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Our "services" are casual and biker-orientated. We do not hold to ceremony. We are not religion-centered ... we are faith centered. Together, we explore questions surrounding "what we believe and why." We also discuss the relevancy of the Christian faith to our daily lives. Our membership is predominately made up of "rascals and rascalettes", former rogues (and roguettes) and those who appreciate such company. We are determined to build brotherhood (and even sisterhood!) in the tradition of our biker culture and in accordance with the words of Jesus when he prayed that we would all "be one". |
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OUR FAITH
We believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day, he arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic (universal) church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.
OUR STRUCTURE
WCBC is a bona fide non-denominational church. We operate under the direct leadership of our Senior Pastor, who is accountable to the Board of Elders of the current sponsoring church, Christian Life Assembly. Our Senior Pastor is also accountable to Ministers Fellowship International and to the leadership of Bikers Church Canada. West Coast Bikers Church has a local “Leader Team” chosen and appointed by the Senior Pastor who assist and advise him on all matters pertaining to the operation of WCBC. WCBC, as an arm of Christian Life Assembly, is a charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible. All financial matters are overseen by Christian Life Assembly and its’ auditors. However, with respect to “membership”, WCBC is independent of Christian Life Assembly. Membership in one does not equal or imply membership of the other.
Our purpose
We strive to be sincere and effective witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Biker community-at-large.
Our approach
To witness by our actions, not our words. To follow the counsel of St. Francis to his “order”…”preach Christ always, using words only when necessary”. We restrain ourselves, as a matter of faith and policy, from “preaching” and concentrate on building honest and open relationships with other members of the Biker community. We speak into people s lives only when invited to do so, and only to the level at which we are competent. Beyond that, we recommend trusted and proven resources such as pastors, teachers, counselors, written materials and the like.
Our philosophy
We believe Christ-followers are called to be God’s witness, NOT his judge therefore; we do not offer, participate in, or tolerate, any judgment against the “person” of others, no matter their religious persuasion or overt actions.
While we, in conjunction with the scriptures, should discern inappropriate attitudes and behaviours, we recognize and admit we cannot discern the orientation of the heart. Therefore, since, according to scripture, “only God sees the heart”, we believe we are called to model and offer the love, compassion and “good news” of Jesus to everyone, at all times and in all circumstances.
We believe the whole of Jesus’ message is contained in His instruction that we “love God, and our neighbour, as ourselves.
We believe some of the virtues and cultural imperatives of the true Biker world reflect values such as respect, honour, dignity, honesty, fidelity and brotherhood.
Because we believe these virtues mirror scriptural values, we humbly strive to foster these virtues in ourselves, and in our church membership, in concert with the virtues of a Christ-like life as revealed in the scriptural record of the life of Jesus.
We submit to the admonition of Jesus that “no servant is above his master” so we hold that, through Jesus, all Christ-followers are called to be servants of God to His church and all creation.
We covenant to “be our brothers keeper”, and to support, in every way possible, our brothers in West Coast Bikers Church “so that, in accord with scripture, “the world will know we are His, by our unity and our love”.
We profess “unity within our diversity”. We celebrate and affirm the unique God-given gifts, talents and abilities all peoples. We recognize those personal attributes reflect the mind of God and are given for the purpose of the unfolding of His plan for mankind and all creation.
We recognize that all mankind is created free, and equal, in the sight of God. We hold that all souls, regardless of current disposition, possess the inherent dignity of the Divine and are, therefore, of inestimable and absolute value. We profoundly respect then, the God ordained rights of all to choose their own path in life and pursue their own personal beliefs, hopes and dreams, in their own way.
We offer our profound respect to all.
Our Rule.
We have a saying that “At West Coast Bikers Church, you belong just by showing up”. This is true. We welcome all who come to us with open, honest and charitable hearts as equals in the Lord.
We also say “together we will work out what we believe”…this is also true however, WCBC professes belief, first and foremost, that the “The Apostles Creed”, as provided at the opening of this document, is the non-negotiable foundation of our faith.
While we may discuss the finer points of doctrines, dogmas and disciplines, (such as form of baptism), we will not divide over it nor will we alienate other believers on such matters. We echo the heart of Jesus in His prayer as recorded in John 17:20 that we would “all be one”.
We are a ministry to the Biker Community therefore, it is of extreme importance that those who are publicly recognized as members of WCBC, and those who are authorized to speak “on behalf” of WCBC, thoroughly understand and endorse, without reservation, the Creed, our purpose, our methods, our spirit and our structure.
For that reason, while we are, most emphatically, not a “club”…. only those who satisfy leadership, and their WCBC brothers, that they do, indeed, understand and submit to our Manifesto will be invited to wear the Cross and wings, (Patch), of WCBC”.
We do not wear “colours”, in any sense of the word. We do not aspire to claim territory beyond the hearts of men. (Jesus said His Kingdom is not of this world).
We do not compete, in any way, with any club, secular or otherwise. Nor do we compete with any Christian ministry.
Our “patch”, the “cross and wings”, is a proclamation that we are followers of Jesus Christ therefore, it is expected that all who wear it, do so humbly, honourably and to the glory of God alone
The patch also identifies us as members of WCBC and members of Bikers Church Canada and signifies that we are in agreement with all the precepts contained in this manifesto. . Therefore, in this light, those who wear the “Patch” carry added responsibility, and accountability to WCBC as members of the “evangelistic order” within WCBC, in accord with the tradition of the church thru the ages, and so, in covenant, we agree to; unreservedly abide by the precepts of this ministry as adopted and amended from time to time by the leadership and; support the ministry financially, materially, prayerfully and personally and; attend services rides and events reasonably designated as “mandatory” by the leadership unless (exempting emergencies) prior requests for absence are submitted and approved and; build honest, open, non-judgmental relationships with other members of the biker community with no motive or agenda beyond that which allows us to serve others in accordance with the example of Christ where, when and however He leads.
Terry Mahoney Pastor, WCBC. April, 2008 |
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West Coast Bikers' Church meets at CLA (Christian Life Assembly) (21277 - 56th Avenue Langley, B.C.) every Thursday evening at 7:30pm (we ride Sundays). |
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By Bikers for Bikers |