“Driven by Faith”: Sharing Christian beliefs through car culture
Photo courtesy of Andre Tan on Unsplash
Nate Reckelhoff, Contributing Writer
Christians are “driven by faith” in the automotive industry. Christians are spreading the gospel to a new crowd, not just from behind the wheel, but under the hood through branding, community outreach and car meets. This race against time compels Christians to capitalize on the opportunities before them, starting a movement that blends faith and a passion for cars.
Christians can learn to share the light in a place not typically known for its religion. The battle of Christians sharing the gospel in car culture is tough given the many different beliefs Christians encounter.
Car culture is a trend of car modification that has gotten popular amongst a younger audience of drivers. They modify their cars to go fast, sound cool and look good. It is a field where a lot of people street race, speed and participate in street takeovers.
Bryson Lyda, an NGU student with seven years of automotive experience, shares his time spreading the Gospel through motorsports. He said you can fill the quiet times with faith sharing at the track. He had advice for Christians trying to share.
Lyda said, “You can’t love Jesus and go to the club. Same goes for the track.”
Lyda mentioned corporations working to share the Gospel in the culture. The organizations included Racers for Christ and CMA Motorcycle Club. Lyda said another great way to share is through race car numbers. He adds because he puts Bible verses as his numbers which sparks interest and leads to a conversation.
Jaxon Ghent is a mechanic assistant, go-kart driver and avid enjoyer of everything cars. He talked about the topic of takeovers and how he can share the Gospel through that.
Ghent would tell Christians trying to share the Gospel in car culture to live for Christ and to not get influenced by the car scene. Ghent said inviting them to church or just having a conversation about Jesus is great but adds, “Having a verse on your car could be a conversation starter.”
Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
So Christians are pioneering a new path to share. A staple in the movement is a company called Clutch Supply. Clutch Supply has a very big social media following and influence on others. They also have a website to buy merchandise and stickers for your own vehicle.
The “About Us” tab on their page reads: “Clutch is a worldwide family of car enthusiasts. Our mission is to unite those who have a passion for cars and empower our community to showcase their faith boldly, on and off the road. We aim to embrace all people and build a culture that is Driven by Faith.”
What are some other cases of sharing christianity in car culture? FueledbyFaith is another company doing a similar thing. They have a smaller fan base and they’re still pushing out the same message.
FueledbyFaith said, “FueledbyFaith is a brand that wishes to push Christian car enthusiasts towards Christ and for them to become the best possible versions of themself.”
Companies like these make it possible for Christians to take action. Applying decals of Bible verses and crosses to their cars. It may be a sticker but it can start conversations that affect a lifetime.
