Some people read, garden or do crossword puzzles to relax. Others straddle motorcycles and hit the open road. And for those who relish the smell of asphalt and the roar of an engine, a new ministry is seeking to expand in South Carolina.
Carolina Faith Riders, in partnership with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, is launching chapters around the state to minister to motorcycle riders ranging from the serious chrome collector to the novice rider. Each local chapter uses the riding pastime and its enthusiasts to share the gospel with other motorcyclists around the state.
“We use our hobby as ministry and to impact the world,” said Steve Cloud, Carolina Faith Riders advisory team chairman.
Chapters are based in and overseen by local churches, with some oversight and planning from an advisory team of regional leaders. Each chapter is encouraged to involve all bikers in their community while also gathering together in larger state events. North Carolina currently has 45 similar chapters in what has proven to be a far-reaching ministry.
Cloud says the chapter structure is intentionally simple to encourage riders to participate. “Every chapter will look different,” he says. In fact, the ministry itself is incredibly diverse, reaching out to include the weekend road warrior as well as the everyday rider. Women have also proven to be interested in motorcycle ministry.
“This is not just a men’s ministry,” said Cloud. “The more we looked into this, the more we realized how many women ride.”
Currently there are a handful of chapters meeting around the state, but the number is expected to grow this year as a number of opportunities are offered to meet and minister together.
A joint rally with North Carolina is scheduled for the spring, where those involved with Carolina Faith Riders in both states and those seeking to start chapters can come together for worship, conferences and information sessions on reaching their local biker communities. The rally is planned for April 4-6 in Myrtle Beach.
Plans are also in the works to attend Bike Week in Myrtle Beach this May to serve the thousands from across the country who will flood the South Carolina coast.
“This is highly evangelistic. We don’t want to get together and just admire each other’s bikes,” Cloud said.
Cloud points out that motorcycle ministry may not be for everyone, but in a state where bikes are an incredibly popular pastime, the ministry has exponential potential.
“It doesn’t fit everyone, but we want to serve those it does,” he said.
An information session on starting a Carolina Faith Riders chapter will be included as a breakout session during the Salt and Light Men’s Ministry conference January 19 at Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo. More information on the conference is available at www.scbaptist.org/men.
More information on the Carolina Faith Riders, including information on current chapters and forming a local chapter, can be found at www.scfaithriders.org or by calling (843) 673-2810.