By: Pastor Joe Moore, Liberty University Theological Seminary Student
As a church planter in the biker community, I recognize that discipleship is not an optional ministry but the very essence of what it means to follow Jesus Christ. In establishing a disciple making plan, I am reminded of a statement from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “it is not ultimately important to us what this or that church leader wants. Rather, we want to know what Jesus wants.”[1] The local church is the God-ordained context for making disciples who live out the mission of Christ in their world. Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert Coleman write that “a disciple is one who is following Christ, being changed by Christ, and committed to the mission of Christ.”[2] This definition serves as the foundation for my disciple-making plan.
This plan follows the five P’s of ministry: Passages, Principles, Philosophy, Practices, and Proof. Each section builds upon the other, forming a cascading model that moves from biblical foundations to practical structures and measurable outcomes. In the context of a biker church, where authenticity, loyalty, and community are highly valued, the goal is to make disciples who reflect Christ in everyday life while reaching others with the gospel.
Passages
The starting point for a disciple-making plan must be Scripture itself. Among the many biblical texts that speak to discipleship, several stand as foundational. This section explores the key discipleship passages that establish a Biblical foundation to guide the ministry and outlines the primary audience and context of focus for a biker church plant.
Biblical Foundation for Discipleship
The Great Commission in is the cornerstone passage. Jesus declares His authority and commands His disciples to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20, King James Version). This passage establishes discipleship as the primary mission of the church, grounded in Christ’s authority and empowered by His abiding presence. By obeying the Great Commission, Rod Dempsey asserts disciples, “become the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus in their world.”[3]
Following the Great Commission is the Great Commandment. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus responded: “thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matt. 22:37-40, KJV). Here, discipleship is framed in relational and holistic terms. Loving God fully leads to loving others sacrificially. This shapes discipleship as worshipful obedience rooted in love.
In John 13, Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35, KJV). Thinking about this New Commandment, one must ask the question “why a new commandment?” Perhaps the answer is found in the fact that there are times believers do not love themselves, much less loves others. The distinguishing mark of discipleship is not knowledge or power but Christlike love. In a biker church context, where loyalty and brotherhood are central, this commandment resonates deeply, showing that true discipleship is relational and visible.
Another critical passage is Matthew 4:19, where Jesus calls His first disciples to “follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (KJV). This statement reveals that discipleship begins with personal relationship, following Jesus, and leads to a remaking into those who will bring others into a relationship with Christ. Putman and Harrington declare, “a disciple is a person who is following Christ (head), is being changed by Christ (heart), and is committed to the mission of Christ (hands).”[4] Discipleship therefore is both relational and missional.
Ephesians 4:11–16 emphasizes that discipleship involves the whole body of Christ. Pastors and leaders are given “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12, KJV). Dempsey states, “pastors are to train or equip the saints, and the saints are to do the work of the ministry.”[5] This is designed to so that every believer contributes to the building up of the church until it reaches maturity. This text shifts the focus away from clergy-centered ministry toward an equipping model in which all believers are responsible for disciple-making.
Dempsey asserts that the early church provides a living example of this process in Acts 2:42–47, where believers “band together for prayer, fellowship, teaching, and intentionally accomplishing the Great Commission.”[6] This holistic rhythm of worship, community, and mission demonstrates that discipleship is not merely individual spiritual growth but a communal way of life shaped by shared practices.
Taken together, these passages frame discipleship as relational, communal, generational, and mission oriented. They also clarify that disciple-making is not the responsibility of pastors alone but of the entire body of Christ, united in obedience to Jesus’ command.
Audience and Demographics
The specific ministry context shapes how discipleships are carried out. In my context, this church plant has identified our target audience as adult riders within the motorcycle subculture, as well as family members, shop employees, recovery communities, and younger riders. Many in this demographic struggle with shallow spiritual formation or disengagement from church life. Discipleship efforts must therefore emphasize both biblical grounding and practical support for living faithfully in daily life.
Geographically, the church is situated in a rural, multiethnic community, which requires cultural sensitivity and adaptability. While the gospel is universal, the methods of disciple-making must address the unique needs of community. Earley and Dempsey observe that “we grow when we are serving, not merely sitting.”[7] Serving is characteristic of living in a rural community where neighbors are dependent on neighbors. This is also a challenge where most are steeped in traditional churches and are not as accepting of a biker church. Communicating a clear, biblical message is essential in this demographic.
Principles
Having identified the biblical passages that serve as the foundation for disciple-making, the next step is to establish the guiding principles that shape how those truths are lived out in ministry. Principles serve as the bridge between biblical conviction and practical application, ensuring that the work of discipleship remains focused, consistent, and faithful to God’s design. Greg Ogden implies, “the Bible teaches us not only the message of faith, but also the method by which that faith is to be passed on to future generations. We are called to do God’s work God’s way”[8] This section will cover the principles of biblical authority, relational discipleship, and missional living.
Biblical Authority
Scripture is the foundation of discipleship. As II Timothy 3:16–17 teaches, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (KJV). Discipleship must be anchored in God’s Word, as this is “how you come to know what God’s will is.”[9]
Relational Discipleship
Discipleship is not primarily a classroom experience but a relational journey. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34–35, KJV). Genuine community and love are essential for disciple-making, as believers learn best in the context of authentic relationships. Putman and Harrington conclude “as we walk with God, we learn to love our brothers and sisters in Christ.”[10]
Missional Living
Discipleship cannot stop with personal growth; it must lead to multiplication. Matthew 28:19–20 emphasizes going, baptizing, and teaching, all outward-focused actions. Demsey states, “this new community (the body of Jesus) was to have a transforming effect not only on individuals but also on the entire world.”[11] A true disciple is also a disciple-maker, living out faith in ways that draw others to Christ.
These three principles provide clarity and focus for ministry and establish the core values of: making disciples, going, growing, baptizing, teaching, loving God, and loving each other. These values create the DNA of a healthy disciple-making church.[12]
Philosophy
As a church plant intentionally rooted in the biker community yet open to all, our ministry philosophy is shaped by both the unique culture we serve and the timeless truths of Scripture. Philosophy, in this sense, refers not only to our perspective on ministry but also to the definitions and convictions that shape the way we pursue discipleship. For us, philosophy provides clarity, alignment, and consistency as we navigate the challenges of a young church plant that is only two years old. This framework allows us to remain focused on our mission: making disciples who authentically follow Jesus, live in community, and share the gospel with others.
How Disciples Are Made in the Context of a Healthy Church
In our church, discipleship is best understood as a journey, not a program. Putman and Harrington define a disciple as, “a person who follows Jesus, is transformed by Jesus, and join Jesus on His mission; that’s the job of every believer.”[13] Disciples are made through intentional relationships, consistent biblical teaching, and active participation in the life of the church. A healthy church creates an environment where believers are nurtured by Scripture, supported by community, and challenged toward mission. Within the biker community, trust and loyalty are highly valued, and these cultural traits create fertile ground for relational discipleship. Just as Paul instructed Timothy to pass on what he had learned to faithful men who would teach others also (II Tim. 2:2, KJV), we embrace a model of multiplication: disciples who are being transformed by Christ are then equipped to lead others into transformation.
We recognize that discipleship does not happen in isolation. The early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42, KJV), creating a rhythm of both learning and living together. For our church plant, this means discipleship takes place not only on Sundays but also around tables, in garages, and on rides. It is about walking alongside one another in everyday life, speaking the truth of God’s Word, and modeling what it means to follow Jesus in both ordinary and extraordinary settings.
The Body of Christ and the TAHO Model
The New Testament describes the church as the Body of Christ, where every believer is a vital member joined together under Christ the Head (I Cor. 12:12–27, KJV). Just as a body depends on each part to function properly, our church depends on every rider, family, and friend bringing their God-given gifts to strengthen the whole. In this way, no one is a spectator; all are participants in the mission of God. When considering the TAHO model, our church most closely aligns with the Organic approach, while also carrying elements of Hybrid.
As a two-year-old plant in the biker community, we are less focused on programs or polished attractional models and more committed to relational, grassroots disciple-making that grows naturally out of everyday life. Gatherings around rides, meals, and personal connections form the heartbeat of our ministry, reflecting an organic expression of the Body of Christ. At the same time, we recognize the value of hybrid practices, blending intentional structure and organization with the flexibility of organic relationships. This balance allows us to stay true to biker culture’s emphasis on authenticity and brotherhood, while ensuring that discipleship remains biblical, intentional, and sustainable.
Healthy Church Assessment
As a two-year-old church plant within the biker community, our church shows several encouraging signs of health while also revealing areas that need intentional growth. Using the characteristics of a healthy church, biblical teaching, genuine fellowship, worship, mission, leadership, and spiritual formation, we can identify both strengths to celebrate and weaknesses to address.
One of our greatest strengths is authentic community. The biker culture highly values loyalty, brotherhood, and trust, and these values translate into strong relational bonds within the church. Visitors and members alike often describe the church as a family, where transparency and acceptance are evident. This aligns closely with Jesus’ teaching that the world will know His disciples by their love for one another (John 13:34–35, KJV). Another strength is biblical commitment. Our gatherings are rooted in Scripture, with preaching and teaching intentionally focused on grounding new and seasoned believers alike in God’s Word. A third area of strength is missional orientation. The church plant has already engaged in outreach rides, community service, and intentional evangelism among bikers, showing a clear desire to live out the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19–20, KJV).
At the same time, several weaknesses reflect the growing pains of a young church. The most significant is the need for a clearer discipleship pathway. While relationships are strong, there is not yet a well-defined process to help new believers move from conversion to maturity. Similarly, leadership development remains limited, with much of the ministry depending on a small group of leaders. To ensure long-term health, more lay leaders must be equipped, empowered, and entrusted with responsibility (Eph. 4:12, KJV). Another area for improvement is worship structure. While gatherings are heartfelt and authentic, they sometimes lack intentional planning that could deepen engagement and spiritual formation. Finally, a more coordinated strategy for discipleship would expand the church’s ministry impact.
Suggestions for growth include implementing a discipleship pathway that provides steps for spiritual maturity (e.g., starting with basic foundations, then moving into mentoring, and eventually equipping for leadership). Leadership multiplication should be prioritized by identifying potential leaders and providing training in biblical leadership, pastoral care, and evangelism. Worship gatherings could benefit from intentional planning that balances flexibility with spiritual depth. Finally, outreach could be strengthened through regular rhythms of engagement, partnering with local biker groups and community organizations for service and gospel witness.
Overall, the church demonstrates clear signs of life and health—authentic love, biblical grounding, and a passion for mission. With intentional development in discipleship, leadership, and structure, this young biker church has the potential to grow into a vibrant, multiplying expression of the Body of Christ that continues to impact the biker community and beyond.
The Role of the Church, Pastor, Saints, and Spiritual Gifts
God has ordained the local church as the central context for disciple-making. As seen in Acts 2:42–47, discipleship happens through worship, teaching, fellowship, and mission within the gathered body. The pastor plays a vital role as shepherd and equipper, but he is not the sole disciple. According to Ephesians 4:11–12, pastors are called to equip the saints for ministry, ensuring that all believers participate in disciple-making.
The saints represent all believers and are essential. 1 Peter 2:9 describes the church as a “royal priesthood,” emphasizing that all Christians are called to serve and witness. Discipleship flourishes when ordinary members embrace their role as disciple-makers. Dempsey states, “With one command Jesus announced two thousand years of direction for the church, still in effect for all churches today.”[14]
Finally, spiritual gifts enable the body to function effectively. As 1 Corinthians 12 explains, every gift contributes to the building up of the church. Teaching, exhortation, service, mercy, and leadership are all needed for a healthy disciple-making culture. When gifts are identified and exercised, the church grows into maturity, fulfilling God’s design for His people.
Practices (With a Biker Church Focus)
In the life of a Biker Church, discipleship happens most naturally in the context of relationships, not in classrooms or formal programs. Because of this, small groups are not simply an addition to church life, they are the church. For a community that prizes authenticity, loyalty, and riding together, these groups form the primary environment where discipleship takes place. They meet in garages, diners, backyards, and bike shops, becoming the place where Scripture is read, stories are shared, and prayer is offered. Here, members are not treated as an audience but as a brotherhood and sisterhood who carry one another’s burdens and encourage each other to follow Christ. These gatherings reflect the “IS” philosophy of small groups: they are the heartbeat of the church, not merely a supplement.[15]
With that said, the groups remain connected to the wider identity and mission of the church. They are “of” the church in that they share a common purpose, pastoral care, and alignment with the overall vision to make disciples who ride with Christ and live with purpose. They are also “with” the church as they gather for larger events such as corporate worship, outreach rides, or seasonal celebrations.[16] But these larger events are not the main stage for discipleship, they serve instead as opportunities to connect new people into the relational web of small groups where real growth takes place.
The church’s calendar, budget, and personnel all reflect this commitment. The calendar revolves around group life and fellowship rides more than weekly programming. The budget emphasizes simple tools such as Bibles, discipleship booklets, and community meals, rather than expensive facilities or programs. In fact, our church meets in a tin building, in the woods of rural South Carolina, with porta-potties and a 10×20 utility building that serves as our “Kids Ministry.” Our baptistry is horse feeding troth.
Regarding leadership, we model a principle of my years of experience in the military where we are developing grassroots leadership, with lay leaders raised up from within the groups themselves. Curriculum remains simple and reproducible, often centered on Scripture passages discussed around a table, though resources like Discipleship Essentials are used to provide structure when helpful. Communication is equally straightforward, often spread by word of mouth within biker networks, reinforced by slogans such as “Ride with Christ, Live with Purpose.” This approach keeps discipleship accessible, relational, and deeply embedded in the rhythms of biker culture.
Proof (Biker Church Focus)
In a Biker Church, the proof of disciple-making is found less in polished reports and more in the visible fruit of changed lives. Baptisms remain one of the clearest measures, showing men and women publicly declaring loyalty to Christ in front of their brothers and sisters. Another key sign is group participation, since the small groups are the church’s lifeblood. When riders are meeting in garages, diners, and homes week after week, it proves discipleship is happening at the level where life is lived. Strong participation shows that people see these groups as family, not just an event.
Leadership development is another measure of health. In the bike culture, respect is earned, not given, and the same is true in spiritual leadership. When riders who once sat quietly in the back begin leading prayers, facilitating Bible discussions, or mentoring newer believers, it shows that discipleship is taking root. The church looks not such much at how many are in attendance, but how many are taking the “next step” in their faith walk. Testimonies are also central. Stories of riders leaving destructive lifestyles, reconciling broken relationships, or finding freedom from addiction serve as living proof that Christ is at work among them.
Beyond the personal, the church looks at its impact on the community. Outreach rides, service projects, and recovery nights give visible evidence that the church is embodying the fullness of Christ described in Ephesians 1:23. This presence is measured not only by numbers but by reputation, when, not only the biker community, but the community in general begins to say, “they are the real deal, they’ve got our back,” the church knows its disciple-making mission is being lived out. Even small things, like a rider starting to pray before a meal, or a family from the community showing up at a cookout because a biker invited them, count as proof that discipleship is multiplying.
Finally, these measures form a cycle of accountability. If baptisms slow down, the church asks whether evangelism has cooled. If group participation drops, leaders revisit how groups are structured and supported. If leadership pipelines stall, mentoring is emphasized again. Proof is never just about keeping statistics; it is about making sure the church is faithful to its calling: to ride together with Christ, to grow as disciples, and to make more disciples along the way. As Dempsey and Earley state, “we only have one life. Lost people matter to God.”[17]
Conclusion
This disciple-making plan establishes a foundation in biblical passages, guiding principles, and a ministry philosophy contextualized for a biker church. It moves into practical structures and concludes with measurable proof. By grounding ministry in Scripture, building relational discipleship, and embracing a missional philosophy, this plan seeks to fulfill the Great Commission and embody the Great Commandment in tangible ways. The ultimate measure of success is not only numbers but the visible presence of Christ through His body, the church, living out discipleship authentically in the world.
[1]Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Discipleship, (Minneapolis, MN: First Fortress Press, 2003), 21.
[2]Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman, DiscipleShift: Five Steps that Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples, (Grand Rapids: MI: Zondervan Reflective, 2013), 51.
[3] Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey. Discipleship Making Is . . .: How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence, (Brentwood: B&H Academics, 2013), 22.
[4] Putman, Harrington, and Coleman, DiscipleShift, 51.
[5] Earley and Dempsey. Discipleship Making Is . . .: 41.
[6] Ibid, 40.
[7] Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey. Spiritual Formation Is . . .: How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence, (Brentwood: B&H Academics, 2018), 32.
[8] Greg Ogden. Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ, Expanded Ed. (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2007). 20.
[9] Putman and Harrington. DiscipleShift. 89.
[10] Putman and Harrington. DiscipleShift. 87.
[11] Earley and Dempsey. Discipleship Making Is . . .: 246.
[12] Earley and Dempsey. Discipleship Making Is . . .: 70.
[13] Putman and Harrington. DiscipleShift. 120.
[14] Earley and Dempsey. Discipleship Making Is . . .: 80.
[15] Earley and Dempsey. Discipleship Making Is . . .: 279.
[16] Ibid, 281.
[17] Earley and Dempsey. Discipleship Making Is . . .: 123.
Putman, Jim, Harrington, Bobby, and Coleman, Robert E. DiscipleShift: Five Steps that Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples. Grand Rapids: MI: Zondervan Reflective, 2013. 19.
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Discipleship. Minneapolis, MN: First Fortress Press, 2003. 21.
Earley, Dave and Dempsey, Rod. Discipleship Making Is . . .: How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence. Brentwood: B&H Academics, 2013. 21, 22.
Ogden, Greg, 2007. Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ, Expanded Ed. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 20.
Earley, Dave and Dempsey, Rod. Spiritual Formation Is . . .: How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence. Brentwood: B&H Academics, 2018. 32.
Fighting for My Pea Patch 