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, 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. 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 backpatch, 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”.
*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 Churches of Christ, United Pentecostal
Church, excesses in the Word of Faith Movement, and Episcopal Churches,
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 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.
Conclusion: BFC International Headquarters reserves the right to edit this document.
Some professions could be considered as a “conflict of interest”.
Edited and Ammended October 2009
***"borrowed" from the National Bikers For Christ web site***
Bikers for Christ - Eastern Long Island
P.O. Box 411
Mastic Beach, NY 11951