Church kick-starts biker ministry

A 2007 Harley Davidson Road King rumbles to a stop in front of Mountain View Community Church. As the rider, clad in a black leather jacket, steps off the motorcycle, one might think a harrowing scene from the classic film “Easy Rider” is about to go down.

But long-time Maricopa resident Curt Chamberlain has no intention of harming anyone or anything. He happens to be the founder of a new biker ministry at the church.

“So often, bikers don’t feel welcome in a traditional church setting,” Chamberlain said. “We want to help bring God to them.”

Chamberlain, road name “Preacher,” held his first Bible study Dec. 4 and has since seen the number of members slowly grow. “It is just a matter of getting the word out,” he said.

The Bible studies take place Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. inside the Mountain View Community Church, 50881 West Papago Road.

Chamberlain said he is hopeful other bikers in Maricopa and across the Valley will join him. “This Bible study is a great reason to get on your hog and go for a Saturday ride.”

Chamberlain, who is finishing his bachelor’s degree in theology, developed the idea to host a biker Bible study in November.

“I have a calling to spread the word of God and this seemed like an excellent opportunity.”

Mountain View Community Church elders and Chamberlain’s wife and fellow rider, Linda, are helping him form the group.

“Bikers can leave behind their wild lifestyle, but they can never shake the desire to ride,” Linda said. “We hope to form a group that not only spreads a positive message, but provides an outlet to ride. “As a biker you need to ask yourself: ‘Do you want to ride your hog in heaven?’”

Church elder Don Herren said, “We support this group 100 percent. It is our duty as a religious organization to bring the word of God to all.”

While the Bible study is a new venture for Chamberlain, involvement in religion is old hat. The road warrior grew up as the son of an evangelical minister and was always involved in church activities.

“I was blessed with this gift to teach and always felt the need to spread the word,” he said.

As the weather improves, Chamberlain is thinking about taking his Bible study on the road.

“We really hope we can give the biker community a positive outlet through this group,” he said.

For more information on the biker Bible study, contact Chamberlain at 520-423-7735 or [email protected].