God's Squad Christian Motorcycle Club (GSCMC), is a Christian patch club motorcycle club established in the early 1970s in Sydney, Australia. The club expanded to a broader base and missional style in Melbourne, Australia under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Kevin John Smith[1] in Melbourne after 1972[2] and continues to operate to the present day.[3]
 | |
| Abbreviation | GSCMC |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1971 |
| Founded at | Sydney, Australia |
| Type | Christian motorcycle club |
| Purpose | Christian ministry supporting the members and families of the motorcycle scene and those on its fringes |
Region | Worldwide |
Key people | Rev. Dr. K. John Smith |
| Website | http://www.gscmc.com |
History
editThe club is one of the oldest Christian backpatch clubs in the world.[4] The club primarily ministers among outlaw motorcycle clubs and associated groups.[5][6] Since its birth out of the counter culture Jesus Movement of the late 1960s, it has continued to operate to the present day.[7] The club's history is documented in John Smith's autobiography, On The Side Of The Angels.[8] John Smith died in March 2019.[9][10]
As of 2020, GSCMC has chapters in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Norway, Finland, Ireland, Ukraine, Germany, Netherlands, Lithuania, Michigan US, Sweden, Poland, Estonia and Switzerland.[11]
References
edit- ^ "John Smith - Blues Preacher - Concern Australia". Archived from the original on 3 November 2008. Retrieved 1 December 2008.
- ^ "God's Squad preaches at all times". CathNews. CathNews. Archived from the original on 5 April 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ ALIX DOUGLAS (11 March 2011). "God's Squad at Zac's Place" (News article). Yass Tribune. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 18 May 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "God's Squad". Live To Ride To Church. livetorideridetochurch.blogspot.com. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ "John Smith". Contributors, Greenbelt Festivals. Greenbelt Festivals Ltd. Archived from the original on 18 June 2013. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ "Pub church aims to reach out to all". This is South Wales. Northcliffe Media Limited. 9 September 2008. Archived from the original (News article) on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ "History:God Squad Christian Motorcycle Club". God Squad Christian Motorcycle Club. God Squad Christian Motorcycle Club. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ John Smith (2007). "On the Side of the Angels". Strand Publishing. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
- ^ John Smith, prophet, teacher, evangelist and biker takes his final ride, Eternity News, March 7, 2019
- ^ Saddened by death of John Smith yesterday after a long battle with cancer, Tim Costello, Twitter, 8 March 2019
- ^ Dan McAloon (7 August 2007). "Australian bikers' club offers Jesus to those willing to accept him". Catholic News Service. Catholic News Service/USCCB. Archived from the original (News article) on 14 August 2007. Retrieved 18 May 2012.