract if you intend to, Pay attention. Perhaps God has moved in their lives as you have prayed. Look to see if they want to share more with you than they did before. This is the point where many conversations begin and move into a more detailed Gospel presentation.

MY (webmaster) THOUGHTS: Performing BBs is an art, yet some things are standard to ask and say. However, keep in mind the underlying theme of greatest importance is the prayer of salvation for the lost riders to become saved. Here is my choice method, once you establish a basic connection at individual and group (e.g., 3-4 bikes at the same time) level:

• Ask for their names and their needs both for their ride and themselves
• Ask if they have requests for any family, friends, their MC, etc.
• Ask if they know Jesus as their personal Lord, Savior and Friend and, if not, would they like to take the prayer of salvation
• Lay hands on them and their ride(s) and begin the prayer
• Begin similar to, "Your Word says where 2-3 are gathered together, Jesus is in the midst of us right now--His arms around ours, listening and loving..."
• Go into each need, citing the name of the requester
  • If it's a medical need, cite that Jesus is the "Great Physician"
• Ask that God bless each rider (and family) in all five areas of life: mental, spiritual, physical, social/family and financial
• Ask that He be a part of all the plans and visions the rider has for this year so they can have successes and victories beyond their dreams
• Thank Him for this encounter and already starting to answer their needs in His perfect way
• Ask for a blessing on all riders at the event and safe travels home
• ...And don't forget to give them a BB sticker, if your organization does that