Positive identity

"You've got to have an identity," and the Rock 'N' Roll Church has found it, said Pastor Billy Garner. Six and a half years ago, he and eight others were "the core group" who launched the church known for its music, motorcycles and mission of "reaching those on crack, full of cracks and in the cracks!"

Many think of music when they see "rock" and "roll" together, and this church's style of music is integral to the name the pastor chose, but there's more.

"Jesus is the 'rock' of our salvation, and He said that 'upon this rock, I will build my church,' and the 'roll' is because we want to be a church on the move."

Furthermore, "rock 'n' roll" signifies a "little bit of a rebellious attitude we have," Garner, who goes by "Pastor Billy," continued.

Someone using the name "Dirt Bike" left a comment on the church's Facebook page that speaks to that attitude and also extends an invitation: "If you're a little ruff around the edges & don't quite fit in with the traditional church, then come check out the Rock N Roll biker church."

Pastor Billy speaks May 31 at the Rock 'N' Roll Biker Church in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

While that attitude is connected to the church's identity, Pastor Billy said "it's more than motorcycles and tattoos," adding, "It's about people who need to know that Jesus loves them."

Rock 'N' Roll Church services are not the typical gatherings people come to associate with religious services. They open up services, held at 10:30 a.m. Sundays in a downtown storefront building called Dockside, with a "bridge song."

Said Pastor Billy, "We sometimes play secular music that people are familiar with when we open up," then move into worship.

The worship music group is called Strong Hold, and their style is classic rock; even their gospel selections embrace the classic-rock style. They employ the full range of "old school" instrumentation: screaming guitars, piano, bass, drums, big speakers and a lead singer. "We're loud and rough around the edges, and we love people," said Pastor Billy.

Also atypical? Every second Sunday of each month, services are held on the sidewalk, and Easter services are always held at the Harley-Davidson store.

Praise and worship at the Rock N Roll Church Sunday, May 31, 2015 in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

"People from all over the area come to that," the pastor said. Baptism protocol is also unique, as motorcyclists rev up their bikes' engines during this sacred event. Living up to its identity, the church is heavily involved in rallies, bike blessings and fundraiser rides.

But Rock N' Roll is not all rallies and revved engines. Though that's what the church is known for, Pastor Billy said most members do not actually ride, so no one should feel excluded.

"The church is actually for anybody who feels disenfranchised from traditional church. ... We're known for rock 'n' roll bikers, but it's for anybody." Those who are drawn to traditional community service and children's activities have a home there, as well. Members volunteer at food pantries and community music events, for example, and the church has a karate school called Kicks, which stands for Kids in Christian Karate School.

Rock N' Roll Church is rolling along, establishing other chapters to extend the work of the ministry to which they feel called. A year ago, the Illinois chapter started. They meet every Sunday evening at House of Hope in Herrin. Sikeston is next on Pastor Billy's radar, as church services soon will begin there. This is in keeping with their commitment to being a "church on the move." Describing the church philosophy, the pastor asserted, "We'd rather have five locations with a hundred people than one location with 500 people."

"Most people know us as the church that comes to them, rather than them coming to us," said Pastor Billy. And that's just fine with him. "Our essence is not about what we do on Sunday, but what we do from Sunday to Sunday." He rejects the notion that church is what they do. It is, rather, who they are.

Members gather for a meeting of the Rock N Roll Church Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the Dockside in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

Garner is clear about his church's identity and its specific mission and, therefore, is "not trying to do what other churches do. We're after folks that kind of get lost in the shuffle." People from all walks of life attend their church.

"It's for everyone," he reiterated, and people feel at home because of the church's transparency and its non-judgmental approach.

Pertinent address: 4 Spanish St., Downtown Cape Girardeau, MO