ARTICLE I
NAME AND EMBLEM:
1. The name of the corporation shall be: PRODIGAL SONS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC.
2. The emblem shall be the same as the "Club Colors" as described
in Article IX.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE AND PREROGATIVE:
The PRODIGAL SONS MOTORCYCLE CLUB is a Christian motorcycle club. The primary
focus of ministry for this club is to each other. Other aspects of our ministry
include reaching out to the 1%ers or "outlaw" biker as well as motorcyclists
of all types, and discipling those who make decisions for Christ. Additionally,
we seek to promote unity in the Body of Christ.
The intent of this corporation is to fulfill the command of Christ as in JOHN
15:12-17; to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord, to minister to the physical, emotional,
and spiritual needs of those with whom we cross paths; to encourage Christian
fellowship among motorcyclists, and improve the image of those persons engaged
therein.
ARTICLE III
GOVERNMENT & HEADQUARTERS
The PRODIGAL SONS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC does now and shall always recognize Jesus
Christ as the Head of the PRODIGAL SONS MC, and his citizenship is not of this
world. However, for legal and administrative purposes, we deem it necessary
to have a national business address. This address will be established and or
changed as necessary by the National Office. As of the date of this original
founding document it was: * 28 Mason Lane * Stafford, VA 22554. The founder
and National President is Tommy 'Soulman' Douthat. As of February 2003 the current
address is: 1462 S. Ridgelane Cir. * Clearwater, Fl 33755
ARTICLE IV
PUBLISHING AND SELLING RIGHTS
Rights and abilities to publish or sell, or advertise, anything connected to
PRODIGAL SONS MC in any fashion can only be granted by the National Office,
with the exception of local riding events & fellowship gatherings. All items
made to be sold bearing the PRODIGAL SONS MC logo or representation, to include,
but not be limited to, "I support" T-shirts, must be approved by the
National Office.
ARTICLE V
MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS
1. A candidate for membership must go through a hang around period of a sufficient
amount of time for the members to determine that he at least has a clue of the
following three areas: True Christianity, Knowledge of the Motorcycle Club world,
and Bonding in Brotherhood, before being eligible to prospect. The Prospect
Period will be a sufficient amount of time for the members to determine that
he is mature in the following three areas: True Christianity, Knowledge of the
Motorcycle Club world, and Bonding in Brotherhood. These may be waived only
by the National Office. (Any person who has prospected and received full patch
status in another established MC may be able to have the prospect time shortened
or waived.)
2. Prospecting may only begin by approval from the National Office.
3. A prospect for membership must:
A. Be a born again Christian and a biker.
B. Have a Harley Davidson motorcycle (or equivalent) in operating condition
during riding season. (Emergency repairs excepted).
C. Believe in the following: The virgin birth of Christ, His atoning death on
the cross, bodily resurrection, and ascension into heaven. Jesus is the only
begotten Son of God. Jesus is the Word, and the Word is God. Salvation by grace
alone. Loving one another is foundational.
4. Prospects may become full members only by approval from the National Office.
5. No one can be excluded or discriminated against because of race, denomination,
or lifestyle.
ARTICLE VI
BY-LAWS
1. All by-laws of this constitution shall conform to the intent of the charter
therefore, and to the laws of the United States, individual states, and any
foreign country in which it may operate, and shall be null and void insofar
as they fail to do so, but not otherwise.
2. No member will at any time judge the Christianity of another over debatable
issues (ROMANS 14).
3. Prospects shall be provided with guidelines of what is expected of a prospect
and how they are expected to be treated during the prospect period. They are
furnished at the end of this Document.
4. All prospects will wear bottom rockers and the MC cube.
5. A patchholder visiting another chapter will abide by that chapter's local
rules if they are asked to.
6. All members shall be accountable to & have their membership in the chapter
closest to where they live.
7. Matthew 18:15-17 shall be the guidelines for discipline, and NOTHING LESS
will be tolerated.
8. Involvement in Gossip or Slander of another member is unacceptable.
9. There is a $100 lifetime National Membership dues payment at time of full
patching.
10. There are no monthly dues whatsoever, but of course donations towards operating
costs are accepted.
ARTICLE VII
CHAPTER OFFICERS
The President of a local chapter shall be appointed by the National President
and shall serve as such until he either steps down or is removed by the National
Office. The President has complete responsibility for all chapter activities.
He conducts chapter and officer meetings. He is responsible for making sure
the physical and spiritual needs of his chapter are being met. He acts as liaison
with other clubs and ministries. His word is final if the membership cannot
come to an agreement on any policy concerning the chapter. He shall appoint
his own Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer, and any other officers he deems
necessary.
The Secretary/Treasurer will keep an up-to-date set of books to be balanced
by December 31 of each year. A financial statement must be filed with the National
Secretary/Treasurer each year by January 31st. He will keep minutes of all meetings.
He will keep an up-to-date roster of all members and prospects, which he will
send to the National Secretary/Treasurer monthly. He will keep accurate records
of all chapter members including: phone numbers, addresses, dates of prospecting
and membership, dues, monies owed, etc.
ARTICLE VIII
CHAPTER CHARTER & ORGANIZATIONAL MEETINGS
Local chapter charters may be granted by the National Office to 3 or more fully
patched members living within a 50-mile radius. Chapter Presidents will have
a say in the approval of any candidate for membership within their local area.
It is Strongly recommended each chapter meet once a week for Bible Study, prayer,
and fellowship. All people shall be welcome at these meetings. This is the foundation
for fellowship and growth as a team. The Officers of the local body, along with
the membership, are required to meet at least once a month for prayer and discussing
chapter business.
ARTICLE IX
COLORS
A. Men's colors will consist of a top rocker with a Royal Purple background
and Golden trim and letters stating "PRODIGAL SONS", a bottom rocker
of the same color scheme stating “FORGIVEN”, an “MC”
cube of the same color scheme. The center patch is a biker / Angel riding a
gold Harley in Heaven. Wives (and/or girlfriends) 'soulmate' patch will consist
of a one-piece heart shaped patch with the words "I BELONG TO" and
"Husband's Road Name", and “PRODIGAL SONS MC”.
The Support Team patch will be a one-piece shield shaped patch bearing the words
"Prodigal Sons Support Team” with a smaller version of the center
patch in the middle.
B. The National Office only is authorized to purchase and issue colors.
C. Each member is authorized to have up to two sets of colors.
D. Colors will only be issued to a prospective member upon receipt of a $100.00
application fee, and a $60.00 deposit on the patches, and to a patchholder upon
receipt of the $100 lifetime membership fee.
E. Colors will always remain the property of the PSMC. However, a member who
has at least seven (7) years of continuous service may retire and keep his colors
as they have been a part of his life.
F. Colors may only be taken back from a prospect or member with prior approval
of the National Office.
G. Nothing containing the full PRODIGAL SONS MC colors, including, but not limited
to, T-shirts, hats or pins are to be sold to any non-club member.
TO THE PROSPECT:
Welcome to the PRODIGAL SONS MC family. We are glad to have
you.
This information is to aid you during your prospect period. These are not rules
to enslave you, but at the same time, you are the prospect, and you are expected
to act like a prospect. If you have any questions, you should address them to
your sponsor.
I. Prospects are expected to attend every Bible Study and Club Meeting during
the prospect period, unless they have been asked not to.
II. Prospects will not wear their colors when alone, unless approved by their
leadership. Otherwise, prospects must always stay with a patchholder when at
any run, swap meet, or other non PRODIGAL SONS MC sponsored event. (Members
from other clubs will see the bottom rocker and might not know that you are
part of a ministry. All they see is the prospect from some club and will think
you are fair game.)
III. Prospects are prospects and have no say in chapter policies or politics.
If you have an idea you want brought up, bring it to the attention of your sponsor.
IV. Prospects do not discuss club policies or politics with anyone outside the
club. If questions are asked, refer the matter over to a patchholder.
V. Prospects are expected to run errands for patchholders. Examples: Go to the
store, get drinks, coffee, or whatever, clean up after meetings, guard bikes,
etc.
VI. Prospects will carry a Bible with them at all times.
VII. Prospects will attend a minimum of three functions other than PSMC meetings,
one out of state run, and one National Meeting before being eligible for full
patch.
DO
Obey Patchholders, especially officers. Expect to go through some "humbling".
Consider your colors very personal and take great care of them.
DO NOT
Argue with a member or an officer.
Show disrespect to ANY patchholder.
Leave your colors unattended.
You Are….
A prospect, and not a patchholder.
On probation for a MINIMUM of 6 months.
Being watched for your attitudes, actions, and commitment.
@ 12/31/2001 PRODIGAL SONS MC, INC.
Last updated March 9th, 2005 - TLD.
E-mail Soulman to get a hard copy in MS Word 2000