HIS-STORY OF THE MINISTRY
"We Can Do This"
With these four simple words, two couples followed the guidance of God, said “Yes” to His will, and founded a motorcycle ministry called F.A.I.T.H. Riders in February 2002 at First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, FL. What started as a step of faith for four people has grown into a team of dedicated believers committed to the cause of Christ and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ on their motorcycles with anyone who will listen. The ministry has expanded across the Nation, with more chapters preparing to form across the United States. These chapters comprise motorcycle riders and others passionate about sharing Christ with the world.
Each Commissioned Chapter of F.A.I.T.H. Riders has a special responsibility to “set the standard” for the Ministry. This can only be achieved through obedient surrender to the voice of the Father, not by our own efforts.
the ministry of F.A.I.T.H. Riders
As we are commanded by God to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15), the F.A.I.T.H. Riders take this calling seriously as the lifeblood of its existence and passion. This is a ministry, not a riding club, and our only purpose is to share the life-changing Good News by equipping the saints to engage in practical ministry opportunities, like community rides and local rally outreach efforts.
Through the ministry of F.A.I.T.H. Riders, bikers, and others are learning about Jesus Christ and receiving His gift of salvation and eternal life in Heaven with Him. F.A.I.T.H. Riders are reaching people with their bikes who may not usually step foot into an organized church or Bible study, putting action behind the Gospel message.
What does F.A.I.T.H. stand for?
F is for Forgiveness. We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God’s forgiveness.
A is for Available. Forgiveness is available for all, but it is not given automatically.
I is for Impossible. It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven. It is also impossible to please God through our own actions.
T is for Turn. To turn means to repent from sin and turn to Christ alone.
H is for Heaven. Heaven is eternal life, here and now and in the hereafter, but only through Christ. Forsaking all, I trust Him!
The patch — what does it mean?
Each color and aspect of our patch is intentional and holds distinct meaning for F.A.I.T.H. Riders Motorcycle Ministry.
- Black — Indicates the sinful, disobedient nature of man after the fall.
- White — God’s Light. Glory. In God’s light, all darkness disappears.
- Red — The blood of Jesus, the only thing that can cleanse us from our sins.
- Blue — The regal, royal character of our King Jesus.
- Gold — Purity, in its truest form, is Jesus.
- Streamer — Our nation set apart by the only true living God of the Bible.
- Eagle — God’s power
- Stars — Seven complete stars; all is complete in Jesus.
- Cross — In the center of our patch, showing that we are centered on Jesus.
Note: The F.A.I.T.H Riders Motorcycle Ministry patch is copyright protected and can only be used with written permission from the National Director.
CURRENT NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Phillip Cook
National Director
Biography
Born in Shelby County, Alabama, on April 30, 1965, Phillip moved to Jemison in 1976 and graduated from Jemison High in 1983. He married Lesa in 1984, and they have one son, Clay. After working as a stone mason, he started his own tile business in 1994 and later opened a marble & granite shop. He now manages residential and commercial properties.
Phillip accepted Jesus Christ in 1988, was baptized, and became a deacon in 1996. He has served in various church roles, taught Sunday School, and participated in missions locally and abroad. Active with Chilton Baptist Builders since 1996, he now serves on the board. He attends Enon Baptist Church, working in the deacon, kids’, and bus ministries.
He helped start Enon’s F.A.I.T.H. Rider chapter and served as Alabama’s State Coordinator, and now our National Director.
Robert Rhodes
National Chaplain
Biography
Robert was born in 1965 in Santa Barbara, CA. He married his wife, Sherry, in 1988 in LaFayette, AL. They have two daughters and four grandchildren.
In 1990, Robert surrendered his life to Christ and was called into the ministry the same year. He began pastoring in 1994 and is currently serving in his third pastorate at Cottonton Baptist Church in Cottonton, AL.
A member of F.A.I.T.H. Riders since 2011, he has helped start chapters in his last two churches. Now serving as the F.A.I.T.H. Riders National Chaplain, he is passionate about discipling others to evangelize the lost through this ministry.
Rob Pochek
National Road Captain
Biography
Rob Pochek was born in Southern Illinois in 1970 to parents who both rode motorcycles. In fact, his mother rode her own bike during her pregnancy, so, technically, he was riding before he was born! His first official motorcycle was a Honda Trail 70. While in college he met and married Susan. They were married in 1989, and they have two adult children. In 2005, he began riding street bikes. As of March 2020, he has ridden over 165,000 miles on the road and has made three cross country trips. In April of 2018, he completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s RiderCoach Training. He currently coaches at the Motorcycle Safety Center of Virginia. He currently rides a 2016 Harley Davidson Ultra Limited and a 2022 Road Glide Special.
In addition to his motorcycle pursuits, Rob has served as the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Charlottesville since April 2016. Before that, he served churches in North Carolina, Illinois and Missouri. He has a M.Div. and a Ph.D. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.
Warren Abraham
Board Member
Biography
Born on Dec. 8, 1959, in Mt. Arlington, NJ, Warren attended Rutgers University,
earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. While at Rutgers, he joined the Air Force’s College Senior Engineering Program, leading to his commissioning as an officer.
In 1985, while stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, he met and married Rebecca (Becky)
Graham. That same year, he earned a master’s degree in electro-optics from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Warren and Becky retired from the Air Force after 21 and 26 years of service. In 2000, Warren realized his need to submit fully to Jesus as Lord and was baptized at First Baptist Church, Alexandria, VA. His life changed as he pursued missions, evangelism, and discipleship.
After moving to Dothan, AL, in 2007, they joined Memphis Baptist Church and its F.A.I.T.H. Riders Chapter in 2008. Warren now serves as Chapter Director, actively sharing the gospel and growing in faith alongside Becky.
Thomas Armbrister
Board Member
Biography
Tom joined London Bridge Baptist Church on January 29, 2001, as Pastor of Administration. His experience in the U.S. Navy, Atlas Powder Company, mining equipment sales, and Pump Engineering prepared him for this role. After six years, he became Associate Pastor of Adult Education, then Senior Associate Pastor five years later.
Tom is married to his wonderful partner in ministry, Sherry. They have three children: Michael (married to Tracey, with twin sons, Alex and Owen, in Marion, VA), John (Spartanburg, SC), and Carrie (married to Matthew Carver, Asheville, NC).
Raised in church, Tom accepted Christ at seven but fully surrendered in 1996 during a Christmas pageant. He studied biology (pre-veterinary) and psychology at Virginia Tech in the Corps of Cadets.
His life verse is Philippians 1:6: He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
He enjoys motorcycles and fly fishing.
Michele M. Newsome
Board Member
Biography
Michele and her late husband, Buddy Newsome, founded F.A.I.T.H. Riders Motorcycle Ministry in 2002 while attending First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, Florida.
Married for 19 years until Buddy’s passing in 2015, they have three grown children, five adopted children they sponsor in Moldova, and one granddaughter.
Michele serves as Director of The Porch Light, a Florida Baptist Children’s Homes ministry providing a safe home for minor girls rescued from sex trafficking. She oversees victims, staff, volunteers, and prevention efforts.
A criminology graduate of Saint Leo University, Michele served 24 years in law enforcement as a police officer, detective, and investigator of crimes against children. She later earned a master’s in mental health counseling from Webster University and is working toward licensure.
Passionate about serving others, she partners with Justice and Mercy International to support orphaned children in Moldova. Through F.A.I.T.H. Riders, she remains committed to sharing Christ and ensuring “No One Left Behind.”
Dr. J. Marcus Merritt
Board Member
Biography
Dr. J. Marcus Merritt serves as the Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry, Doctor of Ministry Program Coordinator, and Director of Church Relations at Luther Rice College and Seminary. He holds a B.A. and M.Div. from Luther Rice College and Seminary and a D.Min. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Raised in a Southern Baptist church, Marcus accepted Christ at age ten and, at twenty-one, surrendered to vocational ministry. His calling has led him to serve as a missionary with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, and the North American Mission Board. He has also pastored churches in Georgia and Alabama.
From 2006 to 2009, Marcus was the Alabama State Coordinator for F.A.I.T.H. Riders Motorcycle Ministry, training hundreds in the 3-Minute Testimony at Sturgis and Daytona Beach.
Marcus and his wife, Michelle, have three children and six grandchildren.
Greg
Daniel
Board Member
Biography
Greg Daniel was born in Southeast Texas in 1973 to parents who rode motorcycle Endurance Trial Races but gave up riding when children entered the picture. His first bike was a Honda moped rescued from a junk pile, along with a Yamaha 350 dirt bike, which the junk pile owner quickly confiscated. He and his wife grew up together, attending the same church, dating in high school and college, and marrying after graduation.
Greg reported for active duty in the Army on September 11, 2001, as planes were crashing into the towers. He served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and retired in 2023. He now has a second career as the Facility Director at First Baptist Church Charlottesville.
Greg began riding as a motorcycle missionary in 2017, joining the FBC Charlottesville F.A.I.T.H. Riders. Since then, he has logged over 100,000 miles on three motorcycles, serving on mission for Christ in Charlottesville, Virginia, and at events in Daytona, Laconia, and Sturgis.
STATE COORDINATORS
State leaders play a vital role in guiding and supporting F.A.I.T.H. Riders by coordinating outreach efforts, fostering unity among chapters, and ensuring alignment with the ministry's mission. Their leadership is essential for organizing events, mentoring members, and expanding the impact of F.A.I.T.H. Riders across their respective states.
Alabama
Alabama offers several great opportunities for F.A.I.T.H. Riders to gather and witness, including the Trail of Tears Ride, Barber Vintage Festival, MotoAmerica Superbikes at Barber Motorsports Park, and the Rally at the Rattler. These events provide a powerful mix of fellowship, outreach opportunities, vintage bike appreciation, and ministry among riders.
Ray Martin
State Coordinator
Biography
Born and raised in a small town in Kansas, Ray Martin pursued a career in the trucking industry after earning his college degree. Over 30 years, he worked as a salesman, buyer, manager, and owner, primarily in Northwest Arkansas.
After 25 years in Arkansas, Ray met his wife, Anne, before work relocated them to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where they knew no one. After three years of riding alone, they started a F.A.I.T.H. Riders chapter at Valley View Baptist Church, uniting with like-minded riders. From 2013 to 2023, the chapter grew to nearly 20 active members, hosting 15 events annually and focusing on soul-winning through local and national outreach.
In 2023, Ray accepted the role of Alabama State Coordinator when Phillip Cook became National Director.
Ray and Anne are blessed with six children, 14 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren—along with their F.A.I.T.H. Riders family.
Steve Hale
State Chaplain
Biography
Coming soon
Arkansas
Arkansas offers several exciting opportunities for F.A.I.T.H. Riders to gather, ride, and share the Gospel, including the Steel Horse Rally, Bikes Blues & BBQ, Mountains Music & Motorcycles, and the Ozark Mountain Rumble Rally. These events combine scenic rides, large crowds, and strong community focus, creating powerful moments for ministry and fellowship among motorcyclists.
TBD
State Coordinator
Biography
Coming soon
Emmett Marsh
State Chaplain
Biography
Coming soon
Florida
Florida offers incredible opportunities for F.A.I.T.H. Riders to reach thousands of motorcyclists at major events like Daytona Bike Week, Leesburg BikeFest, Thunder Beach Rally, and Biketoberfest. These rallies combine massive crowds, scenic rides, and energetic atmospheres, making them perfect for ministry, fellowship, and sharing the love of Christ on two wheels.
Benny Reynolds
State Coordinator
Biography
Originally from Sylacauga, Alabama, Benny Reynolds has served in ministry since December 1978, pastoring churches in Texas, Alabama, and Florida. He was the Senior Pastor of Peniel Baptist Church in Palatka, Florida, from January 2003 to March 2023.
Benny has been married to Cara since June 13, 1980. They have a son, Andrew, who is married to Dana and lives in Ft. Payne, Alabama, with their two daughters. Their daughter, Ryan Emery, is married and resides in Bunnell, Florida, with their three daughters.
In November 2004, Benny met Buddy and Michelle Newsome at the Florida Baptist State Convention in Jacksonville, FL. The following year, Peniel Baptist Church and Academy was commissioned on September 17, 2005. Notably, Rev. Billy Graham was baptized at Peniel Baptist Church in 1938 and ordained there in 1939.
Rick LeBlanc
North Florida State Chaplain
Biography
Coming soon
Georgia
Georgia offers F.A.I.T.H. Riders a variety of ministry opportunities at events like the Three Rivers Rally, Milledgeville Thunder Rally, Georgia Mountain Rally, and MotoAmerica at Road Atlanta. These gatherings combine faith-based fellowship, scenic rides, and large crowds, creating ideal moments for outreach and sharing Christ’s love with the motorcycling community.
Durwood Pollock
State Coordinator
Biography
Born on January 5, 1951, in Bainbridge, GA, Durwood Pollock grew up on a small farm in Mitchell County. After graduating high school in 1969, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, completing technical training at Chanute AFB, IL, and serving at Robins AFB, GA; U-Tapao, Thailand; and Pope AFB, NC. Following his military service, he attended and graduated from Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, GA.
Durwood worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Arkansas and Florida, the U.S. Postal Service in Albany, GA, and later for the U.S. Marine Corps as a civilian employee. He retired in May 2010 as the LOGISTICS Command Safety Manager. He and his wife, Priscilla, have two daughters and one grandson.
Though he accepted Christ at age 10, his faith deepened after marrying Priscilla in college. Active at Byne Memorial Baptist Church, he has served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Brotherhood Director, Vision Team Member, and F.A.I.T.H. Riders Director. Over the past six years, he has participated in evangelistic events at Daytona, Panama City Beach, and Sturgis.
Emmett Marsh
State Chaplain
Biography
Coming soon
Louisiana
The 6th Annual Calvary FAITH Riders Toy Run leads the way as a special ministry event in Louisiana, alongside opportunities like the Meet on the Creek Memorial Day Rally, and Brother’s Keepers Burn Run. These gatherings provide FAITH Riders with powerful platforms for outreach, fellowship, and sharing Christ’s love with the motorcycling community.
Jody Stucky
State Coordinator
Biography
Born on August 3, 1958, in Jonesboro, Louisiana, Jody Stucky grew up working alongside his self-taught auto mechanic father. He raced motocross bikes in high school, graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 1976, and worked in his father’s garage.
In 1979, he married Cathy, and they had two daughters, Juliet and Jennifer. Focused on his own passions, he spent years racing dirt track cars and switching jobs, searching for fulfillment in the wrong places.
In 1997, Jennifer was saved at Vacation Bible School and invited him to her baptism. Convicted by the pastor’s message, Jody surrendered his life to Christ. He joined Springhill Baptist Church, and in 1999, Cathy followed.
In 1998, he landed a job with the Jackson Parish Police Jury, retiring in 2023 after 25 years. In 2019, he started a F.A.I.T.H. Riders Chapter at Calvary Baptist Church, growing it from 12 to over 30 members.
Proverbs 3:5-6
TBD
State Chaplain
Biography
Coming soon
North & South Carolina
North Carolina offers exciting opportunities for F.A.I.T.H. Riders to connect and minister through events like Outer Banks Bike Week, Thunder in the Smokies Spring Rally, Angier Bike Fest, and the Boone Bike Rally. These gatherings combine scenic rides, community outreach, and large crowds, creating powerful moments for fellowship and sharing the hope of Christ.
TBD
State Coordinator
Biography
Coming Soon
Greg Kincaid
State Chaplain
Biography
Coming soon
Oklahoma
Oklahoma offers great opportunities for F.A.I.T.H. Riders to minister and connect through events like the Black Wall Street Motorcycle Rally, Screamin’ Hawk River Rally, and the Ride to Remember. These gatherings combine community outreach, scenic rides, and faith-focused fellowship, creating powerful moments to share Christ’s love across the state.
Mark Grandstaff
State Coordinator
Biography
Born and raised in Muskogee, Oklahoma in 1961 I got hooked on motorcycles after getting my first one around age 10. I would give my nieces and nephews rides all day long on it, 14 in total, we all loved it. In 1978 as a junior in high school I met the love of my life Bettina Rose. After dating for 4 years and graduating from college in 1982 we were married.
We moved to Arkansas and at a revival in 1985 I accepted Christ as my savior. I was raised in a Christian home leading a normal life, but I was living for the moment. After I was saved things changed, I was aware of “right and wrong” because the Holy Spirit was guiding me. Just because you get saved doesn’t me life will suddenly become good, it actually got tougher because I was now aware of how my life should be lived. We eventually move to the St. Louis area and in 1991 I was ordained as a deacon at First Baptist of Washington. After about 10 years we moved back to Muskogee Oklahoma and have been members of Southeast Baptist Church for almost 25 years.
We have been blessed with three wonderful daughters and it has been special watching them grow into their own unique personalities and beautiful young women. My working career has spanned 43 years mainly in the oil and gas construction industry which has taken me to the Middle East, Europe, Alaska, and all over the USA. God put on my heart the last couple of years to get back involved with Faithriders, but I didn’t know how with my extensive travel. Well leave it to God to create a way, I retired! Meeting Buddy back in 2005 and becoming a part of Faithriders then, it really touched my life. What a unique way to open the door to witness by using a motorcycle. God told me to be willing and give my thoughts to Him and he will organize my paths.
Emmett Marsh
State Chaplain
Biography
Coming soon
Tennessee
Tennessee offers great opportunities for F.A.I.T.H. Riders to minister and connect through events like the Smoky Mountain Bike Rally and Thunder in the Smokies, as well as many local events. There is great riding in the state with The Foothills Parkway, Tail of the Dragon, Newfound Gap Road, and Cherohala Skyway where there are opportunities to share the Good News with other bikers.
Mike Tuey
State Director
Biography
Coming soon
Frank Webb
State Chaplain
Biography
Coming soon
Texas
Whether you’re gliding around the coastline, exploring the winding roads, or navigating the crowds in the city, riding in Texas holds a special charm. But the state’s appeal for motorcycle fanatics doesn’t end with its landscape. There is the Lone Star Rally and many other local events which can create powerful moments to share Christ’s love across the state.
Tom Fortner
State Coordinator
Biography
Tom Fortner has been the Texas State Coordinator since 2022 and is pastor of First Baptist Church, Bloomington, Tx near Victoria. He was the founding Faith Riders chapter director of First Baptist Church, Mill Creek, OK where they also served in the Patriot Guard Riders. He and Doris were chapter leaders with Christian Motorcyclists Association in Arlington, TX and Tom trained road captains for CMA, along with holding several chapter offices including president and vice-president. They began serving as evangelists every year at the Black Hills Rally in Sturgis while in CMA in 2009. They also served in reaching the bikers of the Dallas/Fort Worth area with the Gospel for 16 years.
Tom holds a BA and an MA from Criswell Bible College in Dallas and an MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He has previously served as pastor of 5 churches other than Bloomington. Tom and Doris have served in Mexican Baptist church planting along the Rio Grand since 1982 and help support a Baptist children’s home near Matamoros, Mx.
Lincoln Sundman
State Chaplain
Biography
I am Lincoln Edwin Sundman, known as Loko Edy, a F.A.I.T.H. Riders Chaplain for the State of Texas – based at First Baptist Church of Universal City, Texas. For over 55 years, I have committed myself to following Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. Among my core values, I value integrity, honesty, faithfulness, and truthfulness above all else. These values guide my personal and professional interactions.
Raised in Southwestern Michigan, I was deeply influenced by Poverty, Violence, Divorce, Alcoholism, Unfaithfulness, Addictions, and ultimately the Hard Work that would be required to overcome these patterns in life. After graduating from Edwardsburg High School and working in two factories, I enlisted in The United States Air Force, serving 26 years, 7 months, and 19 days of active duty service (Retired E-9). Overall, my career in aircraft maintenance spanned more than 43 years. After working a total of 50 years (beginning in factories at the age of 13), and having taken various jobs prior to landing in aircraft maintenance, I experienced my final retirement (so far) at the age of 63.
Throughout my life, I have been most fortunate to find and marry my wife, Teri S. Sundman, and to have been a part of raising two children into adulthood, as well as sharing life experiences with four grandchildren, a son-in-law, and a daughter-in law. These people have not only shaped my personal outlook on life, but have also enabled me to better understand the Love of The Heavenly Father – a critical doctrine that was not apparent to me from my early childhood experiences.
Dedicated to giving back, I serve in every capacity that I am able: Ordained Deacon (1991), Deacon Chairman (5 years), Adult Sunday School Teacher (since 1988), and Mission Trip Leader/Participant (97 trips thus far) – a cause close to my heart because Jesus is LORD – and He has Commanded us to do so. This work aligns perfectly with my personal mission to further the cause of Christ.
I have enjoyed the freedom of riding on two wheels and a motor since 1968.
VIRGINIA
Keith McCleland
State Coordinator
Biography
I was born in December 1956 in California and served in the United States Navy for 19 years, retiring in 1993. After my military service, I continued working as a government contractor, a role I held until June 2025.
My walk with Christ and commitment to church leadership have been central throughout my life. I was ordained as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia, and have been blessed to serve with several F.A.I.T.H. Riders chapters, including London Bridge Baptist Church and Hibernia Baptist Church. I currently serve as Chapter Director for the Harvest Fellowship Baptist Church F.A.I.T.H. Riders in Smithfield, Virginia, where I am also an active member.
My wife, Maureen, and I were married in August 1978, and we are grateful for our three children and six grandchildren. I am passionate about using motorcycles as a ministry tool to share the Gospel, disciple believers, and support the mission of F.A.I.T.H. Riders across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
TBD
State Chaplain
Biography
Coming soon
FORMER NATIONAL DIRECTORS
Buddy Newsome
Buddy Newsome was one of the co-founders of this ministry. His leadership set the course for where this ministry was headed. He served from 2002 until he was called home in 2015.
Mike Stewart
Mike Stewart took the position of National Director in 2016. While his leadership style was different from Buddy, the vision was still the same: Keep bragging on Jesus. Mike led the ministry until he was called home on Nov. 11, 2023.