While motorcycle gangs, although not all, tend to be rough looking riders dressed in black and leather, one local group is riding their motorcycles as a ministry of faith.
East Brewton First Assembly of God pastor Jeff Scurlock is a member of the local motorcycle group called Wheels of Faith Motorcycle Ministry.
While he is the pastor of First Assembly of God in East Brewton, and some of the riders of the group are from his church, Scurlock said the group is open to anyone.
“For us it just a way to have fellowship with our bikes,” Scurlock said. “It’s open to the public. We use it not only as a tool of fellowship but a way to get connected to other riders in the community. Our chapter is new and we’re just getting it off the ground but we will also be using it as a tool to reach into the community with special projects. We will be doing rides several times a year and anyone with a bike is invited to participate.”
Locally, Lawton Shipp serves as president of the club.
“Wheels of Faith is a ministry through the Men’s Ministries of the Assembly of God church,” Shipp said. “There are several chapters throughout the state of Alabama. Most of the chapters participate in numerous charity rides around the state from time to time.
“We are excited to have another ministry from our church to join other riders in our community, which may not have a group to ride and have good Christian fun at the same time. Normally, when we ride we may ride anywhere from a 75-mile round trip to a 200-mile trip, depending on the weather and the time of the year. If anyone is interested they may call the church and ask to be called the next time we have a upcoming ride. We would love to have them.”
Wheels of Faith Motorcycle Ministry (MM) approaches motorcycle ministry in a unique way with two equal but distinct fellowships, members said.
The Riding Fellowship is for Christians who just love riding and fellowship. The Motorcycle Ministry is for those with a desire to share the love of God with everyone from the club enthusiast to the 1 percent.
Whether it’s the Riding Fellowship or the Motorcycle Ministry, Wheels of Faith approaches life through fellowship, discipleship, and evangelism, according to members.
Wheels of Faith MM is part of a Motor Ministry under U.S. Missions Chaplaincy focusing on Motorcycle Ministries.
The group works to assist churches and other ministries in developing ministries to motorcyclists and riding clubs that accept our tenets’ of faith.
The Assemblies of God Alabama District has partnered with Wheels of Faith MM as a Men’s Ministries home missions ministry.
To learn more about the Wheels of Faith Ministry, Men’s Ministries of the Assembly of God or any services offered at the First Assembly of God Church in East Brewton, contact Scurlock or Shipp by calling the church at 867-7307 or visit the church on Florida Street in East Brewton just south of the U.S. 29 intersection.