Photos by REBECCA BARNETT The Roanoke Times

Brian Robinson, one of the founders of Biker Church Roanoke, preaches during the church's first meeting in July. Robinson, who is also pastor of Layman Church, had the idea of starting a separate and independent church for bikers like himself.

Michelle Balow of Hardy and her husband, Eric, attend the first meeting of Biker Church Roanoke.

"Hey guys, come on in. LET'S DO CHURCH!"

Brian Robinson yelled out into the parking lot of Layman Church in Roanoke to alert dozens of leather-clad bikers that worship was starting.

Minutes later, the rev of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle commenced the service, followed by cheers from the Wednesday evening worshippers.

"Now, let's honor freedom," Robinson said as a rock version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" blasted throughout the one-room chapel.

Biker Church Roanoke had begun its first meeting on July 21, only a couple of months after Robinson, the 46-year-old pastor of Layman Church, had the idea of starting a separate and independent church for bikers like himself.

Robinson said that bikers tend to be cliquish, depending on what type of motorcycle they ride. So his goal? "Put all types of bikers together and say we're one in Christ."

He explained that bikers are different, so the church is different. He suggests being yourself, dressing casual and bringing your bike.

Nondenominational

Biker Church Roanoke held its first meeting in Layman Church, at 5207 Old Mountain Road, because Robinson has access to the building on Wednesdays and it is free. But the church's goal is to be a lot less anchored.

"It's not a division of Layman; it's a separate church," said Rick Painter, the worship leader at Layman Church, who is also now involved with Biker Church Roanoke. "The goal is to one day be mobile and use an equipment trailer to send a team ahead to a designated campground. Then we could worship wherever we ride."

About 50 area bikers attended the first meeting -- a larger crowd than Robinson had expected. They drank coffee, snacked on pastries, sang along to the Christian rock band, gave thanks for freedom, and held their Bibles under their tattooed arms.

Robinson said the biker church is the first of its kind in Virginia. There are several biker ministries in the state, such as Iron Horse Ministries in Lynchburg and Blue Ridge Christian Riders Association, but no actual church and congregation.

"This is something we can do in the valley that no one else is doing," Robinson said. "Church without religion's rules and regulations because that is what Jesus had a problem with when he was walking this Earth."

Robinson, who has been pastoring for 20 years and moved to Roanoke from Houston in 1986, is nondenominational. He wants Biker Church Roanoke to be the same way.

"The mission of Christ is not to make denominations and build buildings," he said.

Instead, Robinson wants to create fellowship and "be a force for good in this valley and help those who can't help themselves."

They have already scheduled group rides, a Bike Swap, where area riders can bring their motorcycles and buy, sell or trade, and fundraisers to help battered women's shelter.

Finding acceptance

Robinson is extremely blunt about what Biker Church Roanoke is all about.

Their Jesus is tough. Robinson said Jesus was persecuted by those who didn't understand him, just as bikers deal with those who stereotype them. On the church's website, Robinson explains that Jesus is "a Warrior like none other, coming back one day tatted up and ready to do battle with his enemies."

Robinson -- who is married and has an 11-year-old son -- said the church will provide new friends, challenge those who attend, and maybe even anger some people.

But Bill Grabbert, of Fincastle, was far from angry at what Robinson had to say during the service. He said he felt like it was the first time someone was speaking in his language during church.

"I've been to churches where people look down at you because you have long hair, a Northern accent or you're wearing jeans," Grabbert said. "They scoot away, and I'm like, you haven't even gotten a chance to know me.

"I love the Lord, and I love being in a place where people love the Lord, too," he said. "And they accept you."

Corey Meador of Vinton has been riding only since March. She liked the fact that the service was "so informal and open."

Robinson encourages openness because he doesn't want to just preach to an audience. Biker Church Roanoke ends each service with questions, comments and disagreements, giving the congregation a chance to speak out.

After the service, before a group of riders from Iron Horse Ministries started their journey back home, they gathered around their bikes in the parking lot and stopped to watch the sun set over the mountains.

Then, the women in leather vests held hands with the bearded, bandanna-clad men. The tough-looking crew bowed their heads and prayed.