God's Squad

God's Squad
Motto 1960s
Key people John Smith
Type Christian motorcycle club
Region Worldwide
Website www.gscmc.com
Abbreviation GSCMC

God's Squad, God's Squad Christian Motorcycle Club or GSCMC is a Christian motorcycle club established in the late 1960s in Sydney, Australia. The club expanded to a broader base under the leadership of Rev. Dr. John 'Bullfrog' Smith[1] in Melbourne after 1972[2] and continues to be active in its outreach efforts.[3]

History

The club is thought to be one of the oldest Christian backpatch clubs in the world, if not the oldest.[4] The Club primarily exists to minister among the "outlaw biker fraternity"[5] and associated groups,[6] where it is an accepted and relevant expression of the Christian Church.[7] Since its birth, out of the counter culture Jesus Movement days of the late 60's it has continued, over four decades, to devote its efforts amongst those on the fringes of society.[8] God's Squad looks to be the partial focus of a documentary film project called 'Smithy - Something In Every Hue' about founder Kevin John Smith.

Chapters

As of 2015 it has chapters in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Norway, Finland, Ireland, Ukraine, Germany, Netherlands, Lithuania, Michigan USA, and developing chapters in Sweden, Poland and Estonia [9] It continues to be associated with the ministry of Concern Australia.[10] The first two decades of the club's history are well documented in John Smith's autobiography, On The Side Of The Angels, first published by Lion in the mid 80's and revised, updated and republished in 2006, and again in 2015.[11]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.concernaustralia.org.au/johnsmith/
  2. ↑ "God's Squad preaches at all times". CathNews. CathNews. Archived from the original on 5 April 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  3. ↑ ALIX DOUGLAS (11 March 2011). "God’s Squad at Zac’s Place" (News article). Yass Tribune. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  4. ↑ "God's Squad". Live To Ride To Church. http://livetorideridetochurch.blogspot.com. Retrieved 18 May 2012. External link in |publisher= (help)
  5. ↑ "John Smith". Contributors, Greenbelt Festivals. Greenbelt Festivals Ltd. Archived from the original on 18 June 2013. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  6. ↑ "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.
  7. ↑ http://www.gscmc.com GSCMC Official Website
  8. ↑ "History:God Squad Christian Motorcycle Club". God Squad Christian Motorcycle Club. God Squad Christian Motorcycle Club. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  9. ↑ 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.
  10. ↑ http://www.concernaustralia.org.au
  11. ↑ "On the Side of Angels". John Smith. John Smith. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
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