History Of Bikers For Christ

Bikers For Christ Motorcycle Ministry began in August 1990 and was founded in Marysville, California by Pastor Fred Zariczny (Fred Z.).  Pastor Fred formed BFC under the conviction that it should be conducted under the church in order to be biblically accountable.

Pastor Fred Z. was previously associated with non-Christian motorcycle clubs in Massachusetts, Arizona and Alaska before coming to Christ in 1977.  After his conversion he lay down his bike for a while as he entered Bible college, got married and started a family.  God opened the doors for Pastor Fred to pick up another scooter in 1979 which he used to start or help start at least four active motorcycle ministries.  He was an elder in Christ’s Motor Club in Los Angeles in the early eighties.  He was also the Alaska state president of the I.C.B.A. (International Christian Biker Association) for four years.

Pastor Fred has also served as president of the California Chapter of Christ’s Disciples and is a former senior pastor at Calvary Chapel in Northern California.

Being involved in Christian motorcycle clubs and ministries for many years, he decided to start a new outreach ministry simply called; “Bikers for Christ”. Fred states: “we also set forth to simplify our purpose and vision – without a lot of bylaws, constitutions, amendments, etc…” This ministry was carefully designed to be different than most clubs and ministries.

Bikers for Christ’s is a unique motorcycle ministry.  We are an international, interdenominational ministry.  We do not have lofty titles like; “president”, “vice-president”, “secretary.”, etc. which can lead to pride.

We have a six month minimum hang around process prior to one becoming a fully patched member. We trust the Holy Spirit to keep the membership in line. Each person is on their honor and commitment with God to walk straight as a minister of the gospel and to lay their own back patch down if they backslide.

We do not act as “church police” and we do not shoot our wounded.  We fully support other worthwhile motorcycle clubs and ministries.  We support multiple club memberships.  We do not have mandatory meetings.

Promotion of a BFC in the first years occurred by word-of-mouth and by way of Fred’s many travels on his bike, along with other dedicated members, to plant chapters.  Even today, word-of-mouth seems to be the primary method of finding servants willing to help out in BFC.

Since that time BFC has grown to over 3,000 members (tripling in size since 2003).  There are chapters in 49 states including Alaska and Hawaii and 18 countries around the world.  In addition to Bikers For Christ, Pastor Z has established Rushing Wind Ministries Churches in seven states.

Staying true to our original purpose, each BFC chapter operates under an elder and the local church.  A national administrator oversees the regional elders, handles finances and merchandise as well as application filing and review.

“Our goals for the future are to simply continue to spread the Gospel to who ever we meet, minister to those in need and provide spiritual help & services where we can. We look forward to continued growth and safety on the road.”