Your Handlebars Are Your Mission Field

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He gathered His disciples and gave them—and us—the most important assignment we’ll ever receive. Matthew 28:19-20 records these powerful words: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” This is what we call the Great Commission, and it’s not a suggestion—it’s a command. But here’s what I want you to catch: Jesus didn’t say, “Go ye pastors and missionaries.” He didn’t say, “Go ye seminary graduates and professional ministers.” He said, “Go YE”—that means every single believer, including you and me. Notice the action words: “Go… teach… baptize… teach again.” This isn’t passive Christianity. This is active, intentional, life-on-life investment in others. And here’s the beautiful part—Jesus doesn’t send us out alone. He promises, “I am with you away, even unto the end of the world.” Every conversation, every relationship, every opportunity to share Christ—He’s right there with us, empowering us, guiding us, working through us.

Now, let me speak directly to my brothers and sisters in motorcycle ministry. Your bike isn’t just transportation—it’s a tool for the Kingdom. Every time you throw your leg over that saddle, you’re entering a mission field that most churches will never reach. Think about it. When was the last time you pulled into a rally or a bike night? What happened? Instant connection, right? There’s something about sharing a passion for motorcycles that breaks down walls faster than almost anything else. Strangers become friends over a shared love of the open road. And that, my friends, is exactly the kind of bridge that Jesus can use to reach hearts that have been closed to traditional ministry. I’ve seen it happen time and time again. A conversation starts about carburetors and ends with prayer. A ride to Sturgis becomes a journey toward salvation. A patch on your vest that says “Azusa StreetRiders” opens doors that a thousand church invitations couldn’t crack. Why? Because you’re meeting people where they are, in a language they understand, in a community they already trust. But here’s the challenge—are we being intentional about it? Or are we just enjoying the ride and missing the divine appointments God is setting up all around us? Making disciples isn’t complicated, but it does require intentionality. It means praying before you ride, asking God to open your eyes to opportunities. It means being willing to have spiritual conversations when they arise naturally. It means inviting that new rider to church, to Bible study, or just to coffee where you can share your testimony. I think about the rallies we attend—thousands of bikers gathered in one place. What if every Christian biker saw that as a harvest field instead of just a good time? What if we prayed for boldness to share Christ with at least one person every time we rode? The Kingdom impact would be staggering.

Now, maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “That’s great, Scott, but I don’t ride motorcycles.” That’s okay—because the principle is exactly the same wherever God has placed you. What’s your passion? What community has God connected you with? Maybe it’s your workplace—you spend forty hours a week with the same people. Have you ever considered that God strategically placed you in that office, that factory, that hospital, that classroom to be His ambassador? Maybe it’s your gym, your book club, your neighborhood, your kids’ sports teams. Wherever you naturally spend time and build relationships—that’s your mission field. The Great Commission doesn’t require you to quit your job and move overseas. It requires you to open your eyes to the people God has already placed in your path. That coworker who’s going through a divorce—that’s a divine appointment. That neighbor who always seems to be outside when you are—that’s not coincidence. That parent you keep running into at soccer practice—God is orchestrating that connection. Here’s what I’ve learned: God doesn’t call us to reach people we have nothing in common with. He calls us to reach the people we’re already connected to through shared interests, shared struggles, shared communities. Your passion isn’t just for your enjoyment—it’s a platform for ministry. Your hobbies aren’t distractions from Kingdom work—they’re opportunities for Kingdom work. The question isn’t whether you have a mission field. The question is whether you’re recognizing it and responding to it. Are you praying for the people in your sphere of influence? Are you looking for opportunities to share your faith naturally in the context of your everyday life? Are you willing to invest in someone else’s spiritual growth, even when it’s inconvenient?

So how do we move from inspiration to action? Let me give you some practical steps you can take this week: First, pray specifically. Write down the names of three people in your mission field—whether that’s fellow riders, coworkers, neighbors, or friends. Commit to praying for them by name every day this week. Ask God to open their hearts and give you opportunities to share Christ with them. Second, be intentional about one conversation. This week, look for a natural opportunity to steer a conversation toward spiritual things. You don’t have to force it or make it weird—just be ready when the door opens. Ask questions like, “Do you ever think about spiritual things?” or “Can I share something that’s been meaningful to me?” Then share your testimony simply and authentically. Third, invite someone into your spiritual life. Invite that person to church, to a Bible study, or even just to grab coffee and talk about faith. Most people won’t take the initiative themselves, but they’ll say yes when personally invited by someone they trust. Fourth, look for someone to invest in. Is there a newer believer in your life who needs mentoring? Someone who’s curious about faith but doesn’t know where to start? Commit to meeting with that person regularly—even if it’s just once a month—to read the Bible together, pray together, and help them grow. Finally, take one bold step of obedience. Maybe it’s wearing that Christian t-shirt to the rally. Maybe it’s putting a Jesus sticker on your bike. Maybe it’s simply telling someone, “I’m a Christian, and my faith is important to me.” Whatever it is, do something this week that publicly identifies you with Christ in your mission field.

Brothers and sisters, the Great Commission isn’t just a historical command Jesus gave to His first disciples. It’s a living mandate for every believer today. Your life—your passions, your relationships, your everyday experiences—these aren’t separate from your faith. They’re the very context in which God has called you to make disciples. Whether you’re on two wheels or two feet, whether you’re in a boardroom or a break room, whether you’re at a rally or a restaurant—you are a missionary. Your mission field is wherever God has placed you. And He hasn’t placed you there by accident. The question is: Will you be obedient? Will you open your eyes to the divine appointments God is orchestrating around you? Will you have the courage to share your faith, invest in others, and make disciples in your unique sphere of influence? Jesus promised, “I am with you always.” You’re not doing this alone. The same Spirit that empowered the first disciples empowers you. The same Jesus who turned fishermen into world-changers can use you to impact your world. Let me pray for us: “Father, we thank You for the Great Commission—for the privilege of being Your ambassadors in this world. Open our eyes to see the mission fields You’ve placed us in. Give us boldness to share our faith, wisdom to invest in others, and faithfulness to make disciples wherever we go. Whether we’re on the highway or in our homes, at work or at play, help us to represent You well. We trust Your promise that You are with us always. Use us for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Now go—your mission field is waiting. And remember, you’re not just taking a ride or going to work or hanging out with friends. You’re on assignment from the King of Kings. Make it count.