The Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) is an international Christian

non-profit organization A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

established in 1975. Its purpose is

evangelizing In Christianity, evangelism (or witnessing) is the act of preaching the gospel with the intention of sharing the message and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians who specialize in evangelism are often known as evangelists, whether they are in ...

to the motorcycling community.

History

CMA was started by Herb Shreve, an Arkansas pastor who purchased a motorcycle to close the generation gap with his rebellious son. He began evangelizing

motorcycle rallies A motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or trike (if three-wheeled)) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting, cruisin ...

, and in 1975, he resigned from his church to start CMA. The organization grew to over 125,000 members and over 1200 chapters in all 50 states, and then gained chapters in 31 foreign countries, through the CMA International Ministry. René Changuion started CMA South Africa in 1980 and was the first country to be in the CMA International Coalition, now called CMA International. The UK organization was formed in 1983 when members of the Christian Bikers Association, established in the UK in 1979, approached the CMA in the USA and South Africa.

Organization

CMA is not a club but a ministry. This distinguishes CMA from other biker

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that associate due to manufacturer

brand A brand is a name, term, design, symbol or any other feature that distinguishes one seller's good or service from those of other sellers. Brands are used in business, marketing, and advertising for recognition and, importantly, to create an ...

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. CMA operates under a Board of Directors working in conjunction with six regional evangelists, a Lead evangelist, and Special Projects Evangelist, in order to support the goals and objectives of the organization. The current Chairman is John Ogden, Sr. This leadership team oversees CMA from a national level by appointing other state, area, and local leaders across the country. The headquarters is in Hatfield, Arkansas. CMA publishes a monthly magazine, ''Heartbeat''. The CMA is a member of

Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) is an American financial standards association representing Evangelical Christian organizations and churches, which qualify for tax-exempt, nonprofit status and receive tax-deductible c ...

(ECFA) and

Evangelical Press Association The Evangelical Press Association is a professional association serving the Christian periodical publishing industry, including magazines, newspapers, newsletters, and content-rich websites. Its members produce some 200 periodical titles with a co ...

(EPA). CMA (UK), which has an estimated 1,000 members, has an outreach arm called Holy Joe's whose members provide a cafe and helmet park at motorcycling shows and events. Proceeds from these and HJ's annual bike show are donated to charities such as emergency medical motorcycle couriers

Freewheelers EVS Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service (EVS) is a blood bike charity based in South West England. Founded in Weston-super-Mare in 1990, it is funded by public donations and staffed by unpaid volunteers. Association with other blood bike ch ...

References

External links

* * Evangelical parachurch organizations International transport organizations Motorcycle clubs in the United States Christian organizations established in 1975