Vision

By Mary Hawko

To begin, my vision for biker ministry aligns with that of the Black Sheep
Harley-Davidsons for Christ, which is “To introduce Jesus Christ to the world of motorcycle riders, for the purpose of making more and better disciples through the ministry of the local church.” My understanding is that helping bikers come to a decision to follow Christ is the goal. To fully accept them as they are without stereotyping, allowing time to develop trust, and listening to their stories. Following up with an invitation to church is a next step to open doors. Why? I believe that God’s love, manifested through Christ, is attainable, infallible, and everlasting to all who seek him.

To bring this goal to fruition, we follow Jesus’s example to “be about” our father’s business. We will glorify God in doing the work of the ministry, relaying the news of reconciliation and redemption. By showing how Christ truly is the way, the truth, and the life to those who will accept him by faith from the heart. We pray for them, and with peace and joy, we thank God, who has freely given us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

What does this achieve? Connecting bikers with the Lord impacts them by bringing hope and purpose into their worldview. This may ultimately reconcile their hearts and minds into a new or even restored relationship with the Lord unto eternal life. As anyone who gets what it is to be made “new in Christ” will attest, the highest good for anyone is to know the love of God and love him in return for eternity. To know the peace of Christ that passes all understanding.

Implementing this vision for ministry begins with prayer, communication, and commitment to being the hands and feet of Christ. Being bikers ourselves, it’s easy to get out and mingle in places that bikers congregate, despite cultural or spiritual differences. We are like family already by virtue of being on a bike, or better yet, authentic riders. It is about presence. Ministry is not about my expectations for people, but centers on my expectation that God can change
their lives. Nothing is impossible with God.

Our faithfulness to this ministry matters. Is there a measure of success? That answer hinges on the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the individual. This could be in ways I may never see but God has control of. Those bikers whose
eyes open to the Lord will hear him, not me. My greatest desire is to see them establish or restore relationships with God, others, and themselves. To bring forth hope, share the news of God’s forgiveness and mercy, and see the love of
Christ transform souls. More and better disciples, more fruit of the Spirit.

May God’s love be with you all.