THE CHURCH AND HARLEY–DAVIDSON
Is there something to be learned from one another?

The Canadian church faces an avalanche of change in a society that tends to view the church as hypocritical, judgemental, boring, and out of touch with reality.  Meanwhile, the church in other parts of the world is growing so rapidly, that pastors and church leaders hardly have time to sharpen their leadership skills, and in some situations have no training at all.   Ironic isn’t it that churches clear across the world can face such a dichotomy of change?

Harley-Davidson, a multi-billion dollar enterprise, learned about change the hard way.  Slumping sales due to foreign competition and poor quality control forced them to the brink of bankruptcy in the late 70’s.  In 1981, a team of former Harley–Davidson executives, including William Davidson, the grandson of the founder, began negotiations to reacquire the company and literally “reinvented” it.  Grasping the need for change, they developed HOG (Harley Owner’s Group), extending the sense of community to Harley owners.

Jesus understood the value of community.  In Matthew 24, He walked away from the Temple because it had become infatuated with itself.  In Acts 2, the church was birthed, giving a whole new meaning to the word “community”.  Now, in the 21st century, the church faces another decision.  In a world that has redefined the word tolerance, and now questions absolute truth, is it time for a “reinventing” of the church?  Can the church learn from Harley – Davidson?  Better yet, would Jesus ride a Harley if He walked the earth today?

Reinventing the Church (RTC) was established in the fall of 2008 with a vision to “equip church leaders worldwide to transition to next level effectiveness for the 21st century.” Whether equipping church leaders worldwide, facilitating discussion on change in Canada, or modelling church based relief and development overseas; RTC desires to strengthen the hands of the local church within the community it serves.

Thanks for taking the time to browse through our website!  We welcome you to  journey with us as we work together to see the church transition to next level effectiveness for the 21st century!

Don & Marie-José Mann
Founders of Reinventing the Church (RTC)
Missionaries with the PAOC