Finding a Calling on Two Wheels: Glenn Knepp's Bikers for Jesus Journey

For years Bikers for Jesus (BFJ) has been one of the most unique and transformative ministries at the Wesley Foundation at Purdue. What began as an ambitious idea among students grew into a ministry that challenged participants physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Through hundreds of miles on the road, students built community, discovered their leadership potential, and deepened their faith. For Glenn Knepp, BFJ became an important part of a journey that ultimately led him to ministry. Today, Glenn serves as Lead Pastor of St. Joe United Methodist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

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During his time at Wesley, Glenn played a pivotal role in the creation of the Bikers for Jesus ministry. The idea first emerged during a Wesley Winter Retreat in Battleground, Indiana, in 2004. After seven months of planning and preparation, the first BFJ ride began. Riders dipped their back tires into Lake Michigan and headed south across Indiana, finishing seven days and more than 360 miles later by touching their front tires in the Ohio River. 

Reflecting on the early days of the ministry, Glenn remembers that the most meaningful part wasn’t necessarily the final ride itself. 

“One of the best parts about doing it were all of the practice rides that we did together. The kind of community that was built with the group that went long before the ride ever established.”

For many students, Bikers for Jesus became more than just a bike ride. It was an opportunity to step into leadership roles and grow alongside your peers. As a student leader during the first ride, Glenn recalls that some of the lessons he learned came by making mistakes and taking responsibility for them. 

“One of the things I remember most clearly about the trip is learning how to make mistakes as a leader and learning how to own those mistakes. I think that's actually a way, oddly, that I ended up feeling closer to God, was through that opportunity as a student.” 

It’s no surprise that every mile of the trip wasn’t easy. Glenn laughed as he recounted his memory of entering "enemy territory"—Bloomington—while struggling up a hill. A friend of his drove alongside him, blasting music, attempting to offer encouragement. This moment became a powerful reminder of what BFJ was really about. 

Sometimes, when the journey feels difficult and you’re not looking for encouragement, there is always someone there beside you, cheering you on and helping you keep moving forward.

Glenn shared that BFJ applies to both faith and campus ministry. 

“It applies to our journey with Jesus, but also campus ministry. Even during the times that we don’t necessarily think we’re looking for encouragement, there’s somebody there for you around the Purdue campus who’s ready to share God’s spirit with you, and encourage you."

Looking back, Bikers for Jesus fit into a long history of the Wesley Foundation at Purdue, equipping students for leadership roles and providing them with opportunities for a mission. 

Today, as Wesley staff and student leaders explore ways to revive the BFJ ministry, Glenn shared a simple message for those considering the challenge: 

“Just to say yes, say yes to the call of that spirit, and say yes knowing that there are times it will be hard. Jesus never puts before us tasks that are easy, but he puts before us tasks in which we will become the people we are supposed to be. So, I would just encourage people to do it.”

And maybe, somewhere along the way, without even searching for it, you’ll discover who God is calling you to be.