WHEELS OF FAITH M/M ByLaws

Introduction

Wheels of Faith is not just a riding fellowship; it is a ministry with a mission. We exist to reach the lost, disciple believers, and foster bonds of Christian love through fellowship and accountability. Riding motorcycles creates a unique bond between us, one that allows us to evangelize and connect with others, especially those outside the traditional church environment. As C.S. Lewis once said, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'” In the same way, our shared experience of riding provides powerful opportunities to reach others for Christ.

While we enjoy riding together and the camaraderie that comes with it, we never forget that we represent Christ in all that we do. The patches we wear signify our commitment not only to the ministry but also to live as examples of His love and grace.

Membership

To be a member of Wheels of Faith Motorcycle Ministry, individuals must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a confessed Christian: You must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and be prepared to share your testimony with others.
2. Exhibit a true Christian testimony: You must have been free from tobacco, nicotine, alcohol, and illegal drugs for at least six months prior to membership.
3. Attend church weekly: Regular attendance is crucial for maintaining your spiritual well-being and growth.
4. Be recommended by your pastor: The pastoral recommendation ensures that new members are in alignment with Christian values and principles.
5. Sign the Fellowship waiver, application, and Member Covenant: These documents solidify your commitment to the ministry and its values. 
6. Complete the Armor Bearer book test: This additional test is required to deepen your understanding of serving within the ministry.
7. Take the handbook test: The test confirms that you are knowledgeable about the ministry’s guidelines and values. 
8. Submit a membership fee: The membership fee is $80 initially, which includes your name patch, back patch, and membership card. Additionally, a $48 annual fee is required to remain active. All fees are submitted to the National Office. 

Just as in the original, members must demonstrate their dedication by accumulating miles through fellowship rides, taking tests to deepen their understanding of the ministry, and completing specific tasks before they receive their patch. In the words of Proverbs, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” The purpose of these requirements is to help each member grow in faith and fellowship.

Patches

Wearing the Wheels of Faith patches is a privilege and an honor. Members wear two distinct patches on their vests:

1. Name patch: Located on the front over the pocket.
2. Logo patch: The large Wheels of Faith logo patch is worn on the back.

Back Patch: The back patch represents the ministry and signifies your commitment. It remains the property of Wheels of Faith Motorcycle Ministry and must be returned to the National Office if a member becomes inactive or is no longer able to fulfill the ministry’s requirements. The cost of the back patch is non-refundable.

Once members complete their 1000 miles requirement, submitted test and application and vest to national patching will be scheduled.  At time of patching they will lead a patch ride as part of their final step in becoming a fully patched member. The ride will be to a predetermined location.

“Attitude is critical: Your patch should never be a tool for superiority or pride, but rather a symbol of your commitment to serve others, especially within the Wheels of Faith family.”

Officer Roles and Responsibilities

The Wheels of Faith Motorcycle Ministry relies on a group of dedicated officers who ensure the smooth operation of the ministry. Officers must attend at least 75% of meetings and events and must have a servant’s heart. Each officer’s role is critical to maintaining the ministry’s mission of fellowship, discipleship, and evangelism.

1. President
   • Leadership Skills: Must demonstrate great leadership and people skills. The president is the visionary of the chapter and generates excitement and direction for the ministry.
   • Responsibilities: Oversees chapter operations, runs chapter meetings, and serves as an Armor Bearer for the pastor. The president ensures that the ministry remains focused on its spiritual mission.
2. Vice President
   • Support Role: Assists the president in all ministry activities and acts as the Armor Bearer for the president.
   • Leadership in Absence: Takes over leadership in the president’s absence and must deal effectively with confrontation, providing encouragement to members.
3. Secretary
   • Administrative Role: Responsible for taking notes during meetings, maintaining records, and distributing meeting minutes to officers.
   • Event Promotion: Helps advertise events via email and other media methods. Also, an Armor Bearer for the president.
4. Treasurer
   • Financial Oversight: Assists with ministry meetings, collects and records offerings, and ensures funds are forwarded to the designated location.
   • Record Keeping: Keeps detailed logs of financial receipts and expenditures.
5. Chaplain
   • Spiritual Leader: Leads prayer at ministry events, provides spiritual support for members, and assists in meetings.
6. Road Captain (Non-officer position)
   • Safety Leader: Leads rides, plans routes, and ensures safety during ministry events. This role is critical to the ministry’s operations and is an extension of the leadership team.

Road Rules

To ensure the safety of everyone participating in ministry rides, Wheels of Faith has established the following road rules. These guidelines are not meant to restrict your freedom but to ensure that we all return home safely.

1. Group Riding Formation
   1. The ministry uses a staggered formation, which maintains a one-second gap between staggered riders and a two-second gap between riders directly in front. This ensures that all riders have enough space to react in case of an emergency.
   2. Single File Formation: When road conditions require it (e.g., narrow roads, curves, or heavy traffic), riders will shift to a single-file formation, maintaining a two-second gap between each rider.
   3. Lane Changes: Lane changes are performed as a group, starting with the sweep who captures the lane , the lead road captain then moves into the lane and the rest of the pack follows the lead Road Captain.
   4. Gas, Rest, and Food Stops: Gas, rest, and food stops will be pre-arranged to minimize confusion. Stops will be limited to a reasonable time to ensure that all riders have adequate rest before resuming the ride.
   5. Emergency and Unscheduled Stops:In case of an emergency or breakdown, the rear Road Captain will stop with the affected rider, while the lead Road Captain will stop the rest of the group as soon as safely possible.
2. Safety First
   1. Obey Traffic Laws: All traffic laws, including speed limits and tolls, must always be obeyed.
   2. No Stunts: There will be no wheelies, burnouts, or stunts that endanger the group or other road users.
3. Pack Responsibility
   1. Each rider is responsible not only for their own safety but for the safety of the entire group. This includes maintaining proper spacing, keeping their motorcycle in good working order, and ensuring they have a full gas tank before the ride begins.
4. Ride Leadership
   1. The Road Captain leads the pack, with the Sweep (Rear Road Captain) following behind to ensure no riders are left behind or in danger. The Road Captain is responsible for all decisions made during the ride, including route changes and unscheduled stops. The Road Captain will also maintain a speed that is safe for all riders. Riders within the group will in turn maintain the minimum distance behind rider in front of them, for the safety of others.
   2. Rider Briefing: Before every ride, the Road Captain briefs riders on the route, expected conditions, and rest stops. Hand signals are also reviewed.
   3. New members and inexperienced riders should position themselves near the rear of the pack , just in front of the sweep.

Road Names

While road names are permitted in Wheels of Faith Motorcycle Ministry, they are not the primary identifier of members. Our ministry values unity and encourages the use of your primary name in all official capacities. Road names are possible but should be displayed beneath your primary name, in smaller font, on the same side of the vest. It’s important that road names do not take precedence over your identity in Christ, which is reflected through the use of your primary name.

We respect individuality, and road names can be fun and reflective of your personality or journey, but our ministry’s unity comes first. We believe that by keeping the focus on who we are in Christ and our collective mission, we can best serve the Lord and one another.

Fellowship and Discipleship

Fellowship is at the heart of Wheels of Faith Motorcycle Ministry. Through fellowship, members bond, grow in their faith and support one another on and off the road. Fellowship is built upon a shared love for riding and a common commitment to following Christ.

1. Shared Experience: The unique fellowship among motorcycle riders offers opportunities for evangelism and discipleship. Whether riding in a group or having one-on-one conversations, each interaction is a chance to share Christ’s love.
2. Accountability and Growth: Members are accountable not only to God but also to one another. Fellowship provides an opportunity for mutual encouragement and spiritual growth. Discipleship means going beyond studying Christianity—it is about submitting to the teachings of Christ and allowing those teachings to guide daily life.
3. Evangelism: Every ride, meeting, and event is a chance to evangelize, whether to fellow riders, wait staff, or even 1%er motorcycle clubs. The ministry is intentional about spreading the gospel to everyone they encounter, living out the Great Commission.