Last Sunday I participated in the “Blessing of the Bikes” at Denver First Nazarene Church.  The event was part of what I think is a great example of missional ministry.  DFC hosted a major motorcycle rally, called “Rocky Mountain Rendezvous.”  The event began with a grand motorcycle entrance  into Bandimere Speedway on the evening of the 4th, and staying for the races and fireworks.  On Saturday, they had put together a great all-day “poker run.”  For those of you that are not up to speed on motorcycle events, a poker run is a little like an auto rally, except at each check point you get a poker card, and at the end, the best “hands” win prizes.  I think this is only way Nazarenes can play poker (LOL)  Finally, on Sunday morning, the entire church service was built around a motorcycle theme, including greeting and praying for every biker that rode into the parking lot.  I think we prayed individually for well over a hundred bikers - and passengers - maybe two hundred - under a thousand I’m sure.  I actually had the thought that these folks might have received more personal ministry than some church people get in years sitting in a pew as part of the audience. (I don’t think Jesus ever meant church to be a spectator sport.)   It was certainly a blessing to me and reminded me of how easy it is to “bless” others by asking God to bless them and use their experiences - even motorcycle riding - to draw them to himself.  I think that is part of what it means to be missional, and my hat goes off to my Nazarene buddies for being so innovative.
These are my Nazarene buddies - except for Bob Brooks - who is an old Cherry Hills friend.  This picture was taken in Hill City, SD, during Bike Week, 2007.  I decided not to use the great picture I have of all of them sitting in porta potties! (Fully dressed and in their right minds.)
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The Blessing of the Bikes