WELCOME
Welcome, and thank you for stopping by. We are truly honored that you have. Now, before you get started on this great ride, let us brief you on a few things you will need to know. To start with, the purpose of this web site, is not only to help folks learn more about this ministry and what it is that God has ordained it to do, but it is also our hope, that it will help shatter many of the Hollywood myths and misconceptions about the motorcycling culture.
In other words, it's our desire that this site will in part; teach, train, equip and minister in some small way, to those who may or may not ride motorcycles; as well as those folks that may or may not yet have a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
Additionally, this site is not only set up as a resource with which to access the information needed to familiarize yourself with this ministry; but with all of the other information and the helpful things that are scattered throughout, it can also be used as a kind of 'toolbox', for both life, and ministry - and how cool is that.
So take your time, and enjoy the ride. Be sure to click on every button, watch every video and just have fun with all the things this web site has to offer. It is our hope and desire, that your time with us, is not only informative, but enjoyable and inspirational as well.
- Now, Have A Great Ride -
What Is
Iron Horse Ministries?
Over the years, we have discovered that because of the depth of this ministry that God has created, one of the best ways to answer this question, is to summarize its basic aspects. So here they are: Iron Horse Ministries (I.H.M.) is a Nation-wide, Christ-centered, Interdenominational, Para-church, Non-profit, motorcycle ministry (M/M).
God's special purpose for the members of this rather unique ministry, is to serve Him out in the field - as a true Christ follower - with a 'missionary' mind-set. Seeking to work behind the scenes in silent service (without drawing undue attention); prayerfully doing what is needed, any time, anywhere - ultimately 'Building Bridges To Christ'. To God be the glory.
Now, with all that having been said, you might think that's all there is. Not quite, there's a bit more. You see, God has chosen to also create a number of other rather unique aspects for this ministry. The main reason why they are not mentioned here, is because we don't want to come across as boastful. So with that in mind, it's our hope and prayer that as you ride through this web site, you might enjoy discovering some of those 'other' aspects for yourself. Have fun!
What Is The Mission
Of Iron Horse Ministries?
The mission of Iron Horse Ministries is simple, and yet, far reaching in its scope. It is, 'Building Bridges To Christ'. More on that in a moment.
How Is This
Mission Accomplished?
To answer that question appropriately, let's go to our final authority - the Bible. The 'Great Commission' given to us as born again believers (Mathew 28:19), says in part: " .... go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." In addition, Romans 10:13-15 tells us: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on Him to save them, unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him, if they have never heard about Him? And how can they ever hear about Him, unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them, without first being sent? Which is why the Scriptures also say, 'How beautiful are the feet of the messengers, who bring good news!'" So with that, we have our mission, and in part, how to accomplish it.
Now, even though God may use many creative means to carry out 'His mission' through this ministry, He has made one thing crystal clear, He wants the members of I.H.M. to live and serve Him with a 'missionary mindset'. Right now, you may be asking yourself, what is a missionary mindset? Glad you asked. Let's start by saying, although missionary life can take on many different forms, the core mindset is focused on furthering the Kingdom of God and sharing His love with others. For some this may be active evangelism, for others, it may mean quietly serving in the community, and yet for others, it may mean using a motorcycle to touch the hearts and lives of those who ride. In any case, a missionary is to be humble and teachable (Psalm 25:9), hard-working (Colossians 3:23), emotionally and spiritually mature (Galatians 5:22-23), stable (Psalm 16:8), willing to be the first one in and the last one out (Matthew 25:35-36) - even if it means taking a hit for the gospel of Christ (1 Peter 4:1).
But that's not all. God also wants our everyday lifestyle to reflect the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23a), whether we're wearing our gear or not. What is the fruit of the Spirit you may ask? It is the evidence of our personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Scripture says, "The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." In verse 25 we also read, "Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." With that, it is our hope and prayer that this is what is seen in us, as we live and serve at the pleasure of the King.
Finally, before rolling out to the next page, we would like to take a quick moment here, to sum up all of the information you have just read. What you have come to know in part, is God's basic mission. In addition, you have seen a foundational image of the 'missionary mindset' that God wants us to have in order to carry out that mission. Incidentally, all of that is to be done without drawing any attention to ourselves. Remembering that it's all about revealing God's love - and Building Bridges To Christ. For us, we would have it no other way.