Black Sheep: Harley-Davidsons for Christ

With more than 500 members in 26 chapters in 18 states, Pastor Marty Edwards’ Black Sheep motorcycle ministry (www.BlackSheepHDFC.org) plays a vital missional role in the kingdom: reaching out to an unreached “people group” with the love and presence of Jesus Christ.

The motorcycle community includes “outlaws” (Hell’s Angels, Mongols, Vagos and the like) and “motorcycle enthusiasts.” And while many ministries focus on the outlaws, and others on the enthusiasts, Black Sheep is unique in the United States for its focus on just one subgroup of the motorcycle enthusiasts — the 800,000 members of the HOG, or Harley-Davidson Owners Group.

Since its inception in Southern California six years ago, the Black Sheep ministry has held to three key objectives: (1) bringing riders into relationship with Christ, (2) encouraging the disenfranchised to return to church, and (3) getting Christians with bikes up, out of the pews and into ministry.

No one can become a member and wear the Black Sheep patch without committing to a local church body. A pastor must vouch for a rider’s regular attendance and participation. (The patch is a critical part of the motorcycle world, signifying a biker’s very right to exist. “It’s an honor to wear a patch,” says Edwards, “and a huge shame to have it taken away.”)

Black Sheep are HOG members, evangelizing from the inside out — developing friendships, riding together, meeting felt needs. As a pastor, Edwards officiates at HOG members’ weddings and funerals, and provides counseling and prayer support to many fellow riders. As Black Sheep’s founder, he explores opportunities to make an impact wherever HOG members are gathering and riding, and assists individuals in forming chapters around the country.

“I heartily applaud the bishops and the Southern California Conference,” says Edwards, “for their vision and encouragement of a ministry that’s not 100 percent Free Methodist.” The denomination doesn’t reap 100 percent of the harvest, he says, because converted bikers are encouraged to join any local, Bible-believing fellowship — even if it’s not Free Methodist. The important thing is that they go to church and grow in their faith. “They’re just happy to be saved and pointed in the right direction,” says Edwards. His Black Sheep continue to show them the way.