Bikers For Christ Motorcycle Ministry

Southeast Alabama Chapter

Chapter Operation Guidelines

For more information: bugstopper1@bikersforchrist-sea.com or call Dale Boling @ 334-691-7028 (h) or 334-805-3835 (c)

Local website www.bikersforchrist-sea.com

National website www.bikersforchrist.org

Forum http://forums.delphiforums.com/bikersforchrist/messages?msg=968.31

Introduction

            Whether you are an original BFC member from 1990 or a brand new member who is finding him/herself in the middle of something you’re unsure about, welcome!  Although there are multitudes of motorcycle ministries out there, BFC is truly unique and special.  The foundations of BFC were very carefully laid down by Pastor Fred Z to be Biblically based and to give members the freedom to minister without all the man made “hype” found in many ministries today.

            While BFC is definitely growing and is now facing some administrative challenges, we don’t want to lose the Christian freedom which God has granted us to minister with.  With so many new members, chapter elders, chaplains & pastors - it is important to reiterate some of the fundamentals of BFC.  I also want to offer some guidelines for local chapter operation and growth.  Feel free to utilize this information as God leads you to do so in your own chapter.  May God bless you as you live and ride for Him!

 BFC Fundamentals

            When operating a BFC chapter, always keep our fundamentals rooted in everything you do.  These can be found in the charter, but more over are just  good common Christian sense.  Chapters are not bound by some kind of uniform code, procedure or dogma as to how they should operate.  However they are bound by the “Spirit of God”, which is to start with each participating individual having a servant’s heart for the Lord and compassion towards those we minister to.  Basically BFC operates with the following stipulations:

• BFC is not a secular or Christian club - it is a non-denominational Christian ministry.  No “M/C” designation may be worn with the BFC patch.

•  BFC never uses a color scheme or territorial top rocker which could antagonize other M/C members.  We are here to preach the Gospel, not to lay claim to “turf” and then try to defend it.

•  BFC does not have any titles such as “president”, “vice-president”, “Sgt. at arms”, etc...  We are all equal members.  The national lead person is known as “administrator” and each chapter is led by an “elder”.  Positions to help out in the group can be assigned, but avoid any lofty titles which inflate egos.

•  BFC headquarters and each individual chapter always operate under the authority of a local Christian church. We are accountable to a God ordained body of believers.

•  BFC members must be well grounded, Bible believing Christians who understand that their participation is as a minister of the Gospel - not just as a participant or spectator.

•  BFC never excludes anyone because of what type of bike they ride - period.  We are not a “Harleys Only” or “Cruiser Only” club.  What would Jesus do?

•  BFC does not have a “prospect” process.  When a person joins, they can buy their full back patch and have full group privileges immediately.  If God accepts them 100% - we accept them 100%.

•  BFC never judges or condemns it’s members (Luke 6) unless we want to be judged or condemned ourselves.  We are commanded to speak out against sin, but to love the sinner.  We never shoot our wounded.  If a brother is sinning, we do not threaten, demand or force the member to turn in their colors.  We can and will ask folks to do what is right & pray with/for them, but that is all.  If the Holy Spirit can’t keep someone in line, then neither can we...  We do however have the responsibility to act according to Matthew 18 when responding towards a brother or sister who is continuously sinning and refuses to stop.  In this case, the chapter elder has the primary responsibility to act with the member’s own church/pastor and may excommunicate the member from BFC.

•  BFC does not preach money - period.  Donations are always free will.  No dues can ever be charged from members.  The topic of finances may come up at business meetings, but never to guests.  Each chapter’s financial statement (if they have one) must be always open for examination.

•  BFC has no bylaws.  Each chapter is free to operate autonomously or together as God leads them.  Chapters & headquarters may establish procedures for conducting business in an organized fashion, as long as these procedures do not limit the work of the Holy Spirit or conflict with the BFC charter.

•  BFC never requires mandatory participation in any event, meeting or run.  Each individual must be free to go where the Holy Spirit leads them without fear of reprisal from an organization.

•  BFC never competes with any other club or ministry.  We support dual memberships and encourage members to support other worthwhile ministries by participating in their events and offering to help out.    

• These are the 12 basic fundamental principles which BFC operates under.  For those of you who’ve participated in other Christian motorcycle ministries, hopefully you can see some of the differences.

 Operating A Chapter

            There is really no secret to operating a chapter.  There are no special skills or training needed either.  Some members have wondered if we have training tapes or booklets as some other motorcycle ministries do.  The only training guide we have for ministry is the Bible.  God can and does provide you with all of the resources you need to accomplish His work.  

 “Lone Wolf”, One Member  

            If it’s just you, then you go out riding just like you always do.  Pray that God would bring prospects your way and be prepared when He does.  If you’re ever feeling alone or discouraged, then don’t forsake the fellowship available to you at your local church.  Also it can help to use the BFC directory and call another nearby member.  Pray together, visit with each other and share both your victories and discouragements.  Growth occurs by visiting area churches, talking with pastors & members and seeking out Christian bikers to help you out.    

 Small Group, 2 - 7 members

            If you’re in a small group, then you can be as “loose” or “structured” as you want to be.  Just remember to always keep God first in everything you do - He’ll take care of the rest.  It’s easy at this stage to just make plans on a day to day basis.  A couple phone calls and you’re good to go.  Close personal friendships develop in small groups and you can be very effective, yet laid back at the same time.  Rather than plan your own events, it’s usually easier to participate in other groups’ runs and events.  Growth in your chapter can happen by distributing the small amount of work you have between the few of you.     

 Medium Group, 7 - 14 members

            Medium sized groups may start to encounter scheduling conflicts.  Remember not to shoot down a planned ride, just because a minority of your members can’t make it.  Keep it on the calendar and keep moving forward.  It’s a good idea to delegate responsibilities at this stage, however avoid lofty titles and pride.  Remember; absolute power corrupts absolutely.  You can also start organizing regular annual chapter runs with this size.  These can be “fun” overnight campouts or organized ministry rides to prisons, homeless spots or working with other organizations.  

 Large Group, 14 or more members

            If your group is fairly large, then don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Delegate your tasks to others in the group making sure that no one is overwhelmed, that they’re willing and that their spiritual gifts correspond to the task they will be doing.  With large groups you may start to see squabbles or differences of opinion on minor issues.  Don’t be distracted by these snares.  They’re put there by Satan to derail effective ministries.  Group prayer, Bible study and edification will make sure that little problems either stay little or get solved.  

            At this level, your group will be noticed in the community.  Communication and participation in the community is important so people don’t get the wrong ideas about BFC.  Participation in swap meets, county fairs or even parades can build bridges and open doors.  

            Finances also can be useful for a large group.  A bank account can be established through your overseeing church to save money for ministry.  A P.O. Box should also be established for receiving mail from the general public and conducting business.  Do not let financial considerations occupy much time, energy or interfere with your primary focus - ministering to the needs of others.

 Conflicts With Outside Groups

            These are almost non-existent, however occasionally one may arise.  It may be a territorial M/C, a rogue member of an outlaw club, a local ministry that sees your chapter as competition, law enforcement who lumps us together with outlaw clubs or a difference of opinion between your sponsoring church and BFC.  As with any conflict, prayer, patience, discernment and wisdom are key in resolving these problems.  Never go one on one, always go with at least two - this is an important Biblical principle so that no one may bear false witness against you and destroy your testimony or reputation.  It also provides accountability on your part so you don’t say something out of pride or anger which could damage our ministry.

            If your sponsoring church is reluctant or unwilling to host a BFC chapter, then wipe the dust from your feet and seek another one.  Never hold malice towards anyone, never slander or bash another ministry and never act in retribution, “vengeance is mine says the Lord.”  

            If you run into a problem you cannot solve at the local level, do not hesitate to contact the national administrator for advice.  Local advice from a pastor or the community is always preferable, but our channels are usually open here.

 Promotion & New Members

            One of the biggest joys and biggest problems ministries like this face is when we bring in new members.  It is of course a joy to have additional help, increase effectiveness, increase fellowship & edification and be a part of a growing ministry.  However in our experience, a lot of people’s motives for joining BFC are not always in line with God’s will or our purpose and vision.  

            Many people want to “belong”, to be a part of something and to have friendship and fellowship.  There’s nothing wrong with this, however BFC as a ministry was never meant to be a social club.  A prospective member may enjoy the attractive patch or T-shirts, the fun rides we do, the loving atmosphere but may not be willing to work for the Lord.  Their lives may also not be up to the standards set forth in 1 Timothy 3.  As a chapter elder (if you are) it is important that you look at each person who wants to participate carefully and use Timothy’s letter as a guide.  Do not just pass out applications to anyone who wants one.  You may receive applications which will have to be rejected or overly scrutinized.  It’s far better to get to know the person first, invite them on a couple rides, meet their pastor, check out their personality.  Are they contentious, combative, argumentative or are they pleasant, helpful, meek, humble and joyful in the Lord?  Is their plate already “full” with 3 or 4 other ministries?  Are they willing and able to put in time on the road and be effective in this ministry or do they just want another trophy on their vest while their scoot collects dust in the garage?  Also take time to meet their family.  Is their house in order or are they in the midst of divorce, children problems, financial or legal struggles?     

            We do not want to be exclusive, but in my experience, a lot of people take the mission of evangelism and ministry far too lightly.  If they are not willing to use their gifts to help save people from hell, then we probably cannot use them.  A member should also have their priorities straight in accordance with Ephesians 5.  God first, spouse & children next, employer next and church/ministries next.    

 Forming & Planting Chapters

            A “chapter” is basically a rider or riders bound by a geographical area.  That area could be a town, city, county or even a whole state.  You can name your chapter whatever you want.  Most just use the city name (i.e.:  Marysville Chapter or Tucson Chapter.)  Some use a county name (i.e.:  Ventura County Chapter.)  Some use a regional name (i.e.:  San Gabriel Valley Chapter.)  While others invent their own names (i.e.:  South Sierra Chapter.)

            Use a name that will not conflict or be confused with any other ministry or M/C name.  This is extremely important.  Once you decide on a name, remember to never incorporate it with the BFC logo or patch, especially as a top rocker.  You may have a small patch with your area for the front of your vest (usually left upper area), for example used in conjunction with your name, but never on the back.  

            After a while you may find that it is difficult to cover a wide area with a few people.  When this happens, you may either split your chapter into smaller regions (i.e.:  West L.A. and East L.A.) or you may “plant” a new chapter in the surrounding regions.  

            Planting a chapter is pretty easy actually.  As always, start with prayer.  Go for a ride to a surrounding area where you see a need for a ministry of this type.  Find a Christian church in that area and visit it.  Talk to the pastor about BFC and leave a FAQ sheet for posting or distribution to anyone in the church who may be a biker, willing to serve.  Do not leave blank applications!  If you are not met with a warm welcome or are rejected by that church, then go to another.   Any solid, Biblically based church is a good candidate.  

            After making contact, just keep your efforts in prayer and it will either happen or not.  Don’t worry about it as it’s in the Lord’s hands now...  Just continue ministering as always.

 Promotional / Ministry Opportunities

            As with most ministries, you will want to find and  maximize your opportunities to minister to others.  You can do this by first identifying which group of people God is leading you to.  Look at your own life, experiences, tragedies, victories and areas of expertise.  Being a motorcycle ministry, it goes without saying that bikers are our main focus.  Frequenting the local watering holes, bike shops, rallies and runs is important.  You have total freedom to use your gifts as God leads you, but it’s just good common sense to use tact and don’t be a pest.  Walking into a biker bar dressed as “super-christian”, and then shoving tracts at people is probably not the best way to open doors.  More than likely you’ll get tossed out.  Just treat others as you would like to be treated.  A lot of people will gladly share their opinions about religion one on one, but they won’t take kindly to having a Bible pointed at them like a loaded gun.  Be helpful, not a hindrance.  I’ve found most people will actually go out of their way to ask me questions once they see the back patch.  Use this as an opportunity to witness.

            Also remember to minister to people’s physical needs.  Are they broken down on the road?  Are they hungry?  Are they in jail or prison?  Did their wife just walk out on them?  Are they unemployed?  Do they need a place to stay?  Display the love of Christ by ministering to those who need Him most.  

            Promoting BFC in your community is also a good way to increase membership, build bridges with the community, police and those who need your help.  One way is by placing a booth at fairs, swap meets or rallies.  This has proven successful with other chapters and can be done for a small to modest investment.  It can be as simple as a folding table and chair or as elaborate as an awning, counter, banner and lights.  You may distribute only literature (tracts, FAQ sheets, etc...) or refreshments as well.  It has been our experience that refreshments (water, soda or coffee) is best distributed on a donation basis only.  That way you are not seen as competition for food vendors.  

            Also it’s important to check with the sponsoring organization for the event to make sure your booth is financially do-able or allowed.  Many rallies charge a hefty fee for booth space (>$1000 per event.)  Others won’t allow distribution of materials which conflict with a city charter (example:  literature advocating an anti-gay position.)  Most motorcycle swap meets however won’t have any problem with a booth and the spaces are pretty cheap to rent.

            Another promotional opportunity is to participate as an entry in a local parade.  It’s a good way to gain positive community exposure and new members.  Last but not least, consider speaking at various churches about the ministry or conducting a brief interview for a local newspaper.  In all these things, stay humble, keep God first and be very careful about any statements made to the general public.

 Merchandise and Non-Profit Donations

            BFC nationally is obligated to offer for sale back patches and arm/vest patches.  This is one of the few ways we can offset the costs we have at the national level for postage, phone calls, PO boxes, literature, promotional and administrative supplies.  Large (2-Piece) back patches are offered for sale for $75 for the first one, and $41.50 (our cost) for additional ones for the same person.  Small arm patches are $15 for the first one and $7.50 (our cost) for an additional one for the same person.  

            I realize the back patches are on the expensive side and we are working hard to keep the price as low as possible on these (which is why we make less money on these).  Given the quality, number of colors and stitching involved compared with other back patches, I hope you agree that they are worth it...  Please be honest with us by not buying extra patches for yourself at the lower price and then distributing them to others in your chapter at the “bargain” prices.  It may be a bargain for the individual at the moment, but will reduce the number of benefits and opportunities we can present to you in the future.  

            Another way you can donate to BFC is by using LifeLine.  They are a christian owned and operated long distance provider.  They offer a very competitive long distance telephone rate and 10% of your phone bill will be donated to BFC.  Just contact us for a form, fill it out and mail it in.  Additional forms can be provided upon request.

            BFC tracts will be available soon.  We will provide one for free which you can make copies of, fold and distribute.  Also we are providing FAQ sheets (Frequently Asked Questions) and application blanks for free - so you may run off as many copies as you need.  Both of these should be double sided copies.  If you are currently using one of the older applications, please destroy those as they have incorrect merchandise information and pricing on them.

            Remember that only members in good standing may purchase or wear anything with a BFC logo on it.  Do not buy patches and T-shirts for gifts, kids or for your friends to wear.  We are considering designs for a “supporter” shirt which can be distributed to the general public which does not bear our logo.  

            If you wish to produce your own materials in your chapter, please feel free.  Some chapters have produced hats, ride pins, stickers, literature, name patches, banners and other items which have been very useful and fun.  Just remember to reproduce the logo accurately and to not distribute things which can be worn with the logo on it except to members in good standing.  Business cards are the responsibility of each chapter if you need those...  They are a very useful and a highly recommended tool.    

 Famous Last Words

            Thank you for your efforts, willing spirit and servant’s heart in participating in BFC.  Don’t be discouraged, great things often start from small beginnings.  Christianity started from the teachings of only one man who taught 12 others who in turn changed an entire world.  Take care and may God bless.  Our prayers are with you daily...  

In His Love

Bikers For Christ Motorcycle Ministry

Bikers for Christ International HQ