There’s a new church group in town, and you might say they’re heading down a new road to glory.
Hogs in Ministry (HIM) is a Christian group dedicated to spreading the word of God, all while enjoying fellowship with other motorcycle enthusiasts.
HIM was started in Michigan six years ago as a small group of Harley Davidson riders at Faith Baptist Church in Waterford.
Now the group is almost 400 members strong and is constantly growing to other states, like Illinois and Indiana.
The local HIM group was started in late April by Bill Kirkland, a 20-year resident of Oxford and a member of Christ the King Church.
Kirkland, who is considered the ‘shepherd? of the group, has been riding a motorcycle most of his life and started the local group to bring people who share a common bond of riding together to ‘get on fire and get active in the church.?
HIM focuses their time on three fields of work: volunteering, discipleship and fellowship.
It’s no surprise to find HIM members ministering to those with drug and alcohol problems at the Oakland County Jail, teaching discipleship classes or just riding in various motorcycle events.
‘When people of like minds get together they have fun,? Kirkland said. ‘Those three things hold us together as a group.?
The Oxford HIM meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Oxford Financial Center (653 Lapeer Rd.) for Bible study.
They’re currently offering an 8-week class called CHANGE, which is an acronym for conversion, holiness, additions, new nature, Godliness and example.
Kirkland said HIM makes the ‘example? part of the class a priority for its members because they need to be a ‘walking example? of Jesus Christ.
‘There are people that like to ride and they dress in leather and they have tattoos and they’re a little rough looking,? Kirkland explained. ‘But they still have read the Bible and they still have felt a draw there. They want a change but they don’t feel welcome in a lot of churches.?
Kirkland jokes that HIM is a ‘non-denominational motorcycle ministry? because they accept Hondas, Yamaha’s and Suzuki’s, not just Harley’s.
The first meeting of the Oxford-based group drew a dozen residents and their bikes, but Kirkland hopes to see a ‘slow and consistent? growth.
He’s working on getting the younger crowd of bike-riders involved with HIM.
Anyone can become a member of HIM. Contact Bill Kirkland at (248) 941-2234 for more information or just stop by one of the meetings.