Iron Horse Ministries operates solely under the sovereign direction, loving provision and wonderful grace of God. We believe that the Bible is God's Word, therefore it is our final authority and our ultimate set of bylaws. That's why you won't see a whole lot of written rules and regulations. We are to have the freedom to go where, and when, and do as God leads us.
There are no membership dues. This non-profit ministry depends entirely upon the prayerful freewill love offerings of those who share in the vision of this ministry, whether they ride a motorcycle or not. All donations made to Iron Horse Ministries are gratefully and prayerfully handled with the greatest of care. That's because we consider every donation a gift of love, and an investment in this ministry. In addition, 10% of all donations that are not designated are given to other ministries in order to help spread the Gospel both locally, and throughout the world.
We DO NOT "recruit", "prospect", or "proselytize" anyone into this ministry. This is God's ministry, and He wants to do the recruiting. It is He, and He alone that has been growing this ministry by leaps and bounds, planting the vision of it into the hearts of His people.
As patch holders, we submit ourselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit. In addition, we allow ourselves to be held accountable in all that we say and do (whether out on the highways and byways; in the local house of worship; or in our own homes), in order that we may bring honor and glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
As we go through our days, there are many times when God will enable us at I.H.M. to minister to riders out in the field. It could be just hanging out and talking, or it could be ministering to their families, or it could be simply sharing the good news about a hope, and about a new direction, and about an unconditional love for them.
Sometimes, God will call upon Iron Horse Ministries to help build a bridge between one ministry and another. The purpose for this is unity; One effort, toward one goal, under one banner - Christ.
And since much of this ministry is an outreach done through a local church body, we try to work very hard to shatter the myths which helps to bring about an understanding of the bikers and their machines. As patchholders, we do this in part by our example, and also through teaching, training and equipping of the congregations in which we are serving. As a result, the church wants to, and so they learn how to, reach out and to love on this sometimes feared and unwanted group of people.
We hope that it's been made evident that Iron Horse Ministries is not just an other motorcycle ministry. God has used it to minister to many different people, with many different back-grounds, in many different ways. We're always quietly behind the scenes - building bridges to Christ. If this kind of ministry interests you, then if you would, please keep reading. There's more cool things to check out.
You may ask, "What can I do to reach out to bikers - I'm not sure how?" The best way to start reaching out, is to start by praying, and asking God how He wants you to be involved.
There are many ways to reach out to people that ride motorcycles. You can help to organize and work motorcycle events such as bike (biker) blessings, poker style runs, toy runs, rallies, etc. Sometimes an outreach is done through food and clothing; a visit to a hospital, jail or prison; through the death of a fallen rider; maybe through a quiet conversation; or sometimes all it takes is just a warm smile. No matter what, it is it needs to be done with love, so that above all, they may know that God really does love them. We need to meet them where Jesus met us - at their point of need. We are not to condemn or condone anyone's behavior, instead we are to show them unconditional love - just like Jesus has shown to us. Remember, they don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Then, and only then can relationships be built. The kind of loving relationships that build bridges between church people who are afraid of bikers, and bikers who are afraid of church people. Ultimately leading and discipling them to a loving relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
Do you feel that God may be tugging at your heart to be actively involved in this ministry? If so, then we ask you to; 1) Keep reading through the entire web site; and 2) Before you do that, we ask that you would take a moment right now and pray. Pray for discernment of God's will for you in this ministry, and for an understanding of the seriousness and the commitment level required. To this end, you might want to also attend a few meetings and/or events and ask a lot of questions of our patch holders. That way, you can confirm God's call for you, and capture the heart of this ministry and what we do in it, for yourself. But, if that is not possible because there is no I.H.M. chapter in your area, then we encourage you to consider stepping out in faith, and prayerfully follow where, and how God leads you. Who knows. He may want you to start a chapter where you live. There's a little more on how to start one, later on in the web site.
There are many ways to be a part of this rapidly growing ministry. You can be involved through prayer and/or financial support; by working alongside us to help plan events; by attending events that God has led us to; and a whole lot more. If you have a motorcycle, and your license to operate one is current, that's great. It doesn't matter what make or model the bike is - you can be involved. If you're between bikes, that's OK too. All you need to know is that, you don't have to own or ride a motorcycle, or even have a patch to be involved in this ministry; it's the heart that counts - not the machine or the material. Remember, God doesn't call the able, He enables the called.
You may wonder, "What about my past?" Everyone has a past, some more colorful than others. It doesn't matter what your past is. If God can use us, He can certainly use you - and so can we. Our God is a God of redemption and restoration. What this means is that those who become a true Christian, become a new person. They are not the same anymore. For the old life is gone, and a new life has begun (2 Corinthians 5:17). There is no limit, except the one that we put on God (Philippians 4:13). So come - dare to make a difference.
There are three levels of possible service in this ministry. Please read each prayerfully and carefully to determine which level that God may want you to serve Him in.
The first level is as a prayer partner and/or financial supporter. This is ground zero. Without the faithful prayers and loving gifts from our partners, this ministry could not survive. You are our first line of defense, and a great encouragement to us all. By praying for, and building up this ministry, you are enabling us to continue to go out into the fields where God would have us go - building bridges to Christ. Remember, you don't even have to have a motorcycle, just a heart for those that do, and for those who minister to them.
The second level is as a "supporter patch" holder. This person not only supports the ministry as mentioned above, but is also actively involved, and is allowed to wear the small supporter patch on the front of their vest or jacket. If you are reading this, and you are already a fully patched member of another group of riders, and you feel that the supporter patch is for you, that's great. Most groups will allow you to wear a supporter or front patch to show an affiliation with another group. However, you must always honor the one who's back patch you're wearing. So, please check with the powers that be first, to make sure that it's OK for you to wear this ministry's supporter patch.
Iron Horse Ministries is NOT a motorcycle club (MC) of any kind, nor are we a ride group or club (RC) - we are a motorcycle ministry (MM). We are not to take over any club, group, or organization; its members; or its territories. Our heart and the mission of this ministry, is to come alongside of any and all motorcycle organizations and clubs (whether Christian or non-Christian); and with all motorcyclists - from the occasional rider, to the hard core one percenter biker, and everyone in between. All we are to be, is a tool in everyone's toolbox of life. And all we want to have, is the opportunity to love on, and to minister to, as many as we can.
A "Junior Supporter" patch is also available for minor children. For more information on this, please contact us.
The third level is as a "fully patched" member of this ministry. This person can wear both the small supporter patch on the front of their vest or jacket, as well as the larger ministry patch on the back. Although supporter pins and patches of other organizations as well as motorcycle events can be worn on the front, traditionally, there should be no other pins or patches of any kind on the back - just the back patch alone. In the biker culture, your back patch shows your allegiance - the one you are willing to die for. Therefore, we ask that all fully patched members of Iron Horse Ministries, honor that tradition. By wearing only the ministry's back patch on your back, you are showing the people that you are ministering to, that you are fully committed to the call of Christ in your life, and to His work through this ministry. That's a very powerful thing - never to be taken lightly.
Is God ringing your bell? If you feel that this ministry might be for you, and you would like to learn more about becoming a patch holder, then please keep on reading and praying.
Iron Horse Ministries Logo and Patch
When most of us see a patch we haven't seen before, we're curious; who are they; where are they from; and what are they about? Since a patch is so important to the people that we are trying to minister to, we need to be aware of what the Iron Horse Ministries patch may represent to them. When they see you wearing the supporter patch and/or the back patch, or no patch at all for that matter, they should see in you the fruit of the Spirit; which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). That's why you need to be prayed up (Ephesians 6:10-18), before you suit up. So, with that in mind, if you still feel that God may want you to be a part of His ministry as an active patch holder, then that's GREAT. All we ask, is that you would be willing to adhere to the following basic requirements:
1) You must be a born again believer in our Lord Jesus the Christ. And you must be ready and willing to share with anyone what happened to you, and about the hope that you now have.
2) You must be a discipled active member of a local Bible believing church body. You must not forsake their fellowship - it will strengthen you.
3) You must be spending time in prayer and in God's word daily. How will you know what He wants you to do, if your not communicating with Him.
4) You need to be a self-starter. You must be willing to work quietly behind the scenes (by following the leading of God's Spirit alone), without drawing any attention to yourself.
5) You must be willing to be held accountable to everyone, in all circumstances, and at all times. Remember, you are always being watched.
6) You must have a heart for people, especially for those who ride motorcycles. If they see your unconditional love for them, then hopefully, they'll see His.
7) Because of the nature of this kind of ministry, you must be a legal adult to be "fully patched." There are times when God will have you go to where the "Leprosy" is, . . . to bring to the captives, His hope, His healing, and His love.
8) Finally, before you can become a patch holder of this ministry, you must complete the questionnaire below. We use it, so that we may better get to know you, and to see if you have caught God's vision for this ministry.
Obviously, this ministry is not for everyone. It is however, for those who are called of God, and enjoy the rewards and challenges of working behind-the-scenes, building bridges to Christ and doing so, with integrity and open accountability. That's why we ask that you be in serious prayer about your part in this ministry, cause no body will be holding your hand. Don't forget, this is a multi-faceted ministry, which means there are many ways that you can be involved. There's something here for almost everyone. So please, feel free to explore all of this ministry's possibilities.
The Iron Horse Ministries patch that God has designed, is like most other patches, it is full of symbolism. The person who wears it, not only represents this ministry, but they also represent the One who started it all.
The large words "IRON HORSE MINISTRIES" (in an old Wild West font) speaks of three basic things. 1) The old font represents a time when the horse was the main form of transportation. The letters made to look like metal, signify strength. 2) The words "Iron Horse" can apply to many things in the history of this country. In this case it speaks of a modern day mechanized horse, and those who ride them. Free spirited - and dedicated to that freedom. 3) The word "Ministries" separates this group from any secular club or organization. We are a ministry - not a club.
The motorcycle in the foreground, is the "Iron" - a modern form of transportation that represents freedom to so many. The old ghost behind it, is the "Horse" of bygone days. And the old rugged cross behind that, with its empty draped cloth, represents the sacrifice Jesus made for us all so long ago - which gives purpose, to the "Ministries" that we do today.
The black background represents the darkness of this world. Iron Horse Ministries is to lovingly, respectfully and quietly take the light of hope (which is the love of Christ, Jesus), to those in spiritually dark places, so that those trapped there, may see the light and want to be rescued.
Finally, the words "Building Bridges To Christ" are not only a slogan, they're what we do. Whether we're ministering to the bikers privately, or at various events, or whether we're helping a church to set up an outreach to bikers; it doesn't matter, our goal is still the same. It is to be quietly bridging the gap where we can, between people, and the love of Christ - that's the whole focus of this ministry.
Now on occasion we have been asked, "Why is it that you wear a patch in the first place?" Well, it's not to show off, that's for sure. It's just a piece of cloth. The reason that we wear it, is solely because of the behind-the-scenes nature of this ministry. The patch is warn, so that we can be more easily found by those who may need us.
So, the next time you see someone wearing this patch, it is our hope that you will take a moment right were you are and pray, not only for that person, but also for all of those who wear this patch. You just never know what might be happening at that very moment. We are protected and strengthen by your prayers, that's why we count on them so very, very much.
Iron Horse Ministries Logo And Patch
If you feel that God wants you to be a part of this ministry as a "Level One" supporter through your finances and prayers, then we thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and we pray that God will bless you for your faithfulness. However, if you feel that God is calling you to actually be a patch holder member of this ministry (either at "Level Two" or "Level Three"), then we ask that you would go through the entire web site first (if you haven't done so already), so that you may capture the whole heart of the ministry. Once that's done, we then ask that you would come back here, and that you would take the time to go through the questionnaire (below), responding fully to each of the questions.
This questionnaire is not a test. We just want to get to know you a little better as a brother or sister in Christ, and to see if you have captured God's vision for this ministry. Also, as stewards, we must be careful to make sure that everyone is on the same page. As you may know, any patch that you wear not only represents what you think and believe, it makes you a representative of that belief as well. In addition, it is important for us to be careful, so as not to let in any wolves in sheep's clothing. With that having been said, we thank you again for your understanding, and for your time.
Now, one last thing before you get started on the questions. We would just like to remind you to take a moment and pray for God's answers - not your own. So, when you're ready - go for it.
1) Who is Jesus to you?
2) What is salvation? Please share when and how you were saved.
3) How do you know your salvation is for real and forever?
4) What is water baptism? Have you been baptized as a born again believer? When?
5) Please share some of what Jesus has done in your life, since you've asked Him to be your Lord.
6) How's your prayer and devotional life these days? Are you in God's Word daily?
7) What do you feel God wants you to do through this ministry (visions and goals)? And at which "Level" of participation?
8) How would you explain to someone else your commitment level, your responsibilities, and your liabilities as a member of this ministry?
9) Have you talked with your family about being a part of this ministry? How do they feel about it?
10) Do you have an addiction that you battle with? How are you dealing with it? Do you have an accountability partner?
Congratulations, and thank you for completing the questionnaire - we are truly honored by your efforts. Now that you have completed it, we ask that you sign and date your responses. And for the sake of accountability, we further ask that your pastor read, sign, and date your responses as well. Also, please have your pastor submit a letter of recommendation - on official church letterhead. When that's done, then mail in your responses together with all of your contact information (i.e., address, zip-code, phone number(s), e-mail, etc., including that of your pastor), to the snail-mail address closest to you. That address can be found on the "Contacts/Etc." page of this web site. Or, if you want, you can expedite things by sending your responses via e-mail, as a Word document attachment. In either case, please make sure that you have included all of your contact information.
Once we have received your responses and your pastor's letter, we'll look them over, and then we'll contact your pastor to verify your information. If we have any other questions, we'll contact you. Then, after praying for God's leading, we will notify you as to whether or not you are eligible to order the patch or patches that you are seeking. Also please note; Iron Horse Ministries does reserve the right to refuse any applicant.
You also need to know, that all of your correspondence will be held in the strictest confidents. The intent is not to keep secrets, but to protect the personal information that has been entrusted to this ministry. In fact, because of the behind-the-sense nature of this ministry, ALL communications are handled in confidents, and with respect, as this can also help to build bridges.
Again, thank you for allowing us to take up so much for your valuable time. We are honored and impressed by your patience. We also want to take just a moment, to thank you again for your efforts with regards to the questionnaire. We know it wasn't easy, but we also know, it's worth it. May God bless you real good - BIG time.