OPPORTUNITIES
We hope that you are enjoying the ride so far, and have discovered a few things you didn't know before.
In keeping with that, you need to know that this page was created in part, to help make everyone more aware of the uniqueness of Iron Horse Ministries, and how God uses it within motorcycling communities - all in an effort to build bridges to Christ. So with that in mind, you may want to take your time as you go through this page; stopping at the turnouts; and checking out the view of what God has to offer through this ministry. Enjoy the ride.
In The Field
This is a great place to start. In fact, this is pretty much where the rubber meets the road (so to speak), as far as the ministry is concerned. Scripture reminds us in part, that we as believers are to be ready 'in season and out'. Which for us means that we must stay vigilant, always looking for an opportunity to share the love of Christ at a moments notice - no matter where we are - no matter what we are doing.
With that in mind, much of the work we do out 'in the field', is on the fly. Meaning, whether we are at a gas station, a restaurant, a grocery store, at an event, or just out on the road, we are always ready, to quietly and respectfully minister in some small way, to those that God may have placed in our path. It can be just a passing greeting. Or perhaps a brief conversation. Maybe it is helping someone to get something done. Or it could be comforting someone on the side of the road at the scene of an accident, and/or at a hospital. No matter what it is or where it is, whether we are wearing the ministry's patch or not, we are always building bridges to Christ - all to the glory of God.
Runs/Rallies Etc.
Runs and Rallies can be very exciting events. They can be great opportunities to minister directly to the riders themselves. However, God has made it perfectly clear, before we throw our leg, and head on down the road, we must first consider something that is extremely important. We must be prayerfully armed with the 'Full Armor Of God' (Ephesians 6:10-18). Likewise, we must be fully armed with the knowledge of the basic 'biker protocols'. Otherwise, we will be going out there, virtually naked and unarmed - not a pleasant thought to consider - on any level. Now, assuming we are properly prepared, lets see how things work out:
So while we are on our way to the event, we are in prayer, asking God to protect us, and for Him to grant us 'favor' with those He puts in our path. That way when we get there (assuming we are alert to God's leading), He will give us opportunities to speak with (and sometimes even pray with) some of the riders at the event. And how cool is that. Right?
Well, although what was just described sounds pretty cool, please don't think that things like that, just happen overnight. Many times, it is the result of prayerfully attending a LOT of events - over quite a period of time - sometimes, years. That's because there's an irrefutable rule-of-thumb that says: "The more events you repeatedly attend, the more often you'll be seen; the more often you are seen, the more familiar they will become with you; the more familiar they are with you, the more they will begin to trust you; and the more they trust you, the deeper your relationships will become with them." And THAT is precisely how it works - and how we roll. Building bridges to Christ - one event at a time. To God be the glory.
Now, you may be wondering, "How do you know which events to attend?" Well, we use many different resources, such as posted flyers; event calendars and the like, to help us prayerfully determine where God may want us. Once He has made it clear, then we go to the event, with the purpose of either riding the rout itself, or perhaps by working it, like maybe manning a 'Stop' or a 'checkpoint'. At other events (e.g., Rallies, etc.), we might work them by doing 'Registration', or maybe 'Parking Duty' and such. Sometimes, we just don't really know what to expect, until we get there. In any case, by simply being there, we are making ourselves available to minister to as many people, in as many ways as possible. And isn't that what it's really all about?
Multi-Media Presentations
and Seminars
We never cease to be amazed, that there are still many people out there, that believe the Hollywood myths about motorcycle riders. You know the main one: 'Everyone that rides a motorcycle, is affiliated with a certain motorcycle club, and they all ride a certain brand of bike.' Obviously, that's not correct. As such, our goal is to correct that misconception with the truth about bikers and their culture, thereby alleviating the fear and misperceptions that so often have given bikers as a whole, a questionable reputation.
To that end, God will at times, use this ministry to bring multi-media presentations and protocol seminars that are designed to teach, train and equip the local saints of God, to help them to better minister to the bikers in their area. Many times it starts with a multi-media presentation that is presented before a local church body on a Sunday morning. This results in educating the non-riders in the church; which will in turn; give them a better understanding of the biker culture.
Then there are times when God will have us bring a 'Protocol Seminar' which is specifically designed for existing or forming motorcycle ministries (MM's), as well as for churches interested in going deeper; starting their very own true motorcycle outreach ministry in their area. These seminars teach the basic protocols (the do's-and-don'ts) of the biker culture, and how to minister within those protocols. Learning the basic unwritten protocols and adhering to them, is paramount to being an effective motorcycle ministry. That's because as you may already know, the credibility and effectiveness of such a ministry, can be severely compromised (even to a point of great bodily harm), if any of the protocols are inadvertently stepped on.
With all of that having been said, you need to know that we are always watching for opportunities to bring these presentations and seminars (with no obligation), to as many people as possible. That's because we believe that armed with the correct information, Christians all over the world, will be able to minister more effectively to the riders in their area. And as such, God's Kingdom will grow.
So if you think your church, group or motorcycle ministry (or one that you might know of), would like an appropriate presentation or seminar brought to them, then please contact us. It doesn't matter where they are - we would be honored to go where we are needed - all in an effort to help as many as possible, build bridges to Christ.
Starting Motorcycle Outreaches
From time to time, God has prompted churches to ask this ministry for help, to start a motorcycle outreach of their very own in their area. What He has us do first, is to help the congregation at large to become acquainted with the motorcycling culture, via a church-wide multi-media presentation. That way, the whole church is on the same page. Then a committee made up of interested church members is formed, to prayerfully begin creating a true motorcycle outreach ministry. However, before everything goes too far, the entire committee MUST attend a 'Protocol Seminar' first. That way, the folks involved, will come to know deeper, the invisible protocols and how best to work within them. Once all that is done, then it is time to actually start reaching out.
Once the outreach is up and running, I.H.M. will step back and stand down. That way the local church alone owns it - lock, stock and barrel.
Now, if you truly feel that this might be a viable option for you and your church, then here are a few things you MUST prayerfully take into consideration:
Do you know for absolute certain, that God Himself wants to start a motorcycle outreach ministry through your church?
Do you know for certain, that He wants it to be a true Motorcycle Ministry (MM) - as apposed to a church Ride Group (RG)?
Do you know where to start, and what to do first?
Are you aware of all the unwritten protocols of the biker culture, and how best to follow them?
Is your church willing and able to make the necessary long-term commitment it will take, to start and maintain a true motorcycle outreach ministry?
These are important things to prayerfully consider. So please, don't rush - take your time to be absolutely certain. Also, please don't hesitate to contact us, if you have any questions. And as always, there is never any obligation.
Biker Bible Studies
Speaking of starting an outreach to the motorcycling community in your area, here is a rather unique tool that can be used to help build bridges to Christ. Let's start with a scenario or two; and let's see where we go from there:
Imagine if you will; there is someone out there that finds them self out on the road on a Sunday morning, heading towards an event or a vacation destination, instead of the usual fellowship with their Sunday School class at church. Or let's say that there is someone out there, that at times, feels like an outcast - struggling with life, feeling like they are often misunderstood, and unfairly judged. Or perhaps there is someone else that feels ashamed, or trapped, because of something they have done - or are doing. Then there are those that find them selves out riding around on a Sunday morning, wondering about this "Gospel" thing, and that "Jesus" guy they've heard so much about. They all have some questions, but they're not really sure who, or even what to ask. And so it goes.
So with all that in mind, wouldn't it be great for them to be able to hook up with some fellow riders, that have an understanding about such things? A place where all they get is the 'real deal' - without being preached at? A place where everyone is accepted - just as they are - no strings attached, no questions asked. Well, there can be such a place. Hopefully, it's through a local Christ centered, Bible believing fellowship - otherwise know as the local church body.
This can be achieved through what we call a "Biker Bible Study" (B.B.S.). One of the unique aspects about all of this, is that it doesn't matter whether they are at home, or on the road, or whether they use a desktop type computer, or a handheld mobile device; they can still be part of this rather unique Bible study. All that's needed, is a Wi-Fi or a mobile Data signal, or if none of those are available at the time, a simple telephone (cell or land-line) will do. That's right. This outreach is in part, an online Bible study. Meaning, the local Bible study can be simultaneously Live-streamed outside of the confines of the classroom - literally reaching folks, right where they live. And how cool is that.
God has blessed Iron Horse Ministries with the ability to use a Christian based Internet service made for such things; that is both easy to set up and easy to use - and it's free. With it, we can help local churches to better reach their local biker communities. To God be the glory.
By now you may be thinking to yourself, that sounds pretty cool and all, but where would we start. Well, that's where we come in. If you feel God tugging at your heart to start such a thing; expanding the outreach of your church - beyond the classroom; or you simply have some questions with regards to this, then by all means, just click on the "Email Us" button at the bottom of this page, and give us a shout. We would be honored to help you out.
A Helping Hand
As you are aware of, we are living in some very trying times. As such, we have seen our enemy (Satan) become more emboldened to do some very terrible things. He's doing all he can, to destroy as much as he can - most especially, any kind of vibrant and effective outreach ministry. As a result, there are many good ministries out there that are struggling - hanging on by a thread.
With that having been said, it brings to mind a particular question. "Who ministers to the ministers, while the ministers are busy ministering?" It should be, God's people. Right? But that's not necessarily what's happening. With all do respect, there are times, when someone will just stand by and watch a ministry (or a fellow believer) get beat down by our enemy - without lifting a finger - grateful it's not them. Well, that's not how we are supposed to roll.
Any active ministry (and its people) that are on the frontlines in the field, are going to take some hits from time to time. It's the nature of the business. It's called, "Spiritual Warfare". I.H.M. is no different. Because we have been at the blunt-end of Satan's wrath before (on many levels), and have been rescued and restored, we know what it's like. As a result, God will sometimes choose to use Iron Horse Ministries (quietly, behind-the-scenes), to help beaten and bruised ministries, get back to health; encouraging them to continue their work. God has had us lend a helping hand; unconditionally loving on them - just as He has done for us. That's why it is our honor to do all we can - knowing that we all serve under the same banner - Christ.
So, if there is any way that we can come along side, and be of service to you and/or your organization, or perhaps to one that you may know of, then by all means, please let us know; if for no other reason, so we can pray over the situation. You also need to know that everything will be handled with the greatest respect and discretion. And that no matter what, anything that is said to us, stays with us - ALWAYS. To Him be all honor and glory - for ever and ever. Amen.
OTHER MINISTRY
OPPORTUNITIES
All the things you have just read about (above) is in part; basically what God has created Iron Horse Ministries to do (on many levels), out in the field. However, it doesn't end there. The following are some other rather unique aspects of this ministry, which actually gives folks an opportunity, to actively participate in helping to build bridges to Christ.
So, with that in mind, may we suggest that while you are riding through this part of the web site; you might drop it down a gear or two, and prayerfully check out the different things that you can actually be part of - whether you are a member of this ministry or not. Enjoy.
Biker Friendly
Church Network
From the very inception of Iron Horse Ministries, God instilled a vision, to create and maintain a "Biker-Friendly Church Network" (B.F.C.N.). The basic purpose of this network is to:
Help unify the body of Christ (the Church).
Help make it possible for a rider in need, to connect with a Christ-centered, Bible believing church body in their area; that will not judge them, but instead, will love on them and minister to them and their families, at their point of need - with no strings attached, no questions asked.
Help make sure that anyone - no matter who they are (that has prayed and asked Jesus to forgive them of their sins; and to come into their heart and be their personal Lord and Savior), will be able to find a church in their area, that will be willing to accept them and fully disciple them - so that none will fall through the cracks.
This is a God sized vision, and thus, a HUGE undertaking. As such, we know that we can not do it alone. Therefore what is needed, are people with a willingness to step-up and help build bridges to Christ - anywhere in the world.
So, if you know of a Christ centered church in your area that is biker-friendly (or wants to be), then, please let us know. All you need to do is click on the button below, which will take you directly to the Biker-Friendly Church Network web site. It won't cost you anything but just a little time. This is a free service to the churches, so that it might be a priceless blessing for the riders.
Thank you for your participation in such a huge project. The more churches that are on the network, the more opportunities there will be, for God's people to minister to the riders and their families out there. We're looking forward to hearing from you very soon.
Bibles-4-Bikers
As you know, there are many hurting people in the world. The members of Iron Horse Ministries (as well as the members of most every other motorcycle ministry out there), are kind of like 'soldiers for the cross'. Every time we suit up and saddle up, we are going out into the field to do supernatural battle with our enemy (Satan). As with any other soldier, we never know just what kind of situations we might encounter out in the battlefield. Therefore we must be fully prepared and geared up, with all the tools we need. In this case, one of the most important tool needed, is 'The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God' - the Bible (Ephesians 6:17b).
So with that in mind, we would like to make sure that every member of I.H.M. has a Bible that they can hand out to the riders that God puts in their path. That way, the riders can have a Biker Bible (a New Testament / Psalms and Proverbs), that they can call their very own. What better way to give them hope in a hopeless world, than by freely giving them the eternal hope of Christ - through His written Word.
So, how would you like to be part of helping us to put a Bible into the hands of as many riders as God gives us? If so, here's your opportunity to get involved. To get started, all you need to do is click on the button below, which will take you directly to the Bibles-4-Bikers (B-4-B) web site.
With that, we want to take a moment here to thank you for considering the possibility of getting involved. Your efforts will definitely help to shed some light, into an otherwise dark world. May God richly bless you.
Iron Grace Institute
Of all of the unique aspects of Iron Horse Ministries, this adjunct may be considered the most unique of them all. For as far as we know, there isn't anything quite like it anywhere in the world. What this is, is something likened to a 'college' or a 'seminary' for Christian bikers. It's an institute uniquely purposed to teach, train, equip and send out into the field, those who feel called of God, to live and serve Him as a true missionary to bikers.
You may ask, "Who would benefit the most from these studies?" God has established Iron Grace Institute (I.G.I.) explicitly for people that are true 'born-again' Christ followers; that have the passion, dedication and the desire to learn all they can; to prayerfully prepare themselves to be sent out into the field (wherever that may be); and to be willing to live and to serve God, as a true missionary to bikers - even to the point, if necessary, of taking a 'hit', for the cause of Christ.
We realize that this aspect of motorcycle ministry is not necessarily for everyone. That's okay. Not everyone is called of God to be a true missionary to bikers. If that were not so, there would be "motorcycle missionaries" everywhere. So please, don't feel discouraged or inept because you haven't felt THAT kind of call. Remember, as a Christ follower, you are a unique warrior, fighting on behalf of the King, the Kingdom, and the Saints of God. Which means that God has a special mission that only YOU can complete. So whatever that is, by all means, be obedient and faithful to those orders - no matter what. And watch just how effective you will be.
So, if you feel absolutely dead serious about following the call of Christ in your life; going deeper in your relationship and service with Him; hearing His whisper to serve Him as a true missionary to bikers; and knowing that you need to learn more in preparation for this kind of call; then this is precisely where you need to be, and what you need to do. However, before you get started, there are two things that must be done: 1) You will need to pray and be absolutely certain that this is exactly what God wants for you. Remember, serving Him in this manner, is not just a religious thing to do - it is an entirely different, all consuming way of life - the real Biblical deal. And 2), if after much prayer and consideration, certainty prevails, then click on the button below. It will take you directly to the Iron Grace Institute web site. There you will learn all about I.G.I., what is expected, how to enroll, etc.
Now, before you throttle up and roll on, we want to take a moment here to thank you for taking the time to go through all of this stuff. It is our hope and prayer that you have been inspired to take part in at least one of the opportunities presented here. With that, we look forward to hearing from you real soon.