Purpose: In order to record for posterity and future reference,
those things about the Bikers For Christ Motorcycle Ministry which make
it unique & effective. To maintain the spirit and intentions of the
original ministry. To serve as a written guide of where we started, how
to remain rooted in where we are and to build goals for where we are going.
To always remain focused to and never forget that God is the reason for
this ministry.
We Serve God: BFC is a ministry that serves the God of the Holy
Bible, the only God, the Creator of the universe, the Savior and Redeemer
of mankind. We serve no other purpose, person, philosophy, thing, government
or power. Our dedication is solely directed to our Lord; Jesus Christ.
We Ride Motorcycles: BFC is a ministry that uses the motorcycle
as a media to reach out to others. Motorcycling is the integral part of
our physical lives which brings us 
to those we are called
upon to minister to, and indeed is the thing that opens the door between
our calling and the rest of the world. We support motorcycling in it's
many forms, the culture which has developed around it and the riders who
are out on the road.
We Support Our Government: While BFC is not politically oriented
or affiliated, we do acknowledge our allegiance to our country. We encourage
participation in government and civic duty, prayer and support for our
leaders. BFC will not encourage any actions which are contrary to the laws
of government, except where those laws are in direct opposition to the
laws of God.
We Support Our Families: BFC is a ministry which supports the
God ordained structure which is the basic family unit. We firmly acknowledge
that the priority for our lives must first include our spouse and children
and that they are our primary ministry. BFC will not support any cause
or movement which works to destroy the Biblically based family unit, that
is marriage between a man & woman. We also strongly support the principle
that children need as much time with loving parents as possible in order
to grow up as Godly citizens. This statement in no way is to detract from
the acknowledgment of those special gifted individuals who are able to
remain single and serve God fully in this manner.
We Support The Church: BFC supports the local, historic, Christian
church. We strongly encourage every member and those we minister to in
church membership and continued participation. Nationally, internationally
and at each chapter level, BFC will operate in such a way as to be accountable
to a local church for our behavior and conduct. In this way, BFC is not
an independent organization or ministry. Internationally, BFC is a ministry
of and is accountable to our Churches.
We Support Other Motorcycle Ministries: BFC supports all other
valid Christian motorcycle ministries and their efforts in bringing the
lost into the kingdom. BFC will not act in any way which obstructs, injures
or damages the 
testimony or work of any other motorcycle
ministry. We are on the same side. This is not to say that we necessarily
agree with every other ministry or support their activities. These things
must be tested by the Word of God.
We Are Not In Competition With Anyone: BFC will not compete with any other
motorcycle ministry, club, gang, church or organization for members, turf,
territories, property, status or recognition. BFC, our purpose, mission
and materials have been carefully planned so as to not antagonize other
groups. For this reason, no BFC member may display the initials "M/C"
along with their back patch, nor wear a top rocker which would indicate
a region or territory.
We Are Not A Commercial Venture: BFC is strictly non-profit and
will not accept any paid sponsorship in exchange for advertising of any
kind. The purpose of BFC is not to sponsor products or services, endorse
a particular business over another or provide a vehicle for commercial
ads. Free will donations towards the ministry are gladly accepted however
BFC reserves the right to refuse donations from persons or organizations
which do not agree with our principles. Special exceptions can be made
where a Christian donates his/her work towards this ministry For Free and
deserves recognition or credit for their work (i.e.: web page designer
credits, newsletter graphics credits, etc...)
We Are A Free Ministry: In keeping with our Lord's example, BFC
will not charge any dues, fees or levies in order for a person to participate
and become a member. In addition, solicitation for any such funds is prohibited
at both the national and chapter level. However BFC does reserve the right
to sell products and/or services in exchange for fair compensation which
is to be used to further the ministry. BFC also reserves the right to charge
reasonable fees for materials, reservations, fuel, insurance, etc. which
are necessary for special events. Membership will not be contingent on
the ownership of any salable materials.
We Display "Colors": As is characteristic of this type
of ministry, BFC produces and sells a back patch, arm patch and other materials
with our logo on it to members in good standing. No object, patch, shirt
or other product bearing our logo can be sold or distributed to a non-member,
other than items specifically designed as "support" items. Members
who are not in good standing (i.e.: backsliding, fallen away, resigned,
in violation of number four or the ministry requirements listed on the
official BFC application) cannot purchase or display membership materials.
We Have No Prospect Process: In BFC, we do not have a prospect
stage for new members. Applicants with a pastor's signature are immediately
accepted into the BFC and have full privileges. A new member may wear their
full, 2-piece backpatch.
We Will Not Discriminate: BFC accepts all people regardless of
the following circumstances: Race, Creed, Color, Sex, Political Affiliation,
Christian Church Denomination**, Profession, Type or Brand of Motorcycle*,
Dress Code or Hair Style. BFC does however reserve the right to refuse
membership based on: Sexual Preference (homosexuality), Non-Christian Church
Membership (i.e.: JW, Mormon, Muslim, etc...), Sin as described in our
application or other issues related to a person's character, morals or
ethics.
*Note: For the purpose of definition - motor-scooters, mopeds, motorized
bicycles and non-street legal dirt bikes do not qualify for BFC membership.
**Note: Controversial, humanistic & non-historic denominations may
not qualify. This would include but not be limited to: Legalistic churches,
some Church of Christ, United Pentecostal Church, excesses in the Word
of Faith Movement, some United Methodist Churches and Episcopal Churches
which support homosexuality, etc...
We support each member's right to vote, as they feel led by God to
do so: BFC is completely non-political in nature and does not endorse
any political agenda, philosophy or candidate. We affirm each members'
right to vote and participate individually in local, state or federal political
processes, however BFC must remain completely neutral in this regards.
We believe that churches & ministries as groups should stay out of
government and that by the same token, the government should stay out of
issues concerning the Christian faith.
We Support The Responsibility of Each Member For Their Own Actions:
BFC Chapel cannot and will not be held responsible or liable, either
directly, indirectly or consequentially for the actions of individuals.
Each individual is responsible for his/her own actions and the repercussions
that result from those actions. This particularly applies to members who
backslide, break laws, take action which can bring liability or harm to
BFC and it's members or which are involved in accidents. Motorcycle riding
is by it's very nature more risky than other forms of transportation and
each rider upon joining BFC must acknowledge that ultimately they alone
are responsible for their own safety - not BFC, or any other BFC member.
BFC is committed to a safe motorcycling and ministry experience and every
precaution will be taken to insure this. However ultimately each individual
must acknowledge their own limitations and responsibility in this endeavor.
We Do Not Support By-Laws, Tri-Laws, or "Hype": BFC
operates under the By-Laws of the churches which we are accountable to.
We therefore do not and will not have any By-Laws for overseeing this ministry.
In order for this ministry to be totally effective, each member must have
the freedom to act quickly according to the call of the Holy Spirit as
situations present themselves. We trust the Holy Spirit to keep the membership
in line and we do not wish to impede that work in any way by imposing By-Laws
on our members. BFC may institute Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) both
at the national and local level in order to conduct routine business in
a consistent and well-documented manner and to meet IRS and other legal
requirements.
Chapter Autonomy: Each BFC chapter is autonomous to operate in
response to God's calling as they see fit. The only requirement is that
each chapter conduct themselves according to the precepts put forth in
this charter AND under the authority of the local church to which they
are operated under.
Conclusion: This charter is put into effect immediately on this
day: March 12, 2000. It shall be maintained on file with the International
Administrator and will be made available to anyone who wishes to see it.
BFC reserves the right to edit this document. [ Back
to top ]
Disciples & is a former senior pastor at a Calvary Chapel in Northern
California.
under an elder and the local church. A national
administrator oversees the regional elders, handles finances and merchandise
as well as application filing and review.