Christian Motorcyclists Association

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The Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) is an international biker ministry, evangelistic in nature, that shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ with bikers and the biking community.

[edit] About CMA

CMA is a non-profit, Christian interdenominational organization, dedicated to evangelizing motorcyclists.

CMA began in the 1974 by Herb Shreve, an Arkansas pastor that purchased a motorcycle to close the generation gap with his rebellious son. As they rode together to biker events and rallies, it was apparent that the church had no outreach toward motorcyclists. At first, he prayed that others would take this mantle of ministry, but he accepted the task and began evangelizing (alone) at bike rallies. In 1975, he resigned from his church to start CMA.

The organization has over 125,000 members and over 800 chapters (all 50 states) chartered in the United States, and now has chapters in 22 foreign countries, through the CMA International Ministry. CMA is headquartered in Hatfield, Arkansas, and is led by a board of directors, the Chairman presently is John Ogden, Sr.

CMA is not a club but a ministry. This distinguishes CMA from other biker organizations that associate due to manufacturer brand loyalty or riding style. CMA's ministry team program is designed to "make ministers of their members." This implies a breakdown of the traditional distinction between clergy and laity that exist in most Christian ministries. Members are associated with the national organization and then independently may become members of local chapters.

For most of its history, CMA has attracted, and been attractive to, motorcyclists in the 'cruiser' motorcycle category. Currently, the membership seems evenly split between 'cruisers' and 'tourers' with a new emphasis being put on 'sport' bikers, and quad sports.

CMA, as an organization and through the initiative of individual members, is involved in motorcycling events across the U.S. and in evangelistic efforts to U.S. prisons. The "Seasons of Refreshing" conferences, conducted by CMA staff 'evangelists,' prepare members for ministry in the coming rally season. CMA 'evangelists' are full-time ministry staff who also have significant administrative responsibilities.

CMA sponsors a once-a-year fundraiser and ride (1st Sat. in May), called "Run For The Son," which raises money for home missions in the U.S. (CMA outreach), and supports three other international evangelism ministries (see link below).

CMA has state, regional, and national (usually divided between east and west) rallies. These rallies are times of "fellowship, praise and worship," bike games, and support.

CMA operates under a Board of Directors working in conjunction with six regional 'evangelists,' a 'Lead evangelist', and 'Special Events Evangelist', in order to support the goals and objectives of the organization. This leadership team oversees CMA from a national level appointing other state, area, and local leaders across the country.

CMA publishes a monthly magazine, "Heartbeat" and sells merchandise through its "Goodie" store, only to CMA members. The merchandise includes tracts, accessories, and merchandise sporting the CMA logo. Merchandise sporting the CMA logo over a certain size can only be used by members who have completed the organizations ministry team training series.

The CMA is a member of ECFA and EPA (Evangelical Press Association).

[edit] External links