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Clad in denim, cloaked in faith

By TIMES STAFF WRITER
Published September 16, 2006

The Biker Church attracts a different crowd than most churches. But dressed in leather vests with patches proclaiming their faith, members of the congregation sing hymns and praise Jesus like any other church.

The Biker Church was the dream of Buzz and Janette Boyd, who prayed for two years that God would give them their own flock. The church started meeting this year on the fourth Sunday of each month in a local bar.

"This is our sixth month, and we've had three confessions of faith and four dedications," Buzz Boyd said. "Most churches don't get that many in a year."

Services are now held from noon to 1 p.m. at Marine Corps League Detachment 708's headquarters west of Brooksville. About 20 people attended the August service.

"I wanted to give these guys a place where they could come, dress how they want and feel comfortable. Most bikers don't like to get out of bed, especially if they party Saturday night," he said. Many show up a little early for the breakfast the Marine Corps League serves.

The church is a family affair for the Boyds. In addition to Buzz and Janette, their daughter, Maria, handles the music ministry. She brings along her 2-year-old son, Baylor. "It's something we love to do," Buzz said. "I'm excited about it, and I'm excited my whole family is involved."

During his sermons, Buzz uses biker jargon to better communicate his message. "You gotta relate it to them. I use words they can understand. ... I want to show them that Jesus loves them. Bikers - they're looking for something. They ride because they want to be free. We're trying to get through to them that Jesus is your best friend."

"Bikers - they're looking for something. They ride because they want to be free.

We're trying to get through to them that Jesus is your best friend."

[Last modified September 16, 2006, 06:53:08]