Bikers for Christ Motorcycle Ministry Charter
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 (we do wear a M/M, which stands for "Motorcycle Ministry"), nor wear a
bottom 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. Chapters can
have a "hang-around" period – so that they can get to know applicants,
and applicants can get to know those in the chapters. During that time
applicants may wear BFC Support gear. A new approved member may wear
their full, 2-piece back patch, and all BFC t-shirts and other gear..
We Will Not Discriminate:
BFC accepts all people regardless of the following circumstances: Race,
Creed, Color, Sex, Political Affiliation, Christian Church
Denomination, Type or Brand of Motorcycle, Dress Code or Hair Style.
BFC does however reserve the right to refuse membership based on:
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. Some professions could be considered as a
"conflict of interest".
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 member's right to vote
and participate individually in local, state or federal political
processes, however BFC must remain completely neutral in these regards.
We believe that churches and ministries as groups, should stay out of
government and that by the same token, the government should stay out of
the 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.
