These are some things for you, as Bikers for Christ (BFC) Motorcycle Ministry
(MM) members you should consider when dealing with motorcycle clubs. We have
also included some of the Do’s and Don’ts to follow when you are around
motorcycle clubs and their patchholders.
1. Motorcycle club Patchholders are people too. They have good days and bad days, they
have jobs, families, and normal everyday problems and concerns just like anyone else.
There are those who no matter what you say or do, it will not be right with them. Just like
with any group, you will find both good and bad.
2. Protocol and Respect are primary rules when dealing with a motorcycle club (MC)
patchholder. If you are formally introduced to a MC patchholder, make sure either the
person doing the introduction (or you) makes sure they know what you belong to (Bikers
for Christ), what position you hold (i.e., Chapter Elder, Chaplain, or a member). Under no
circumstances do you interrupt to correct a mistake while that person is introducing you or
while they are talking. Wait till the introduction is done and politely introduce yourself
correctly. Remember to use your name – not your nickname it may come latter as you get
know them better. Remember, it’s always polite to face the individual or group and make
eye contact with who you are talking to.
3. Greet them, as you would meet anyone else and wait until the offer is made to shake
hands or slap each other’s (Remember DO NOT EVER TOUCH a MC Members Patch unless
they have extended the offer by slapping yours first) patch. DO NOT interrupt, wait for
them to recognize you. DO NOT, be offended or make a big deal out of it if they do not
offer to shake your hand. Many times they want to get to know more about you and your
club or ministry a little before they will offer to shake your hand and most certainly before
they will touch your patch and allow you to touch their patch.
4. Never, Ever, Lie. Never lie to anyone. Either answer the question or refer the
questioner to someone who can. Be prepared to answer questions about what the BFC
ministry is all about. Such as…
5. Women, in leadership positions or being a patchholder in a motorcycle club, while not
totally unheard of, are rare. That’s just the way it is. Most MC’s would rather deal with a
man if there is business to conduct. Most motorcycle clubs (MC) realize what a motorcycle
ministry (MM) or riding club (RC) is about and will for the most part accept a woman as an
officer, and a RC “woman officer” will most likely be allowed to attend any meeting.
Whether or not they will deal directly with a woman or not depends on the individual
MC/Chapter. There is no set rule for this and they will let you know if it’s OK with them or
not. Many MC’s do not care to deal with National Officers. They would prefer to deal the
local or state representatives.
6. If anyone knows a motorcycle club patchholder, don’t throw the patchholder’s
name/nickname/club’s name around like you’re a great buddy of theirs (even if you are).
Many clubs consider that as a major disrespect to the whole club.
7. Watch where you are when speaking about motorcycle clubs, and never say anything
about them in public because you never know when that woman, man, or kid in regular
clothes standing near you might be one of them, or a “support member”. Patchholders do
not always wear their colors (patch). By the time the story gets back to the top club in
your area, it will have been changed many times over and could be blown up way out of
proportion.
8. Anything said about them between MC members is club business ONLY. If comments,
even those said in a joking manner were to get out, problems could start. Discussions
about or around any MC member or strangers outside the privacy of the BFC members can
start rumors that could cause a lot of problems for not only the local BFC chapter, but also
for other BFC chapters in and out of the state.
9. If for some reason you have to say something while in public about a motorcycle club
(MC), take the person you’re talking to aside, alone, and say ONLY what you need to say
to get your meaning across. Say as little as possible so anyone else standing near by can
not overhear it and misunderstand what you’re talking about.
10. Watch where you wear your patch (Motorcycle Ministries and Motorcycle Riding Clubs
don’t wear colors, colors are earned, not bought) and it’s just common sense to stay in
numbers when wearing your patch. (Some MC’s can be very territorial and some
motorcycle clubs don’t see any difference between a MOTORCYCLE MINISTRY, RIDING
CLUB, or MOTORCYCLE CLUB, good or bad.) If you are unsure of the areas or places
normally frequented by MC’s, find out from your Chapter Elder. If you are planning on
traveling and are concerned about MC’s in the areas you’ll be traveling through or staying
in, talk to your Chapter Elder and ask if they can find something out by contacting the MC
officers in the areas you will be in.
11. If you already know a patchholder, or get to know one in the future, don’t just walk
up to him/her and interrupt when they are with other MC members. Wait till he/she
acknowledges you first and NEVER touch them or put your arm around them like a buddy.
Don’t put your hand out to shake theirs; wait for them to extend their hand first. If for
some reason you’re not acknowledged at all, then just keep walking. If you need to talk to
an officer of a Motorcycle Club the proper way is to go through the clubs Sergeant at Arms
or one of their other patchholders.
12. You have to decide whether or not you want to show respect by going to any of their
functions or if you want to avoid all of them all together. If you choose to show respect
and go, you can do this in a way that may make you feel more as ease by going to one of
their “support clubs” functions instead of the top club’s function (if they have a support
patch then you’re still indirectly showing the top club respect). But if you do go, then you
also have to go their rival clubs’ function or you’ll be telling everyone that you’re not a
“NEUTRAL” ministry as you said you were. (Example: If you go to Club A’s function then
YOU HAVE TO GO to Club B’s function, etc…) You have to decide how you want to stay
neutral, by going or not going too, so they’re not in the dark and we can ALL stay on top
of things. ****NOTE**** A better way to support them and still give the appearance of
being a neutral ministry is to attend only “open to the public” events that a motorcycle club
may be sponsoring. If you feel that you do want or need to go to a “limited event”, then
you’ll have to go representing yourself as yourself, preferably without wearing any patches
identifying BFC. Remember, if you’re wearing your patch, you are considered by everyone
to be representing the whole BFC ministry. If anything were to turn sour, then your whole
ministry or club could wind up with problems down the road. Also, once the rivals of that
club you visited find out (and they will within a day or two), then those rivals will see you
as no longer being neutral and you could be considered a rival of theirs too.
13. No “Chapter Location Bars” (CLB’s), No “Territory Rockers”, or anything giving the
appearance of a rocker should be worn with the BFC patch. State flags, state logos may
be worn in some areas and not in others. It’s best to check with the local BFC Chapter
Elder to make sure what is OK in your area.
14. If someone from a MC requests that you remove your vest/patch, don’t argue. The
best reply is, “No Problem” and politely take it off and let your Chapter Elder know what MC
it was so they can deal with any potential problems. You normally will only get asked once.
15. If an establishment has a sign indicating “No Colors”, even though your patch is not
considered “colors”, your vest or jacket should be removed out of respect to the other
motorcycle clubs and the policy of the establishment. While you may just be part of a
Motorcycle Ministry or Riding Club, it’s only respectful to honor the house rules.
Motorcycle clubs that honored the “house rules” would likely be deeply offended that you
didn’t do the same. Also remember, many establishments choose to have this policy and it
applies to all clubs and ministries that use any kind of patch; they do not distinguish
between a MC, RC, or a Motorcycle Ministry. Be aware of the local MC hangouts and it’s
best not to wear your BFC patch into them without an invitation.
16. Do not wear your BFC Patch into a MC clubhouse unless you have asked if it’s OK to
do so or have been invited as a BFC Member, to attend a function there.
17. In regard to women who are with a MC club, but not in the club: Old Lady is not a
negative or derogatory term, it’s just a slang term commonly used. “Property Of” patches
are their way of showing support for their man and the club he’s in. AND please
remember, a man in the MC world is judged along side the manners of his woman. Keep
her in check. It not her ass she’s putting on the line it’s her man’s that will be in jeopardy.
18. A MC patchholder may not, and many times will not acknowledge your wife or
girlfriend, especially upon a first meeting and this should be understood ahead of time to
avoid any problems.
19. Don’t ever touch any part of another MC member’s colors, which includes the vest or
jacket it’s sewn on unless they initiate the gesture by touching your patch first. That is
considered serious disrespect, which could cause them to aggressively educate the
uninformed.
20. DO NOT touch or sit on a patchholder’s bike unless invited to do so. Do not expect
the invitation.
21. A prospect can usually be identified by the back patch they are wearing. There are
many different ways MC’s identify prospects. They can have the rockers without the main
patch. They can actually have a patch saying “PROSPECT”. Some do not wear any patch,
because all the Patchholders know who the prospects are. You want to treat a prospect or
even someone you suspect is a prospect the same way you would treat a patchholder –
with respect and courtesy.
22. Have absolutely no doubt that a motorcycle club (MC) is serious and many have been
known to physically educate a person who shows disrespect or displays a bad attitude
toward them.
23. Be aware of the behavior and attitude of the other BFC members who are with you
(Please “REFER to the BFC Policy on public consumption of alcohol”) at events. If
necessary, try to take action to avoid problems before they happen. For example if
someone is getting too angry or loud and possibly disrespectful, take them aside or
suggest going somewhere else until things settle down. If other BFC members are in the
area you should explain the situation to them and all of you should attempt to take the
person aside, and strongly suggest that they go somewhere else and settle down. If an
incident should occur in spite of your efforts, make sure to let your Chapter Elder know
about it as soon afterward as you can.
24. Be aware that problems created in one area or part of the country by a BFC member
or issues with the BFC ministry in one area have the potential to affect BFC members in
other areas and states.
25. The term “Brother” of “Bro” has special meaning to a MC Patchholder, do not call a MC
Patchholder Brother or Bro. Their Brothers are fellow MC Patchholders and those that
have earned that term. What is a “Brother” in the MC world? Once you’re gone through
the hangaround period, the members of the club have viewed your behavior, your attitude,
your dedication, trust and loyalty, to be there. If you’ve actually completed this period,
then you may be asked to become a prospect. During this time you are put under a much
more intense review. You and the other members of the club find out if you are suited to
be part of the club and if you can accept the other members as Brothers just as much as if
they can accept you and call you Brother. Can you dedicate yourself to the others as close
as you would to your own flesh and blood? Many times it is an even closer commitment
than family. The person you call Brother becomes family as a part of his as well as being a
part of theirs. A common phrase used in MC circles is “I am my brother’s keeper”. This
means you will support him and help him in any way you can, sometimes to the point of
selling your bike to help him, quitting your job to go help him and, in some cases, Brothers
have even done things that they already know could get them put in jail because they were
willing to take that step to help a Brother out. Please take note if you haven’t had any
experience being around some of the more serious motorcycle clubs (1%ers, support
clubs, etc…), they take the word “Brother, or Bro” very seriously, and they’ll only use the
word as a show of respect towards their own club, their members, and any club who they
they’ve bestowed that word upon. And if a MC club overhears someone throwing around
the word “Brother, or Bro” lightly within their midst, it could cause them to aggressively
educate those whom they feel disrespected them by abusing the word. Next time you feel
the need to call someone “Brother, or Bro”, just what is behind it? Commitment or just
trying to sound cool?
26. MC’s tend to police their own, and don’t take kindly to interference from the so-called
establishment enforcers. Yes they live by a law; it is the law of FW 1 UFWA. Simply put You
Fu#@ with one, You Fu#@ with all. But as long you live and ride the streets as they do
you have little to fear from MC’s unless you let your mouth overload your ass. “SHOW
THEM RESPECT.” That’s A#1 with them!
Thanks for your interest and may God bless you as you live and ride for Him!
(MM) members you should consider when dealing with motorcycle clubs. We have
also included some of the Do’s and Don’ts to follow when you are around
motorcycle clubs and their patchholders.
1. Motorcycle club Patchholders are people too. They have good days and bad days, they
have jobs, families, and normal everyday problems and concerns just like anyone else.
There are those who no matter what you say or do, it will not be right with them. Just like
with any group, you will find both good and bad.
2. Protocol and Respect are primary rules when dealing with a motorcycle club (MC)
patchholder. If you are formally introduced to a MC patchholder, make sure either the
person doing the introduction (or you) makes sure they know what you belong to (Bikers
for Christ), what position you hold (i.e., Chapter Elder, Chaplain, or a member). Under no
circumstances do you interrupt to correct a mistake while that person is introducing you or
while they are talking. Wait till the introduction is done and politely introduce yourself
correctly. Remember to use your name – not your nickname it may come latter as you get
know them better. Remember, it’s always polite to face the individual or group and make
eye contact with who you are talking to.
3. Greet them, as you would meet anyone else and wait until the offer is made to shake
hands or slap each other’s (Remember DO NOT EVER TOUCH a MC Members Patch unless
they have extended the offer by slapping yours first) patch. DO NOT interrupt, wait for
them to recognize you. DO NOT, be offended or make a big deal out of it if they do not
offer to shake your hand. Many times they want to get to know more about you and your
club or ministry a little before they will offer to shake your hand and most certainly before
they will touch your patch and allow you to touch their patch.
4. Never, Ever, Lie. Never lie to anyone. Either answer the question or refer the
questioner to someone who can. Be prepared to answer questions about what the BFC
ministry is all about. Such as…
- Bikers For Christ (BFC) is a motorcycle ministry where members ride their bikes and
participate in events, which put them in places where God can use them to minister &
evangelize. By supporting motorcycle clubs, riding with them, helping them out
during their events, and praying with them.
- Bikers For Christ is not in “competition” with any MC club or other ministry and we
have no intention of ever trying to become a motorcycle club.
- BFC has no presidents, no vice presidents, and no titles. Each chapter has an elder
who takes care of things in his/her geographic area. A National Administrator
oversees the business end of things and is available to help out the elders with any
needs they have.
- BFC is a “free” ministry and there are no dues.
- We do not “claim” territories or wear territorial rockers. If asked why does the BFC
patch use so many different colors (7)? - To avoid antagonizing “motorcycle clubs”
which may claim a particular color scheme as “theirs”.
- Never refer to your patch as “Colors” and learn what the different parts and colors of
the BFC patch represent so that you can explain what they represent if asked.
- We are a “NEUTRAL” ministry and do not wear any MC support patches. No BFC
member should wear or display any “support items” such as t-shirts, bike or helmet
stickers with the logo or name of any 1% motorcycle clubs. We must remain
“TOTALLY NEUTRAL” with regards to these organizations for many reasons.
- We also do not recommend wearing other club’s support items either, as many non-
1% clubs still think that drinking, (possibly drugs), adultery, fornication, etc. are all
ok to engage in. So we really have to consider that it looks like we are condoning the
above practices by wearing their support gear.
- All makes and models of motorcycles are welcomed in BFC.
- Women riders are welcomed.
- Do not volunteer personal information unless you know that the person being asked
about wants it given out: that’s only common sense. If they ask a question about
the ministry answer it if you can, or refer the questioner to someone who can.
- DO NOT brag about how large the local BFC Chapter is or the national membership is.
5. Women, in leadership positions or being a patchholder in a motorcycle club, while not
totally unheard of, are rare. That’s just the way it is. Most MC’s would rather deal with a
man if there is business to conduct. Most motorcycle clubs (MC) realize what a motorcycle
ministry (MM) or riding club (RC) is about and will for the most part accept a woman as an
officer, and a RC “woman officer” will most likely be allowed to attend any meeting.
Whether or not they will deal directly with a woman or not depends on the individual
MC/Chapter. There is no set rule for this and they will let you know if it’s OK with them or
not. Many MC’s do not care to deal with National Officers. They would prefer to deal the
local or state representatives.
6. If anyone knows a motorcycle club patchholder, don’t throw the patchholder’s
name/nickname/club’s name around like you’re a great buddy of theirs (even if you are).
Many clubs consider that as a major disrespect to the whole club.
7. Watch where you are when speaking about motorcycle clubs, and never say anything
about them in public because you never know when that woman, man, or kid in regular
clothes standing near you might be one of them, or a “support member”. Patchholders do
not always wear their colors (patch). By the time the story gets back to the top club in
your area, it will have been changed many times over and could be blown up way out of
proportion.
8. Anything said about them between MC members is club business ONLY. If comments,
even those said in a joking manner were to get out, problems could start. Discussions
about or around any MC member or strangers outside the privacy of the BFC members can
start rumors that could cause a lot of problems for not only the local BFC chapter, but also
for other BFC chapters in and out of the state.
9. If for some reason you have to say something while in public about a motorcycle club
(MC), take the person you’re talking to aside, alone, and say ONLY what you need to say
to get your meaning across. Say as little as possible so anyone else standing near by can
not overhear it and misunderstand what you’re talking about.
10. Watch where you wear your patch (Motorcycle Ministries and Motorcycle Riding Clubs
don’t wear colors, colors are earned, not bought) and it’s just common sense to stay in
numbers when wearing your patch. (Some MC’s can be very territorial and some
motorcycle clubs don’t see any difference between a MOTORCYCLE MINISTRY, RIDING
CLUB, or MOTORCYCLE CLUB, good or bad.) If you are unsure of the areas or places
normally frequented by MC’s, find out from your Chapter Elder. If you are planning on
traveling and are concerned about MC’s in the areas you’ll be traveling through or staying
in, talk to your Chapter Elder and ask if they can find something out by contacting the MC
officers in the areas you will be in.
11. If you already know a patchholder, or get to know one in the future, don’t just walk
up to him/her and interrupt when they are with other MC members. Wait till he/she
acknowledges you first and NEVER touch them or put your arm around them like a buddy.
Don’t put your hand out to shake theirs; wait for them to extend their hand first. If for
some reason you’re not acknowledged at all, then just keep walking. If you need to talk to
an officer of a Motorcycle Club the proper way is to go through the clubs Sergeant at Arms
or one of their other patchholders.
12. You have to decide whether or not you want to show respect by going to any of their
functions or if you want to avoid all of them all together. If you choose to show respect
and go, you can do this in a way that may make you feel more as ease by going to one of
their “support clubs” functions instead of the top club’s function (if they have a support
patch then you’re still indirectly showing the top club respect). But if you do go, then you
also have to go their rival clubs’ function or you’ll be telling everyone that you’re not a
“NEUTRAL” ministry as you said you were. (Example: If you go to Club A’s function then
YOU HAVE TO GO to Club B’s function, etc…) You have to decide how you want to stay
neutral, by going or not going too, so they’re not in the dark and we can ALL stay on top
of things. ****NOTE**** A better way to support them and still give the appearance of
being a neutral ministry is to attend only “open to the public” events that a motorcycle club
may be sponsoring. If you feel that you do want or need to go to a “limited event”, then
you’ll have to go representing yourself as yourself, preferably without wearing any patches
identifying BFC. Remember, if you’re wearing your patch, you are considered by everyone
to be representing the whole BFC ministry. If anything were to turn sour, then your whole
ministry or club could wind up with problems down the road. Also, once the rivals of that
club you visited find out (and they will within a day or two), then those rivals will see you
as no longer being neutral and you could be considered a rival of theirs too.
13. No “Chapter Location Bars” (CLB’s), No “Territory Rockers”, or anything giving the
appearance of a rocker should be worn with the BFC patch. State flags, state logos may
be worn in some areas and not in others. It’s best to check with the local BFC Chapter
Elder to make sure what is OK in your area.
14. If someone from a MC requests that you remove your vest/patch, don’t argue. The
best reply is, “No Problem” and politely take it off and let your Chapter Elder know what MC
it was so they can deal with any potential problems. You normally will only get asked once.
15. If an establishment has a sign indicating “No Colors”, even though your patch is not
considered “colors”, your vest or jacket should be removed out of respect to the other
motorcycle clubs and the policy of the establishment. While you may just be part of a
Motorcycle Ministry or Riding Club, it’s only respectful to honor the house rules.
Motorcycle clubs that honored the “house rules” would likely be deeply offended that you
didn’t do the same. Also remember, many establishments choose to have this policy and it
applies to all clubs and ministries that use any kind of patch; they do not distinguish
between a MC, RC, or a Motorcycle Ministry. Be aware of the local MC hangouts and it’s
best not to wear your BFC patch into them without an invitation.
16. Do not wear your BFC Patch into a MC clubhouse unless you have asked if it’s OK to
do so or have been invited as a BFC Member, to attend a function there.
17. In regard to women who are with a MC club, but not in the club: Old Lady is not a
negative or derogatory term, it’s just a slang term commonly used. “Property Of” patches
are their way of showing support for their man and the club he’s in. AND please
remember, a man in the MC world is judged along side the manners of his woman. Keep
her in check. It not her ass she’s putting on the line it’s her man’s that will be in jeopardy.
18. A MC patchholder may not, and many times will not acknowledge your wife or
girlfriend, especially upon a first meeting and this should be understood ahead of time to
avoid any problems.
19. Don’t ever touch any part of another MC member’s colors, which includes the vest or
jacket it’s sewn on unless they initiate the gesture by touching your patch first. That is
considered serious disrespect, which could cause them to aggressively educate the
uninformed.
20. DO NOT touch or sit on a patchholder’s bike unless invited to do so. Do not expect
the invitation.
21. A prospect can usually be identified by the back patch they are wearing. There are
many different ways MC’s identify prospects. They can have the rockers without the main
patch. They can actually have a patch saying “PROSPECT”. Some do not wear any patch,
because all the Patchholders know who the prospects are. You want to treat a prospect or
even someone you suspect is a prospect the same way you would treat a patchholder –
with respect and courtesy.
22. Have absolutely no doubt that a motorcycle club (MC) is serious and many have been
known to physically educate a person who shows disrespect or displays a bad attitude
toward them.
23. Be aware of the behavior and attitude of the other BFC members who are with you
(Please “REFER to the BFC Policy on public consumption of alcohol”) at events. If
necessary, try to take action to avoid problems before they happen. For example if
someone is getting too angry or loud and possibly disrespectful, take them aside or
suggest going somewhere else until things settle down. If other BFC members are in the
area you should explain the situation to them and all of you should attempt to take the
person aside, and strongly suggest that they go somewhere else and settle down. If an
incident should occur in spite of your efforts, make sure to let your Chapter Elder know
about it as soon afterward as you can.
24. Be aware that problems created in one area or part of the country by a BFC member
or issues with the BFC ministry in one area have the potential to affect BFC members in
other areas and states.
25. The term “Brother” of “Bro” has special meaning to a MC Patchholder, do not call a MC
Patchholder Brother or Bro. Their Brothers are fellow MC Patchholders and those that
have earned that term. What is a “Brother” in the MC world? Once you’re gone through
the hangaround period, the members of the club have viewed your behavior, your attitude,
your dedication, trust and loyalty, to be there. If you’ve actually completed this period,
then you may be asked to become a prospect. During this time you are put under a much
more intense review. You and the other members of the club find out if you are suited to
be part of the club and if you can accept the other members as Brothers just as much as if
they can accept you and call you Brother. Can you dedicate yourself to the others as close
as you would to your own flesh and blood? Many times it is an even closer commitment
than family. The person you call Brother becomes family as a part of his as well as being a
part of theirs. A common phrase used in MC circles is “I am my brother’s keeper”. This
means you will support him and help him in any way you can, sometimes to the point of
selling your bike to help him, quitting your job to go help him and, in some cases, Brothers
have even done things that they already know could get them put in jail because they were
willing to take that step to help a Brother out. Please take note if you haven’t had any
experience being around some of the more serious motorcycle clubs (1%ers, support
clubs, etc…), they take the word “Brother, or Bro” very seriously, and they’ll only use the
word as a show of respect towards their own club, their members, and any club who they
they’ve bestowed that word upon. And if a MC club overhears someone throwing around
the word “Brother, or Bro” lightly within their midst, it could cause them to aggressively
educate those whom they feel disrespected them by abusing the word. Next time you feel
the need to call someone “Brother, or Bro”, just what is behind it? Commitment or just
trying to sound cool?
26. MC’s tend to police their own, and don’t take kindly to interference from the so-called
establishment enforcers. Yes they live by a law; it is the law of FW 1 UFWA. Simply put You
Fu#@ with one, You Fu#@ with all. But as long you live and ride the streets as they do
you have little to fear from MC’s unless you let your mouth overload your ass. “SHOW
THEM RESPECT.” That’s A#1 with them!
- If you have any other questions or would like additional information
regarding BFC please email them to us by clicking on the Contact Us Icon at
the bottom of this page.
Thanks for your interest and may God bless you as you live and ride for Him!
| Bikers for Christ Motorcycle Ministry "Basics 101" |
