Who says bikers are intimidating?

That’s certainly not the impression you get from “Biker Church,” a video posted by The Atlantic profiling a Texas worshiping community that’s largely comprised of motorcycle enthusiasts - leather jackets and all. (You can watch the video below.)

In the video, the pastor of the Northeast Texas Biker’s Church emphasizes the group’s inclusiveness, saying they’re welcoming of those riding not only Harleys, but also Hondas, Suzukis, Yamahas and in general “people with need that other places would rather not bother with...”

Even so, another biker makes his personal preference clear: “I believe Jesus rides a Harley, there’s no doubt about it. I believe there will be Harleys in heaven.”

The church’s mission was echoed by the filmmakers, who told The Atlantic: “Motorcycles might be the first entry point for some people, but it seems the larger bond is to community. Quite a few people we met had somewhat troubled pasts. Our sense is that finding such a welcoming, non-judgmental group must be very appealing. And being part of the church seemed to give them a greater purpose when out on the open road.”

What do you make of such specialty ministries? How might they be able to succeed where more conventional churches can’t? What challenges to ministry might such outreach initiatives encounter or present?

Topics: Culture At Large, Theology & The Church, Evangelism, The Church