FIRST: PRAY ABOUT THIS MISSION GOD HAS LAID ON YOUR HEART! Pray about it every day for a week. If after one week you still feel this urge to start a CSBA chapter, you've completed the first step. The next step is to convince two other Christians to join you in starting a new CSBA chapter. All new chapters need at least three members to agree to work together in getting the chapter underway. The primary function of the chapter leader is to be a listening post for the members under his/her charge. Our members are Christians but they're also human. Christians have problems from time to time. The chapter leader keeps in touch with the members through breakfast meetings, rides, traveling to bike shows, racing events, etc. The communication involved in meetings, rides and travel allows the chapter leader to deepen fellowship with the members of the chapter. In this way if one member is going through some difficult times, the rest of the chapter can provide emotional support through prayer and fellowship.

"I've never done anything like "lead" a group. What are the mechanics of running a chapter?"
On the surface, the running of a CSBA chapter is pretty straightforward. Print out and make copies of the CSBA brochure that is sent to you.

Distribute the brochure to churches, motorcycle dealerships and at local bike events.

Set a time and place that you'd like to use for your monthly meetings/rides.

Have some simple flyers printed (we have a sample if you need one. Click HERE) and distribute with the brochures.

Make sure you can attend your posted meeting every month and wait for the Lord to send people your way.

Sounds frivolous but the first monthly meeting of the local chapter I chair had one attendee.......me! The next month there were two of us, then four and it grew from there.

A little faith and a lot of prayer is required.

"Will I be on my own in this endeavor?"
No. You'll be on the mailing list with the other chapter leaders and will have the support of the national office.....to the best of my ability. You run into a problem and I'll do my best to help where I can.

"What are the benefits of starting a chapter?"
A few of the benefits I discovered in starting a chapter were:

• Enjoying the Christian fellowship of other riders.
• Spreading the Word of God to those who may not know Him.
• Making new friends/riding buddies, growing in the Lord, group rides, etc.

And, with more riding buddies you just have spend a little more time on the bike. (Wouldn't that be tough to take.)

"What do I have to do to get started?"
Make some time for prayer and reflection for this commitment (and it is a commitment). After this period of prayer if you still feel led to lead a CSBA chapter, you'll need two other CSBA members. All new CSBA chapters need at least three members who will agree to get the chapter started. Reason being when someone takes on a sometimes daunting task of starting something from scratch, they may tend to lose enthusiasm a few months down the road if the chapter doesn't grow the way they want it to grow. If there are a few other people involved there's a better chance for long term success.

Keep in mind God grows chapters. He makes people aware. He softens hearts.

Don't get discouraged if things don't go too well initially - OR - don't take credit if things go very well. All credit should be to God.

Again, pray about this decision and if God keeps putting the idea of a new chapter in your home area, complete the CSBA Service Form (PDF format) and mail it to:

Brian Phillips
1135 Washington Avenue
Allentown, PA 18103-7905

Take care, ride safe and God bless,

Brian Phillips
CSBA Servant