Bikers Serving & Spreading The Good News

My initial contact with CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) came in 1998, when I was invited by a friend to a local chapter meeting and dinner. The group convened monthly in a fire station cafeteria, and one of the first CMAers I met that night was a big bearded burly guy who approached me and introduced himself as “Rev”. As I extended my hand, he instead reached past and gave me a back-popping bear hug, declaring, “You are welcome here, brother!”

Within months, I was a patched-in member, and I’ve never left.

The Christian Motorcyclists Association is one of the largest faith-based motorcycle groups in North America, with hundreds of chapters in every state and across Canada, and hundreds more around the world. Their reach and influence extends into every aspect of motorcycling, from rallies to racing, benefit rides to bike nights. It seems that no matter where you go in North America where motorcyclists gather, CMA can be found there in some capacity, serving beverages and meals, helping park bikes, offering secure gear checks, and just making themselves available to serve any way they can.

But above all else, CMAers endeavor to share their faith and hope in Jesus Christ with the biker world, and demonstrate it in their actions. They are a sincere, dedicated lot.

Spreading “biker good will” on the open road. Photo by CMA USA.

CMA was founded in 1975 by Herb Shreve, a former church pastor who loved motorcycles. In an effort to connect with his son Herbie, Herb shucked his Sunday suit and tie for jeans, boots and leather, and rode off on his motorbike with his son to launch a new kind of endeavor- a ministry to bikers, by bikers. And the Christian Motorcyclists Association was born.

A ministry to bikers, by bikers

Based in Hatfield, Arkansas, CMA has since grown into a worldwide organization, and a respected entity in the motorcycling community. Now celebrating 50 years in 2025, CMA continues to exert a positive influence and impact on the motorcycle community, and the wider culture, with efforts that support children’s homes, drug & alcohol recovery programs, and prison ministries, to name a few. Notably, CMA supports and works alongside churches and other Christian organizations, partnering with many in reaching bikers and beyond with their message of redemption in Jesus Christ.

A typical CMA chapter, ready to ride and represent.

I’ve enjoyed being a member myself over the years, forging lifelong friendships and making memories with a great group of fellow riders. We’ve ridden in countless benefit rides, handed out coffee and water at rallies and race events, and met so many amazing people across the country, from all walks of life. The CMA motto is “Changing the world, one heart at a time.” Being a relationship-based motorcycle ministry, that’s certainly an apt credo.

Meetup for a chilly, blustery ride last year with my local CMA CrossTies chapter. All kinds of rides, all kinds of riders.

Christian Motorcyclists Association hosts multiple national and international events every year, that chapters around the globe participate in or send representatives to. Their annual “Run for the Son” worldwide fundraiser ride takes place in every time zone the first Saturday in May, raising revenue for CMA mission projects stateside and abroad. CMA holds national rallies every June, alternating west and east coast locations here in America, and they welcome members from around the world to the ministry HQ in Hatfield for the annual international “Changing of the Colors”, appropriately in October.

Last year’s Georgia CMA State Rally, in Rome, Ga.

John Ogden Sr., the current CEO/Chairman of the Board for CMA, states, “I am thankful that God birthed CMA, gave it integrity and accountability, and that it has remained mission true through these last 50 years, through ministry primarily to the motorcycling culture.” It’s been a pleasure and privilege to wear the CMA colors myself since I first met those warm, welcoming bikers many years ago, and to have logged many miles, ministry and memories with them. My opportunities to participate regularly has waxed and waned in recent years, but I’m always encouraged when I get to spend time among any of them, with their handshakes, hugs, and a hearty “Great to see you again, brother!”

Rob

For more on the mission and ministry of CMA, check them out here:

Christian Motorcyclists Association