Georgetown biker church welcomes all

GEORGETOWN—For members of Open Road Biker Church, riding motorcycles isn’t just a hobby. It’s a way to connect to other Christians and reach nonbelievers with the gospel.

Pastor Butch Horton (center) started Open Road Biker Church in 2009 with assistance from the Baptist General Convention of Texas.Pastor Butch Horton founded the church in 2009 with assistance from the Baptist General Convention of Texas. In six years, more than 200 people have made professions of faith in Christ. 

Out of the 120 members who attend regularly, one-third are bikers, which Horton attributes to the casual environment and welcoming congregation.

 “It is definitely a little more laid back and sinner-friendly,” Horton said. “Guys with tattoos, wearing a bandana, they definitely do not feel comfortable walking into a traditional Baptist church. … (Open Road) is a place they can come in and be who they are without worrying about how people see them.”

In addition to Sunday services, Open Road holds other fellowship opportunities, such as a weekly Sunday afternoon bike ride, to build relationships and disciple others. 

“We know where people have been and how much they love the Lord, and we want to give them a place where they can worship,” Horton said. “It’s a really neat bond. It’s an immediate connection.”

Pastor Butch Horton of the Open Road Biker Church in Georgetown performs a baptism.For some members, Open Road was a turning point from what used to be a rougher lifestyle. The church introduced them to the love of God and to others with similar backgrounds.

Gene Edmonson, a member for five years, commonly shares his testimony and life journey with others. After years of dangerous behavior, substance abuse and multiple near-death experiences, he decided to change his life.

 “I was involved in the much darker side of the biker lifestyle,” Edmonson said. “The first time I came to church here, I didn’t want to talk to anybody or hug anybody.

“At times I felt like I couldn’t come back to church. When I hit bottom, (God) woke me up, and I didn’t know where else to go.”

You don’t have to ride a motorcycle to be accepted at Open Road Biker Church.Now Edmonson sings in the church worship band. He enjoys attending the church with his family as much as possible, he said.

Scott Beaver and his wife, Cheryl, also have attended Open Road five years. He is one of the many members who participate in Sunday rides, and he enjoys the fellowship Open Road provides both him and his wife. 

 “I just remember thinking. ‘This man’s speaking from his heart,’ and it’s what I needed in mine,” Beaver said.

“This church has touched so many lives. People have walked through those doors and become family who wouldn’t have gone to a regular church.”

Open Road also sponsors three other new churches and helps provide for their financial, technical and physical needs.

At Open Road Baptist Church, all are accepted, biker or not, because the church’s main goal is to minister, Horton said. And that, he added, makes it just like any other church.