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February HeartBeat

By JOHN Ogden Jr

2002 , Holly and I felt like misfits within the CMA culture . Our chosen areas of ministry were not recognized as legitimate by the prevailing standards . Our local chapter and leadership team had a different vision of ministry and urged us to participate in what they considered true ministry to motorcyclists , which conflicted with the direction we felt God was calling us .

I believe this disconnect is a significant factor driving many newcomers away from chapters , and ultimately , from CMA . They have a ministry that God has called them to within the motorcycling world and a passion to fulfill that calling through CMA . Where do they go when their ministry focus aligns differently from that of the local chapter ?

Some would argue that we weren ’ t truly called to CMA because we didn ’ t conform to the accepted definition of ministry to motorcyclists . For us , we knew without a doubt that God wanted us in CMA and that He wanted us to follow Him into this unreached area of motorcycling : reaching out to the sport biking culture . By 2002 , despite feeling rejected by CMA culture , we were invited to a meeting with the Board of Directors . They were intrigued by our work and recognized it as a missing piece in the CMA puzzle . They inquired about the presence of other CMA members at these events and our approach to ministry there . Ultimately , they offered to support us with some consumables for the bikes , and Fast Lane was officially born .

By 2007 , we were officially asked to oversee Fast Lane as National Evangelists and served in this position for the next five years . Since then , Fast Lane has evolved and diversified , leading to what we now call Expanding Outreach . Today , Holly and I are part of the status quo or mainstream evangelistic outreach of CMA . Even so , we acknowledge that others will come with a heart for ministry in different areas of motorcycling , just like we did . Our goal is to ensure they realize there is a place for them in CMA and the work God has called them to do is valuable . We want people set free to minister to motorcyclists in the areas that capture their hearts .

It is hard to believe that in 2025 , there are still motorcycling events without any ministry outreach from any organization , but there are . And there is a great need for people with a passion for the Gospel and who are willing to go and be voices in the wilderness , calling people to repentance and reconciliation with their Maker , being an influence for the Kingdom of Heaven . Each event requires a unique approach to ministry , but the core message remains the same : Jesus loves you and offers a better way to live .

Attending my first chopper event in 2024 was eye-opening . I expected to see a ministry booth , but there was none — not even from other motorcycle ministries . It was mind-boggling to realize there was no organized effort to evangelize this group of bikers . Despite the culture being like the stereotypical

biker scene , no one was there to present the Gospel . For a ministry focused on evangelizing the motorcycling world , it is odd for such an event to lack a Christian witness . There was no place for people to turn to when they needed help , felt unsafe , or were struggling due to substances . It was as if Jesus was there , looking around with compassion for people wandering without a shepherd .

We are called to be the shepherds of the motorcycling world . The task ahead is great . I realize that pushing everyone into these new events would be no different from how we were originally treated . Instead , I encourage you to invest in where God has planted you and ask God where He may be leading you . Is it possible that the standard events we have been attending already have witnesses , and could God be calling one of us to go where there is no witness ?

Looking ahead , our vision for the future is one of expansion . We see a network of passionate individuals reaching out to every corner of the motorcycling world , ensuring that no event is left without a Christian witness . By embracing new and historical approaches to ministry and supporting each other ’ s unique callings , we can create a powerful force for the Kingdom of Heaven . Together , we can bring the message of Jesus to every rider , offering hope , love , and a better way to live . CMA

John Ogden Jr serves as Senior Vice President of CMA .