Every Righteous Means – Azusa StreetRiders International

What biker among us has not be greatly moved by the Great Commission as we travel the highways and backroads of the U.S. and beyond.

“Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” . (Mark 16:15)

The Greek word, ktisis-creature, is by definition all inclusive. It means everyone made/created in the image of God.

Simply put, our responsibility to our Lord and Savior is to GO!

We are to go and preach the everlasting gospel to every person on the earth: to every nation, race, language, and local neighborhood without exception.

This past week at the 80th UPCI General Conference I was reminded of this very thing as Professor Jerry Jones read the purpose statement from the UPCI Ministers Manuel:

“The purpose of the United Pentecostal Church International is to take “the whole gospel to the whole world by the whole church,” effectively and in an organized manner; to encourage the establishment of new works; to evangelize the world by every righteous means possible; and to produce and maintain a morally clean ministry and strong fellowship.”

We have at our disposal (in my estimation) one of the most righteous means possible for evangelism-discipleship, motorcycles.

There is a certain passion that resides in most bikers and I would say this is enhanced in Apostolic bikers. We use this passion to build genuine trust with others around us, especially those in the greater motorcycle community. This passion becomes an open door for us to share the love of Jesus and the power of His resurrection.

Motorcycles Connects Us To Others

• Building common ground: Sharing a love for motorcycles creates an immediate connection and a starting point for conversation. We have all experienced that instant connection with other bikers and non-bikers alike. This is especially true at fuel stops, rallies or events where the common interest of motorcycles builds a bridge with which we are able share the gospel.

• Ministering to the biker subculture: We are “The Apostolic Motorcycle Ministry of Jesus Christ” and are founded on the principle of preaching the full gospel message to fellow bikers who may not attend traditional church services. By showing up in the same subculture, we are able break down walls and connect with people who are naturally suspicious of religion and otherwise hard to reach with the gospel.

• Dispelling negative stereotypes: For many outside the biker world, the culture is associated with outlaw gangs. Azusa StreetRiders’s Apostolic distinctives and genuine persona cuts through these negative perceptions where we are able to show a compassionate and Godly side of the subculture.

• Creating a visible witness: The sight and sound of a group of riders with Acts 2:38 emblazed at the center of our colors when we are on the road, at events, or at national rallies serves as a public declaration of the Apostolic faith and draws attention to our unique ministry efforts.

It was the Apostle Paul that said, “I am made (created in character) all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22)

We too are to become all things; that means to us, we accommodate ourselves to others in all things. We evangelize the world by every righteous means possible, that at least someone might be saved.