|
Purpose
The purpose of North Carolina Bikers for Christ (BFC) is to serve God Almighty in the
person of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by bringing the gospel message of salvation to the lost and to minister to the needs
of bikers, prostitutes, prisoners, the homeless, the battered and bruised, the defenseless, the unloved and the unlovable
in the name of Jesus.
We Serve God
BFC is a ministry that serves the God of the Bible, the
only God, the Creator of the universe, the Savior and the Redeemer of all people. We serve no other purpose, person, philosophy,
thing, government, or power. We are dedicated to the service of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We Ride
Motorcycles
BFC uses motorcycles as a way to reach out to others. Motorcycling brings us into contact who
need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ and who need love and care. We support motorcycling in its many forms, the culture
that has developed around it and the riders out on the road.
We Support Our Government
BFC
is not politically oriented or affiliated, but we recognize the duty of everyone to be good citizens. We encourage participation
in the political process, obedience of all laws that do not contravene the laws of God, and regular prayer for elected and
appointed leaders.
We Support Our Families
BFC supports the God-ordained structure of the
basic family unit. We firmly acknowledge that the priority of our lives must first include our spouse and children and that
they are our primary ministry. BFC does not support any cause or movement that works to destroy the Biblically based family
unit of marriage between a man and a woman. We also recognize that children need as much time with loving parents as possible
in order to grow into Godly adults. At the same time, we fully support those who choose to remain single in order to serve
God in this way.
We Support The Church
BFC supports the local Christian church. We require
BFC members and encourage those to whom we minister to be members of a local Christian church and to actively attend. At every
level - internationally, nationally, and locally - BFC operates in such a way as to be accountable to a local church for its
behavior and conduct. North Carolina members of Bikers for Christ come from many different Christian churches and each chapter
is accountable to the local church for the conduct of its ministry.
We Support Other Motorcycle Ministries
BFC supports all other legitimate Christian motorcycle ministries and their efforts to bring the lost to Jesus Christ.
BFC does not in any way act to obstruct, injure, or damage the testimony or work of any other motocycle ministry. We are all
on the same side; we all have one Lord and Savior. That does not mean BFC necessarily agrees with every other ministry or
supports their activities. Each organization is accountable to God.
We Don't Compete With Anyone
BFC does not compete with any other motorcycle ministry, club, gang, church, or organization for members, turf, territories,
property, status, or recognition. We strive not to antagonize other groups, and for that reason, BFC members do not display
the letters "M/C" along with their back patch and do not wear a top rocker denoting a region or territory.
We
Are Not A Commercial Venture
BFC is strictly non-profit and does not seek or 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 advertising. Free will donations toward the ministry are gladly accepted,
but BFC reserves the right to refuse donations from persons or organizations that do not uphold our principles.
We
Are A Free Ministry
BFC does not charge dues or fees of any kind for a person to participate and become a
member. What's more, solicitation for any such funds is prohibited; however, BFC reserves the right to sell products or services
for fair compensation to further the ministry and to charge reasonable fees for materials, reservations, fuel, insurance,
etc. that are necessary for special events.
We Wear "Colors"
BFC International produces and
sells to members in good standing a back patch, arm patch, and other materials bearing the BFC logo. No object, patch, shirt,
or other product bearing the BFC logo (other than items specifically designed as "support" items) may be sold or distributed
to non-members. Members who are not in good standing (backsliden, fallen away, resigned, in violation of condition #4 of the
official BFC application) cannot purchase or display BFC membership materials. [For the meaning of the BFC logo, click on
"The BFC Colors" page.]
We Have No "Prospect" or "Apprentice" Process
BFC does not have a
"prospect" stage for new members. Applicants for BFC membership who have their pastor's signature, once approved by the local
Chapter Elder or State Elder are immediately accepted into the BFC and have full privileges. A new member may immediately
wear the full, two-piece backpatch.
We Don't Have Lofty Titles
BFC chapters don't have titles
like "president", "vice president", "grand high poobah", or any other title that can lead to pride. Each local chapter is
led by an "elder" who is accountable to God and the other Chapter members just like every other member.
We
Do Not Discriminate
BFC accepts all Christian bikers regardless of race, creed, color, gender, political
affiliation, Christian church denomination, profession, make or model of motorcycle*, manner of dress, or hair style. Nevertheless,
BFC reserves the right to refuse membership based on membership in a non-Christian church (e.g., Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons,
Muslims, Unitarian Universalists, etc.), sins described on the BFC application, or other issues related to a person's character,
morals, or ethics.
*Motor-scooters, mopeds, motorized bicycles, and non-street legal dirt bikes do
not qualify as "motorcycles" for the purposes of BFC membership.
We Support Separation of Church and
State
BFC is completely non-political and does not endorse any political agenda, philosophy, or candidate.
We affirm each BFC member's right and obligation to vote and encourage individual participation in local, state, and national
politics, but BFC must and will remain completely neutral in this regard. We believe that churches and ministries as groups
should stay out of government and that government should stay out of issues concerning matters of Christian faith.
Each
BFC Member Is Responsible For Their Own Actions
BFC will not be held responsible or liable, directly or indirectly,
for the actions of individual members. Each BFC member is responsible or his/her own actions and their consequences. This
is especially true for members who backslide, break laws, act in ways that can bring liability or harm to BFC or its members,
or cause accidents. Motorcycling is inherently hazardous, and each BFC member must acknowledge and accept that they are responsible
for their own safety. BFC is committed to safe motorcycling and safe ministry and every precaution will be taken to that end;
however, each individual is ultimately responsible for their own safety.
We Do Not Have By-Laws
To
be effective, BFC members must have the freedom to act quickly according to the leadership of the Holy Spirit as opportunities
present themselves; therefore, BFC does not have and will not have by-laws for overseeing its ministries. We trust the Holy
Spirit to keep the membership in line.
Each Chapter of BFC Is Autonomous
The North Carolina
chapters of BFC, like all BFC chapters, are autonomous to operate in response to God's leadership as each sees fit. Each chapter
strives to conduct itself according to the matters set forth above and in a manner that honors Christ and respects the churches
of its members.
|