CMA TOPIC
LOCAL chapters visiting churches in their local communities are some of the most common activities within chapter life in CMA . Yet , over the course of CMA ’ s history , there hasn ’ t been very much discussion or training designed to provide some instructions for how a local chapter should plan and conduct a church visit . Originally presented at CMA ’ s 2021 National Leadership Conference , here are a few important ideas to help your chapter have great church visits .
Why should a local CMA chapter visit a church ?
CMA exists to fulfill a very specific calling : to evangelize motorcyclists . We are not a church or a denomination , but exist alongside the local church dedicated and focused on our specific calling . We believe both the local church and the ministry of CMA are part of Christ ’ s body , His worldwide church . Our members attend and serve in local churches , receiving invaluable discipleship and pastoral care . Likewise , local CMA chapters provide followers of Jesus an opportunity to get involved in evangelism in very real and tangible ways .
A CMA chapter visiting a church in their local community accomplishes two major functions :
1 . It helps local churches discover and understand the ministry of CMA .
2 . It offers an invitation to the churches and their members to partner with us through prayer , support , or membership in CMA .
Things to remember It ’ s important to remember to always set up church visits with the local church pastor or leaders ahead of time . Using the right language is key . CMA chapters conduct church visits , not church crashes or invasions . Remember , we are developing relationships with local churches , and at the same time , we are inviting other Christians to become part of the ministry of CMA .
Steer away from saying , “ we do something you can ’ t do .” Also , be careful not to share anything negative about churches and denominations .
All of our content should be honoring and assigning value to the local church . In addition , be aware of the temptation to spend all of your allotted time on presenting CMA ’ s Run for the Son . While giving the invitation to church members to get involved in Run for the Son is an important part of church visits , it ’ s great to provide a complete overview of what the ministry of CMA is all about .
Focus on who we are and a ministry overview of CMA
Here are a few things to remember to include in your presentations :
• CMA ’ s history from 1975 to now (#’ s of chapters , members , ministry numbers )
• What we do , how we minister
• Ministry booths ( free water , coffee , etc .)
• Working and helping event promoters
• Sunday morning services , Bike Blessings , etc .
• How we can be identified-CMA back patch logo
• Testimonies about ministry that has taken place ; include testimonies from those saved or changed through CMA
• CMA is interdenominational ; we do not take the place of the local church
• We enjoy riding motorcycles , and this is a tool that God has given us to minister with and enjoy
Give information on how to get involved
Finally , a great church visit always gives information on how a person can get involved in CMA . For example , you might briefly explain CMA ’ s Member Training and how to become a member .
Certainly , share when and where your local chapter meets . Make sure to say that CMA chapter meetings and state events are open to anyone to come and check us out . There are no entry fees or dues for guests . And if you have had the opportunity to share about Run for the Son , make sure you give clear instructions on how they can invest in the Kingdom of God through RFS .
Through planning and discussing these items ahead of your visit , your chapter can have great chapter visits with the churches in your local area . These visits will continue to fulfill CMA ’ s vision , changing the world , one heart at a time . CMA
Randal oversees the Southeast Region as
National Evangelist . Jerod McPherson serves as Vice President Evangelistic Outreach .
Scan the QR Code to view this session from the 2021 Leadership Conference .
05⎪JANUARY 2022⎪www . cmausa . org