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두란노아버지학교_ Promise Keepers - Ecumenical "Macho-Men" for Christ? 1
두란노아버지학교_ Promise Keepers - Ecumenical "Macho-Men" for Christ?

Promise Keepers - Ecumenical "Macho-Men" for Christ?

- Promise Keepers was founded in 1990 by Bill McCartney (born 1940), then the head coach of the University of Colorado football team. The stated goal of this "nondenominational," parachurch organization is to celebrate Biblical manhood and motivate men toward Christ-like masculinity. "To unite men through vital relationships to become godly influences in their world -- by making promises to Jesus Christ and to one another that last a lifetime," reads Promise Keepers' purpose statement.

[By definition, a parachurch ministry is one "raised up" supposedly to accomplish something churches are charged to do by the Scriptures. However, one should question raising up an organization outside the church (parachurch) to accomplish objectives ordained by God to be produced by the normal, proper functioning of the local church and all its parts, especially the development of "godly men." All too often, what is established to assist local churches, ends up competing with them and introducing unscriptural philosophies and practices.]

"Promise Keepers' mission is to help promote spiritual revival in the homes, churches and communities of this nation. This will be accomplished by modeling, praying for and instructing all men to grow in Christ-like masculinity, enabling them to become 'promise keepers' to the Lord who loves them, to their wives who trust them, to their children who need them, and to the world which must be influenced by them" (Spring 1992, Men of Action).

Although Bill McCartney is credited with founding Promise Keepers, until late-1998 he was basically the figurehead, holding the title as CEO of PK. Randy Phillips was the president and administrative head of Promise Keepers. As of October 1998, McCartney is overseeing three divisions as president and founder. Randy Phillips has moved from president to the new position of vice president for global ministries. Phillips has served as a senior pastor for five years, as an associate pastor for ten years, and led the Denver Broncos' Bible study for two years. Phillips, like McCartney, is a former Roman Catholic. Both are also affiliated with the hyper-charismatic Vineyard movement -- Vineyard churches emphasize the validity of "signs and wonders" for today and view miraculous displays of divine power as essential to the growth of the Church. (See Note at end of report.)

Promise Keepers programs include regional stadium rallies, pastors' conferences, one-day leadership-training seminars, books, study guides, videos for small men's groups, national TV spots, a newsletter, and an Internet web site. Books have become a big seller for PK; Thomas Nelson Publishers has nearly two dozen titles on the market for men, including a revised version of McCartney's autobiography, From Ashes to Glory. Nelson is coming out with new titles from PK speakers and is offering retailers merchandising aids to help direct male customers to newly expanded men's sections (4/29/96, Christianity Today).

- Various newspaper articles appear to accurately portray the Promise Keepers movement:

(a) "Many people credit Edwin Louis Cole of Euless with starting the Christian men's movement with his 1982 book Maximized Manhood. His organization, called the Christian Men's Network, publishes a quarterly newspaper and conducts seminars for men across the country called the Real Man Event. ... Promise Keepers' gatherings at football stadiums ... often are accompanied by men sharing problems, openly crying and embracing one another. After a conference ends, they are encouraged to form small groups to meet regularly and continue to talk about their struggles" (10/27/94, Dallas Morning News, p. 7A).

(b) "Promise Keepers asserts that men, by walking away from their family duties, are responsible for much of America's societal dysfunction, which the group's leaders say includes high school dropouts, a soaring crime rate, racism, divorce, homosexuality and abortion. ... [and that we can] restore the nation by exhorting men to become 'promise keepers instead of promise breakers.' ... The women's movement, Promise Keepers says, is at least in part a reaction to the pain and abuse women suffer at the hands of men. This analysis worries critics, who say that such talk could move the group beyond the family to political activism. Some observers see Promise Keepers as the latest turn in the search for male identity in a fast-changing and conflicted society. In American history through the 1950s, the family structure was unabashedly patriarchal. The 1960s and 1970s ushered in the Sensitive Man who acknowledged a feminine side and sought to nurture. The 1990s brought the Wild Man, hairy-chested and testosterone-driven, extolled in author Robert Bly's best seller, Iron John. Now, Promise Keepers' slogan is: 'A man's man is a godly man.' In some ways, it is a throwback to the days of 'Father Knows Best.' Dad is still in charge, but he is kinder, gentler and a lot more spiritual" (7/9/94, The Bloomington Herald-Times [Los Angeles Times story]).

(c) "Promise Keepers combines the Jesus Saves preaching of Billy Graham with the male bonding message of Robert Bly, the call for racial conciliation of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the marital advice of Ann Landers. ... it [the 6/95 PK rally in Houston's Astrodome] had men roaring and applauding Jesus as if he had just scored a touchdown. ... Leaders hope that men will leave the rallies, return to their neighborhoods and churches, and form support groups and partnerships with other men to share feelings, concerns, and advice" (6/27/95, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, p. B10).

- Promise Keepers started out small in 1991 -- 4,200 men attended the first Boulder, Colorado Conference (held at the Coors' Event Center). In 1992, 22,000 men attended. In 1993, 50,000 men jammed University of Colorado's Folsom Stadium, and another 52,000 in 1994. But that's not all. For the first time in 1994, Promise Keepers held regional conferences in six additional cities, with over 227,000 men in total attendance. All totalled, Promise Keepers 1994 attendance at its seven conferences was approximately 280,000 men.

In 1995, Promise Keepers held rallies in football stadiums in 13 major U.S. cities that attracted 727,000 men. Registration fees of more than $38 million were taken in (at $55 per registrant). In 1996, Promise Keepers held 22 rallies and drew 1.1 million attendees (1,098,534 to be exact); revenues exceeded $65 million (at $60 per registrant). (One event was cancelled in 1996, at Denver's Mile High Stadium, due to a dispute over an alleged $300,000 seat-tax liability.) In 1997, 18 rallies were held, but attendance was down more than 40% to about 630,000 (leading to the cancellation of two of the rallies). In 1998, the slide in PK popularity continued -- 19 events attracted only 453,000 men; this in spite of the fact that the events were now free. Only 15 events have been scheduled for 1999 (with 10 of the 15 rallies to be in smaller indoor arenas; total attendance is projected to be about 300,000), and revenues have been projected at only $41 million.

- On October 4, 1997, PK held its Stand in the Gap: A Sacred Assembly Of Men rally on the Mall in Washington, D.C. -- to "kneel in prayer between the Lincoln Memorial and nation's Capitol to seek forgiveness as men ask God to restore America ... we must be of one accord ... our feet in unity... confessing personal and collective sin" (PK's version of the Farrakhan "Million Man March"?). Ten million dollars was budgeted for this free event. Attendance estimates ranged from 480,000 to 700,000. (Speakers included Mike Timmis, a Roman Catholic and PK board member, Jack Hayford, Joseph Stowell, Max Lucado [Church of Christ pastor/false gospel of baptismal regeneration], James Robison, and Tony Evans, along with a taped message from Billy Graham.)

At the Stand in the Gap rally it was also announced that PK would no longer charge a registration fee of $60 for its conferences. Since then its income has plummeted. McCartney announced that some of the 19 conferences scheduled for 1998 might be cancelled, since the stadiums and arenas require substantial deposits and Promise Keepers does not have the money. McCartney unveiled PK's plan for the next three years. He said he wanted every pastor in America to participate in this plan. Every pastor was expected to march to the same unified plan. He said, "We need a unity of command," and, "We need to have everybody on the same page." The page, of course, is PK's page. He said that the Promise Keepers clergy conferences in 1998 would be for the purpose of instructing the pastors in their marching orders. He said, "[R]acial and denominational reconciliation standards will be presented at these pastors' conferences in practical ways that we can live in unity in the Body of Christ, and together make a difference for the Kingdom!"

- To keep up with phenomenal growth of its early-days, Promise Keepers had more than 500 staffers at one point in 1997 (about 30% made up of minorities) (up from 22 employees in 1993, 85 in 1994, 300 in 1995, and 437 in 1996) and a 1997 annual budget of more than $117 million (up from $96 million in 1996, $64 million in 1995, and only $4 million in 1993). (Tax records show that from 1993-1995, PK has booked a profit of $14.7 million, with more than half of that in 1995, the last year for which tax records are available. Net assets are $15 million.)

However, because of falling attendance and free admission at future events (PK's 1997 income fell shy of $70 million), PK laid off about 100 employees in 7/97, and the remainder of all paid employees worldwide effective 3/31/98. PK hired back about 180 staffers later in 1998 after a successful fund raising campaign (see below). Part of the problem might be attributed to the pay levels of PK's executives. PK's 1996 tax returns, which were obtained by Time magazine, show that PK's five vice-presidents were paid between $78,000 and $100,000 each; then president, Randy Phillips, earned $132,512. Their 1997 salaries were the same or higher. McCartney currently draws no salary, other than paid health insurance. However, he is paid "honorariums" for speaking at PK rallies (about $4,000 each; $21,000 total in 1996). In addition, tax records show McCartney received $61,833 in compensation plus other benefits for the years 1995-96. (Source: Plains Baptist Challenger, 8/97).

- Due to its financial woes, McCartney claimed in early-1998 that God wants every church in America to give $1,000. Speaking to a clergy conference in St. Petersburg, Florida, on February 19, attended by more than 3,000 pastors and church members, McCartney said that God told him to say that "every church that names the name of Jesus is supposed to give Promise Keepers $1,000" (Steve Persall, "McCartney appeals for church donations," The Denver Post, Feb. 20, 1998). He went on to say that big churches are "supposed to call the smaller churches and say, 'It wasn't all that hard for us, but can we help you?'" and small churches which lack the $1,000 are supposed "to call a larger church and say, 'Can you help us out here? We want to facilitate what God is doing.'"

To claim that every church in America is supposed to send Promise Keepers $1,000 is absolute insanity. PK does not obey the Bible and has no Biblical authority for its existence. It has its own man-made agenda, yet it has the gall to think that every church in America should be at its beck and call. (Source: 2/24/98, FBIS.) [McCartney also sent a "SpeedAlert" letter in early-March, 1998, to every person on PK's mailing list -- a $98 donation was requested.]

- Promise Keepers has made concerted efforts to bring their program into the local church body. Their success is evidenced by the fact that many churches have now assimilated various Promise Keepers programs into their churches as a "springboard" for their local men's ministries. Men have been specifically designated as Promise Keepers "Point [Key] Men," who then aggressively recruit others and are responsible for keeping the group going. The Key Man serves as the link between his group and PK headquarters. (The "Point Man" name was changed to "Key Man" in 11/95):

"The Point [Key] Man plays an important position for initiating and facilitating men's ministry in his church, and he is vital to Promise Keepers. ... The Point [Key] Man, with the approval of his pastor, is the critical connecting link between the men's ministry of his church and Promise Keepers. Either a lay leader or a pastor, the Point [Key] Man initiates, organizes, and supports the men's ministry program of his church [including small group development]. He acts as a conduit for resources, including materials, national conferences, and training seminars provided by Promise Keepers and other contributing ministries" (Spring 1992/April 1995, Men of Action). [The Key Man application (circa 1999) has a statement to be signed that reads: "I support Promise Keepers' desire to see Vibrant Men's Ministry, Vital Prayer Networks, and Intentional Reconciliation established in every church."]

PK's Dale Schlafer was asked, "What if a pastor wanted to remove a Key Man, but men's group disagreed and pressured the pastor to keep him?" Who would carry the authority in the local church? Schlafer stated that the pastor would prevail; however, the pastor is urged to contact PK before any final decision is made so that PK can work through what is going on. This is an unhealthy arrangement and sets the stage for the possible destruction of the local church. If a local church is to maintain its independency, the church must have the final authority in such matters. This question would never have been asked if PK was not trying to gain a foothold in the local church. Perhaps pastors who support PK will respond to this by saying "Not to worry -- if I have to remove my PK Key Man, I just won't notify PK headquarters." Who is to say that none of the men will call PK? Would you bet your life on it that PK will not meddle in the matter, when they have expressed interest in doing just that? Can a pastor be sure that the PK men in his church (who have made vows to support PK no matter what) will not have the pastor fired or start a church split? Why would PK express any interest in challenging a decision by any pastor to remove or replace a PK Key Man, while at the same time telling the PK's to "Obey your pastor, no matter what?"

- Promise Keepers "Ambassadors" have been positioned by PK between the Field Ministry staff and the Key Men. Their function is to introduce Promise Keepers to churches in the community and to recruit Key Men -- "He carries the message of Promise Keepers to his community, identifies potential Point [Key] Men, and encourages reconciliation across denominational and racial lines" (4/95, Men of Action). The Ambassador Candidate booklet states that, "Because Promise Keepers is committed to building relational bridges, Ambassadors must avoid negative political, doctrinal, and denominational remarks and discussions," and that if an Ambassador encounters "a church outside his personal comfort zone" in doctrine or culture, "he should remember he doesn't have to answer every question" (pp. 3-4). (Emphasis added.) Nevertheless, the "walls of denominationalism" are difficult to break down -- "this process may take six months to a year" (p. 12).

Once a man is accepted to be an a Promise Keepers Ambassador, the cautions against standing for sound doctrine become even more specific. The Ambassador's Instructional booklet warns the Ambassador that he no longer represents himself and his "personal stands on a doctrinal issue," but instead represents Promise Keepers "unique mission" and is "participating in the task of uniting men." The booklet gives "Some of the [doctrinal] issues that should not be addressed: Eternal security; The gifts of the Spirit; Baptism; Pre-tribulation or post-tribulation; Sacraments or ordinances" (p. 10). The Ambassador is told that the PK's Purpose Statement and Statement of Faith had been "carefully worded" in order to avoid doctrinal conflict. Of course! How else could it be accepted by Mormons and Catholics alike (see later in this report)? (Reported in the 11/95, The Berean Call.)

Texas PK Conference Director Vinton Lee has stated that PK is "not just a conference ministry. ... It is an entry point for men," through PK's church ministries in an effort to pump its discipleship curricula directly into local congregations. Over 200,000 local churches had tapped Promise Keepers for information as of 7/95. But because much within Promise Keepers' teaching materials is Biblically unsound and heavily psychologized, this is a real problem for lovers of the truth. [As of 5/95, there were 10,840 Point [Key] Men and Ambassadors with Promise Keepers (4/29/95, Houston Chronicle). (11,842 at year-end 1995)]

- Two of our main concerns about Promise Keepers are the blatant promotion of psychoheresy on the part of most of Promise Keepers most popular authors and speakers and a rising tide of ecumenism that blurs doctrinal distinctives. (Two other concerns, discussed later, are PK's charismatic emphasis and its outright disdain for doctrine.) Indeed, Promise Keepers is both aggressively psychological and ecumenical:

"We believe that we have a God-given mission to unite men who are separated by race, geography, culture, denomination, and economics. ... (John 17: 20-23) We are dedicated, then, to addressing the division that has separated the body of Christ for too long. We are committed to call men to reconcile in Christ, to live as one. ... In the context of covenant relationships, a man willingly grants other men the right to inquire about his relationship to God, his commitment to his family, his sexuality, and his financial dealings. Together they form a team that is committed to advance God's kingdom. Coach McCartney's challenge to us at Promise Keepers '93 targeted two phases of man-to-man relationships. Phase one focuses on meeting with a squad of men 2-4 times a month. Phase two involves meeting once a month with men of different ethnic or denominational backgrounds. ... Coach challenged us to focus on the three P's: (1) the pages of Scripture, (2) prayer, and (3) understanding one another's pain. ... when we take the risk of becoming vulnerable and transparent, we more readily understand and share the pain of our brothers. This establishes trust" (Fall 1993, Men of Action). (Emphasis added.)

It could be argued that ecumenism is the very heart of Promise Keepers. This aggressive ecumenism (the attempt to break down the barriers that separate world religions so that cooperative efforts can be undertaken) can be further illustrated from the Promise Keepers 1994 Conferences brochure -- Seize the Moment, and from the Winter 1994 issue of Men of Action:

"Clearly, something unprecedented happens when men from all denominational, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds assemble in the name of Jesus Christ. ... invite and travel with not only your friends and family but with men from different ethnic and denominational heritages. ... Remember those who are outside your church, denomination, and ethnic group." (Emphasis added.)

Notice in the above quotes the subtle line that is crossed as denominational barriers are placed in the same category as racism and social discrimination, as if they are equitable concepts. How are these barriers created? By doctrinal differences!! The implication, thus, is that doctrinal differences, like racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic differences, must be ignored if unity is to be achieved. Hence the slogan of all ecumenists -- "doctrine divides." Groups like Promise Keepers call upon Christians to disobey Christ by accepting and accommodating the presence of theological error in their midst (The Communications Digest, November-January 1996, Marc A. Graham, "Promise Keepers: Satan's Newest Ecumenical Strategy," pp. 5 & 9).

[The 1/6/97 Christianity Today reported that PK was taking new steps to achieve its goal of denominational unity and to allay fears that it will steal men's loyalty from their churches. PK was forming separate "partnerships" with various denominations. Agreements had already been made with three tongues-speaking groups (Assemblies of God, Church of God [Cleveland, Tenn.], and the International Pentecostal Holiness Church). (The AOG had appointed a staff member as a liaison between the two groups, had sent many of its leadership for training in men's ministries, and planed to use PK for some technical support. The AOG's new men's ministry was named "HonorBound: Men of Promise.") PK was finalizing agreements with the Southern Baptist Convention and the Christian and Missionary Alliance.]

The whole thrust of Promise Keepers, then, is anti-doctrine. Theology is of very little significance to PK; instead it is a "relationship with Jesus" that matters. Life, not doctrine is important. But, there can be no spiritual life without truth, and there is no relationship with Christ unless it is grounded in the Word. Christ and His truth cannot be separated! (3/97, Think on These Things, p. 3).

- The book Seven Promises of A Promise Keeper is a workbook being used by the Promise Keepers movement. Contributing authors include Campus Crusade's Bill Bright, pop psychologist James Dobson, ecumenical evangelist Luis Palau, psychologist Gary Smalley, hyper-charismatic Jack Hayford, and Bill McCartney. It was published in 1994 by Dobson's Focus on the Family Publishing. Under Promise #6 is a chapter entitled "A Call to Unity" by Bill McCartney. The following excerpts from this chapter and the workbook notes which follow it reveal the unscriptural confusion pertaining to the nature of the church and the dangerous ecumenical goals of Promise Keepers:

"The Body of Christ comprises a wide diversity of members. There are many denominations, various styles of worship, and representatives from all walks of life. ... the Bible says there is only one Body. Jesus prayed that we all might be one. [John 17] As men who are Promise Keepers, we must determine to break beyond the barriers and our comfort zones and get to know other members of that Body. ... We're going to break down the walls that separate us so that we might demonstrate the power of biblical unity based on what we have in common ... be a bridge builder ... Pray daily for unity among Christians in your community."

The prayer of the Lord Jesus Christ in John 17 is abused and twisted out of all sense of context when it is said to be a prayer for ecumenical unity. The unity Christ prayed for is one based on truth and the Word of God (Jn. 17:6,8,14,17,19), whereas the ecumenical movement downplays the importance of doctrine. (In fact, in Promise Keepers zeal for unity, it has decided that doctrine is a stumbling block to unity, rather than the Biblical basis for it.) True unity is a product of the Holy Spirit's regenerative and enlightening power, not of man's puny, imperfect efforts. The Bible knows absolutely nothing of a proper unity apart from mutual commitment to God's Truth -- "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3). The answer is no, they cannot, unless they aim to disobey the Word of God. That Promise Keepers leaders care nothing for a pure Gospel and for Bible truth is plain by their attitude toward Roman Catholicism (see below). (Excerpted from the 1/95, O Timothy, p. 23.) (For an excellent analysis of Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper, see also the Jan-Feb 1995, Foundation Magazine, "The Promise Keepers Movement is Dangerous," pp. 4-12, 31-33. This article is also available in tract form from the Fundamental Evangelistic Association, P.O. Box 6278, Los Osos, CA 93412. The tract demonstrates how PK has looked to extra-Biblical sources and has attempted to dress up the seven promises in Biblical garb.)

- Promise Keepers not only erases doctrinal distinctives, but embraces and supports error. At the 1994 National Conference, Bill McCartney made it clear just how far Promise Keepers is willing to go with their doctrinal indifference and desire for "Christian" unity (quoted in the 9/19/94, Christian News): (Statements similar to the one below were also made by McCartney at the 1994 Promise Keepers' regional conference held in Portland, Oregon, and in the book Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper, pp. 160-161.)

"Promise Keepers doesn't care if you're a Baptist. Are you born in the Spirit of God? Promise Keepers doesn't care if you're a Pentecostal. Are you born in the Spirit? Now hear this! Promise Keepers doesn't care if you're a Roman Catholic. Are you born into the Spirit of God?"

Thus, McCartney views the Catholic Church as just another Christian denomination with a few unique aspects, rather than an apostate organization that teaches works salvation, extra-Biblical revelation, the worship of idols, and dozens of other false doctrines. And yet in Folsom Stadium (1994 National Conference), all were led into what was called and considered to be public worship and prayer with all the others there in the stadium in the name of "Christian" unity. But it's a false unity because there is no agreement in the true Christian faith! (Jude 3 -- ... contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.) [See Media Spotlight editor Al Dager's interview with Promise Keepers then president Randy Phillips in the Media Spotlight 11/94 Special Report: "Promise Keepers: Is What You See What You Get?" pp. 11-12. In summary, Promise Keepers official policy toward leading Roman Catholics to the truth is basically one of hands-off. Within Promise Keepers, it seems that rebuke, correction, and exclusion apply only to those who would insist on purity of doctrine among those with whom they fellowship.]

- As far as the Catholic Church is concerned, the feeling is apparently mutual. The Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles is quite willing to welcome McCartney and friends back into fellowship with Romanism. An article in the 3/15/95 The Tidings, an official publication of the L.A. Archdiocese, had this to say about Promise Keepers ("'Promise Keepers' Promises Spiritual Renewal for Men," p. 3):

"[Promise Keepers] began among more fundamentalist and evangelical Christian communities, but [is] now being expanded to include Catholic congregations. ... at the urging of Cardinal Roger Mahony [of the L.A. Archdiocese] ... has studied the feasibility and appropriateness of utilizing Promise Keepers at the Catholic parish level. [It was concluded that] there is no 'doctrinal' issue which should cause concern to the Catholic Church. Promise Keepers places a very strong emphasis on returning to your own church, congregation, or parish and becoming an active layman. There is no attempt at proselytizing or drawing men away from their faith to another church." (Emphasis added.)

One Catholic who attended the Anaheim, California regional Promise Keepers conference in May of 1994 was so "inspired" he brought "the concept back to his parish, which in turn sponsored a Promise Keepers seminar for 100 men, with presentations by local priests." The Los Angeles Archdiocese has concluded that "Promise Keepers can grow at the local parish level ... without adversely impacting existing parish programs or finances." In fact, the L.A. Archdiocese is quite confident that no Catholics will be lost to Protestant churches through Promise Keepers, since "one of the promises of the [Promise Keepers] program is to return [a PK participant] to [his] local church ..." Thus, Roman Catholic leaders are quick to observe how Promise Keepers can be used to build their own church which preaches a false gospel! [With this official Roman Catholic endorsement of Promise Keepers, the 5/5/95-5/6/95 Promise Keepers Los Angeles Men's Conference drew in excess of 72,000 to the 100,000-seat Los Angeles Coliseum.]

The Catholic charismatic magazine New Covenant has also featured Promise Keepers. On the front cover of the 4/95 edition and in an article titled "Bands of Brothers," New Covenant cites Promise Keepers as a hope for bringing men back into the churches. The article describes Promise Keepers as focusing on male bonding as a means to restore men's identities as members of a warrior class. (Reported in Media Spotlight, Vol. 16 - No. 1, "Promise Keepers Update," p. 3.) [Patterned after PK, the Catholic church has developed two separate new men's groups of their own: "Saint Joseph's Covenant Keepers, which focuses on small groups and obedience to eight commitments; and Ministry to Black Catholic Men, which accentuates personal and community change through a message of responsibility for rebuilding relationships, families, and communities" (4/29/96, Christianity Today).]

An article in the 7/23/95 Today's Catholic titled "Promise Keepers' Christian crusade draws Catholic men," claims that Catholics have become very active in Promise Keepers. In fact, PK has even made a practicing Roman Catholic (Steve Jenkins) a PK Field Ministry representative for all of the states of Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin! Jenkins used to be a computer salesman, but became involved in PK after attending the 1992 PK conference in Boulder, Colorado. The same issue of Today's Catholic also reported that an official PK Men's Ministry Leadership Seminar was held in July of 1995 at Catholic Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, where 640 Catholic men attended. The conference closed with a Catholic mass performed by Steubenville's president, priest Michael Scanlan. [Men's Ministry Leadership Seminars were held at Franciscan again in 1996 and 1997. Scheduled to speak at the 1996 event was PK V.P. Dale Schlafer. Other speakers included Catholic priest Michael Scanlan and Catholic Deacon Raphael de los Reyes, Director of Radio Peace Catholic Broadcasting. The notice in the Franciscan University '97 Summer Conference Magazine says: "Join NFL coach Danny Abramowicz, pro-family advocate Alan Keyes, Detroit business leader Mike Timmis [now a PK board member], Hispanic evangelist Deacon Raphael de los Reyes, and a dynamic team of speakers including Jim Berlucchi, Jeff Cavins, John Mooney, Mark Nehrbas, Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, and Dale Schlafer of Promise Keepers as we strive together to be men of Jesus Christ and faithful sons of our heavenly father."]

- PK has also received endorsement from the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. The 5/17/97 Buffalo News (New York) contained a report on the upcoming Promise Keepers conference in that area. Following are excerpts from this report:

"Although the movement is perceived to be largely Protestant, [Bill] McCartney said during a news conference in the Buffalo Christian Center that PROMISE KEEPERS HAS THE APPROVAL OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS, USES SOME CATHOLIC SPEAKERS AND WELCOMES CATHOLIC MEN, INCLUDING PRIESTS. ... The bishops' position, contained in a 1996 position paper prepared by its Committee on Marriage and Family, indicates that Catholics may participate in Promise Keepers events. The conferences, the paper suggests, may 'be filling a spiritual and pastoral vacuum' in the lives of some Catholic men and challenged church leaders to develop programs to meet those needs. Bishop Henry J. Mansell of the Buffalo Catholic Diocese said Friday that 'Catholics are free to attend the Promise Keepers conference.' ... 'It is his hope that after the conference there will be follow up experiences in their home parishes,' said Monsignor David M. Lee, diocesan director of communications."

- At a PK meeting in Plainview, Texas in 1995, a Catholic priest urged listeners to value themselves because they were made in the image of God. He also encouraged PK-ers to keep themselves pure. One observer commented on this:

"Imagine involving the Catholic Church and Catholic priests into telling men to keep their promises and to keep themselves pure. Look at any country where the Catholics make up the majority, and you will find an immoral and corrupt society. In those societies, women have very few rights, and the men have open season on committing adultery. Imagine Catholic priests speaking on keeping promises and staying pure, when 40% or more of the Catholic priests are homosexuals [by the Catholic Church's own admission]. ... [and] are charged with molesting children, especially boys" (12/95, Plains Baptist Challenger, p. 4).

- Promise Keepers also has no problem involving Mormons in its meetings. While Mormon headquarters has no official position on Promise Keepers, many Mormon men have and continue to participate in Promise Keepers. Local Mormon leaders generally agree with Promise Keepers seven promises and have privately praised the movement and commented on how attendance "has been a life changing experience for some of the Mormon men." Promise Keepers has given at least one presentation to a Reorganized Mormon church that was "very high" on the Promise Keepers and "would no doubt be going with it" since they had "no problem with it at all. ... It's a wonderful program. The men at my church will be participating." (Reported in the May/June 1995, PsychoHeresy Awareness Letter, "Promise Keepers, Catholics, and Mormons ... Together," pp. 1,3.)

[Chip Rawlings, a local Los Angeles lawyer and leader in the Palos Verdes Stake (a group of Mormon congregations), has publicly urged members to participate in PK. PK's seven promises are "like something straight out of the men's priesthood manual for the [Mormon] church," he told the L.A. Times (5/6/95 article). It is interesting that Promise Keepers, while claiming to preach a non-doctrinal gospel at its rallies, finds acceptance even among Mormon leaders, whose theology and Christology are aberrant (Mormons view Jesus as Satan's brother, the product of the Father's physical intercourse with Mary, who then attained Godhood as had His Father before Him), and Roman Catholic clergy, who insist that true salvation rests only in the sacraments of the Church.]

- In late-1997, a unique opportunity to examine the validity of PK's salvation message became available on the Internet -- Promise Keepers posted their opinion of an online salvation tract titled "Meet Jesus." When printed on paper, "Meet Jesus" is six pages long. The first three pages culminate in a "salvation prayer," while the last three address discipleship. It is a very professional presentation complete with pictures, but more than that, it is positive proof that the PK doctrine of salvation is a perversion of that found in the Bible:

NO GUILT -- The essence of "Meet Jesus" is that "we have inherited" a "disease" called sin, but that we are not at fault. Blame is placed on Adam; personal guilt for our own sin is completely ignored.

NO ACCOUNTABILITY -- The words "punishment" and "hell" never appear in "Meet Jesus." The consequences of sin are said to be "eternal separation from God." In addition to being a half truth (at best), this must seem rather inconsequential to a man who has already lived his entire life separated from God.

NO REPENTANCE -- Aside from a pat on the head repentance is never mentioned. The prayer for salvation has a sentence that says, "I turn from my sin," but the reader is never given any indication of what this means, or that he even has any personal guilt or sin from which to turn. His sin could very well be nothing more than the "diseased spiritual DNA" mentioned earlier in the tract.

NO TRUTH -- Without a doubt, "Meet Jesus" was intended to be acceptable to all. A Catholic, Mormon, or Jehovah's Witness could read it without seeing any contradiction to their own false doctrine. In fact, the Mormon heresy that we are all children of God from birth is well supported in "Meet Jesus." The opening words of the "salvation prayer" are "Father, I've come home."

NO JESUS -- Perhaps the most egregious offense in "Meet Jesus" is the fact that you don't. You would think that a document intended to introduce the Lord would talk about who He is or what He did. In the first three pages of "Meet Jesus" (which lead up to the "salvation prayer") there are a total of two sentences (36 words) that say anything about the person and work of Christ. The words "blood" and "atonement" never appear. Aside from one allusion to His deity, He is never specifically identified. The doctrines of substitution and propitiation are never mentioned either in name or concept.

We cannot say we are surprised. An ecumenical organization made up of men who cannot agree on what one must do to inherit eternal life cannot be expected to accurately present Biblical salvation. A group like Promise Keepers, dedicated to the un-Biblical agenda of a one world church and government, isn't likely to ignore its goals by proclaiming the truth of the word of God. Could anyone be surprised to learn that such a group is not actually bringing lost sinners to "meet Jesus"? (Source: 10/97, Plains Baptist Challenger; "Promise Keepers vs. Biblical Salvation," by George Shafer.)

- On the national radio program "Promise Keepers This Week," for 8/31/96, PK founder Bill McCartney made the following remarks:

"I look for real problems in the future in the area of denominations. I believe that what we've seen has been the grace of God. I believe that -- there've been thousands of Catholic men that have come to Promise Keepers, and they've been blessed and they've gone back to their churches, and they've said, 'We want more of this.' And the Catholic churches have gathered, the bishops have gotten together, and they've sanctioned Promise Keepers. They said, 'Go ahead and go. This is something God is doing.' Well, in the meantime, while this has been slow to develop, God's been bringing the various Protestant denominations together. ... Now Promise Keepers is going to have to understand that more and more Catholics are going to participate. And what every guy needs to do is stop looking at people's labels and ask this question: 'Does this guy know Jesus? Does he love Jesus with all his heart? Has he been born of the Spirit of God?' And if you see that fruit, then quit making judgments. Just accept him. We're all the same before God ... So let's not start categorizing people. Let's just allow God to be God and he can bless who He chooses to bless. And that's how Promise Keepers is going to grow."

We should focus on the matter of labels, but Bill McCartney is very confused about labels. Labels mean something. They are important. I am glad that the pharmacist uses labels. I am glad that the grocer uses labels. I am also glad that Christians use labels. Our labels commonly define what we believe; they define our doctrinal position, which tells others whether we have the Jesus of the Bible or a counterfeit one. PK has a counterfeit one.

- Based on the information detailed above, it is evident that in addition to the well-known Seven Promises of Promise Keepers, there are three unwritten promises also being made and kept. The three unwritten promises are just that -- unwritten. You will not find them directly stated in Promise Keepers' books; nor do they appear in any of their talks, whether at the rallies or in smaller gatherings. It is doubtful, if asked, that the Promise Keepers would directly affirm or deny these three promises. Nonetheless, Catholics, Mormons, and Reorganized Mormons know that the three unwritten promises exist and they trust the three promises will be kept. The three unwritten promises of Promise Keepers are very simply:

(1) Promise Keepers will not violate your doctrines;

(2) Promise Keepers will not proselytize your men; and

(3) Promise Keepers will send men back to their parishes, churches, and wards.

If these three unwritten promises were not committed to and kept, why would Catholics, Mormons, and Reorganized Mormons encourage their men to participate? Would they send their men to rallies or meetings where their doctrines would be violated or their men would be proselytized and stolen from their parishes, churches, and wards? Absolutely not!

The "gospel" message of the Promise Keepers is not the true Gospel message. The true Gospel message will, at times, offend and condemn. Furthermore, true Biblical preaching and teaching will speak of heresies and aberrant teachings and will even name names, as the apostle Paul did. Imagine, if you will, the apostle Paul having a "rally" and inviting the Scribes, Pharisees, Essenes, Judaizers, and others. Then imagine Paul committing himself to not violating their doctrines, not proselytizing them, and then sending the men back to their "churches." Underneath the hoop, holler, and hype of the Promise Keepers movement is an ecumenicalism that smacks of the last days spoken of in Scripture, rather than what some have called the "greatest move of God since the day of Pentecost." This "move of God" is arguably the largest (in terms of numbers) and broadest (in terms of denominations) ecumenicalism that the world has ever seen (Adapted and/or excerpted from "Promise Keepers' 3 Unwritten Promises," PsychoHeresy Awareness Letter, Sept-Oct 1995, pp. 1-2).

- McCartney also stated at the 1994 National Conference that he thought perhaps the Lord's main purpose for Promise Keepers was to gather His clergy, and that in the Summer of 1996 McCartney hoped to gather 75,000 of them in Denver (see next item for change of venue). To hype this plan, McCartney held a revival-style "altar call" of sorts for pastors. All the pastors present among the 52,000 in attendance were asked to come down to the stage. All the people sang and yelled for ten minutes while about 3,000 pastors came forward. McCartney had all the pastors assembled in front of the stage turn and hold up their hands to the crowd and a blessing was pronounced on the people. Then the pastors turned and kneeled, and there were prayers said confessing sin for not carrying out their office faithfully, including "putting up barriers on account of denominational dogma"; i.e., a prayer asking for forgiveness for being a pastor who is not doctrinally indifferent! Some pastors there called this the "emotional highlight" of the weekend and "special." There was waving of thousands of hats in the stadium and a screaming liturgy of the crowd "we love you," and the pastors responding "we love you." (Reported in the 9/19/94, Christian News, p. 6.)

Those who love the truth should take note and watch carefully because Promise Keepers has a very large emotional following and organizational momentum. In spite of their errors, they could be very effective at this point -- an appeal to a priestly pastoral class. In fact, McCartney has stated that we as Christians need our pastors to rightly divide the Word of Truth for us because we can't do it for ourselves!

- Promise Keepers held a "1996 National Clergy Conference" (2/13/96-2/15/96) in Atlanta's Georgia Dome stadium. The theme for the conference was "Fan Into Flame," because McCartney believes "God wants to bring revival to His church through its clergy" (2/26/96, Christian News, p. 10). The purpose of this gathering, according to McCartney, was to "tear the hearts of pastors wide open so that a single leadership can be produced." He had hoped to "bring as many as 100,000 ministers and priests of all races together" (7/1/95, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, p. C8). [Actual attendance was 39,024, which represented all 50 states and more than a dozen foreign countries; 600 in attendance were Roman Catholic priests!] Speakers for the event were Jack Hayford, Joseph Stowell, Chuck Swindoll, and E.V. Hill. Steve Green provided the ecumenical contemporary music, while Billy Graham sent a message relayed to everyone that PK is "the organization that helps the church work," and needs to "tear down the walls that separate us." Also, James Dobson's Focus on the Family sponsored a three-hour evening reception for the attendees on 2/14/96.

At the beginning of the conference, hyper-charismatic Jack Hayford was speaking and trying to influence everyone to "dance in the Lord," an unscriptural routine favored by the fanatical wing of Pentecostal charismaticism. Hayford said he learned the dance in Africa, and later the Lord spoke to him directly saying, "May I have this dance?" He then began doing an African folkdance around the podium, suggestive of the dances associated with heathen witch-doctoring. [Nobody at the conference seemed disturbed that Hayford was teaching them Charismatic worship forms, much less that he claimed to receive these teachings through direct revelation from God!] General musical choices at the conference were of the satanic hard rock variety (ear-splitting noise) that was utterly devoid of true spirituality. (Reported in the 3/11/96, Christian News, p. 11.)

In keeping with the spirit of paganism, PK had a group of Cherokee Indians walk 168 miles from North Carolina to perform a name-giving ceremony. Since the highest honor that an Indian can receive is a name, the Indian's Chief conferred names on Randy Phillips and Bill McCartney. Phillips was given an Indian name that means "God's Eagle," while McCartney received the name "Victorious Warrior." Both were honored with Indian Headdress, a poem was read called "No More Broken Treaties," and a former Indian Medicine Man, Peter Gray Eyes, prayed over Phillips and McCartney. What will PK come up with next? (Reported by Christian Interactive Network's live coverage; and the Spring 1996, Men of Action.)

McCartney even encouraged the pastors present to enter into a blood covenant. A major thrust McCartney gave was, "Commitment is seen in discipleship and a blood covenant. The blood covenant means to be bound in speech and action with all who are in this covenant. This covenant is stronger than family and denominational ties." He then asked, "How strong is your commitment to the blood? Do you agree?" This was followed by an ear-piercing shout of "We all agree!" from the 39,000 clergy. The idea of a blood covenant is not Biblical; it is rooted in pagan spiritual practices whereby two people would cut themselves and mingle their blood in order to form a bond stronger than family ties. McCartney's idea of a blood covenant is to accept everyone who calls himself born again without regard to beliefs and practices that are contrary to Scripture. McCartney was asking the "clergy" to enter into a blood covenant with false teachers. And the amazing thing is that they heartily agreed! What does this say about the discernment and spiritual condition of so many "clergy," particularly the PK-enamored clergy. (Reported in the 8/96, Media Spotlight, "Promise Keepers Keeps On Keeping On," p. 6.)

When a question was asked at a press conference regarding "laughing revivals" -- where those involved "bark like dogs" and "bray like donkeys" -- Dr. Henry Blackaby (SBC author of the mystical book Experiencing God), speaking on behalf of PK said, "We don't try to evaluate that, and neither do we take a position regarding women serving as pastors." Dr. Joseph Stowell [President, Moody Bible Institute] immediately declared, "Our God does not ever wear an angry face. He deals with compassion." [We don't know what Bible Dr. Stowell uses, but it is not the same one we use! Does he really think God did not have an angry face when He told Moses He was going to destroy Israel for its sin (Exodus 32:9,10), or that Jesus Christ did not have an angry face when He drove the money changers out of the temple? The Bible says the Lord Jesus Christ "looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts" (Mark 3:5).] These thousands of clergymen hugged one another, laid hands on one another's head, and also exchanged names, addresses, and phone numbers. This took place so that when they returned home they could being to network in communication and to begin "prayer meetings" together. They were urged to refrain from "criticism of any other group." PK wants reconciliation in spite of doctrinal differences between churches -- even Protestant and Roman Catholic groups (Ralph Colas report, 4/1/96, Christian News, pp. 1, 9-10; bracketed comment from O Timothy editor, David Cloud).

The Atlanta Clergy Conference included compromise, ecumenism, apostasy, Jesuit casuistry (the end justifies the means), and hyper-emotionalism, along with a theology based on relationships rather than Biblical truth. Thus, Promise Keepers has once again proved that it is much more than a group attempting to help men live godly lives. It is a committed program of intentional compromise -- an ecumenical train moving from one area to another. PK's premise that unity "is based on our love of Jesus" is incorrect. Unity must be based on the unchanging Word of the living God (Ralph Colas report, 4/1/96, Christian News, pp. 1, 9-10). [The very idea of a clergy conference is itself antithetical to Biblical truth. There is no clergy class found in Scripture; it was an invention of Roman Catholicism and has been maintained through the Protestant churches. The concept is that of a priesthood separate from the priesthood of all believers.]

- Promise Keepers even invited women pastors to participate in its 1998 conferences. According to the Los Angeles Times religion page, Jan. 24, 1998, a few female pastors participated in the regional clergy conference on January 20 in San Diego, California. The LA Times interviewed one of these, Roberta Hestenes, pastor of Solano Beach Presbyterian Church and former president of left-wing Eastern College near Philadelphia (the teaching home of Tony Campolo). She said, "I find it surprising that I am going. But I've heard [Promise Keepers founder] Bill McCartney say that they desire to be supportive of women pastors, and I'm taking him at his word." This is not a new feature of Promise Keepers. In July 1996, Promise Keepers director for the state of Missouri, Louis Monroe, said PK welcomes female pastors. (Source 1/27/98, FBIS.) [Nine such Clergy conferences were held in 1998 (1/15/98-3/12/98), with the theme, "Equipping Leaders of Men: Practical Ways to Develop Men of God in Your Church.")

- In the Spring '92 issue of the Promise Keepers' Men of Action newsletter, it was reported:

"12,148 Committed Promise Keepers & Counting -- To date, that's how many men have made a decision to live their lives dedicated to the seven tenets of Promise Keepers. ... We have identified seven areas of a man's life which are directly affected by this commitment."

The Winter 1994 issue of Men of Action reports that there are now over 13,000 men who have signed the seven tenets of Promise Keepers; a 6/95 newspaper article said over 65,000 have signed pledges. Promise Keepers is now including commitment cards with each conference attendee's syllabus, so the number of commitments should dramatically increase.

The following is tenet number 5, which we believe encourages ecumenism and, thereby, directly violates the doctrine of Biblical separation (Rom. 16:17; 2 Jn. 10,11; etc.):

"A Promise Keeper is committed to reach beyond any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity. He acknowledges the current division in the church and is discovering that God wants Christian men of all ethnic and denominational heritages, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, to stand together in honor of Jesus Christ. He is willing to cultivate relationships with his brothers in Christ in order to understand their pain. A Promise Keeper is willing to cross over the lines that have divided the church and meet with at least one man of a different race or denomination at least once a month." (Emphasis added.)

In addition, tenet number 7 states: (Emphasis added.)

"A Promise Keeper is committed to pursue vital relationships with a few other men, understanding that he needs his brothers to help keep his promises. [Where is this in the Bible?] He agrees to meet with a small group of men 2-4 times each month. ... Each man willingly grants the others the right to inquire about his relationship to God, his commitment to his family, his sexuality, and his financial dealings. ..."

[Of the Promise Keepers' seven promises, Promise #5 reads: "A Promise Keeper is committed to supporting the mission of the church ... by actively giving of his time and resources." So, what is the result of the past eight years of PK? Religion researcher George Barna reported recently that male church attendance has shown NO increase since 1991, when PK sponsored its first event in Colorado. (Source: 12/1/98, Calvary Contender.)]

- For an example of just how silly Promise Keepers' infatuation with breaking down racial and denominational barriers has become, one only need look to the 6/94 Promise Keepers regional conference held in Denton, Texas (2/6/95, Christianity Today, "Manhood's Great Awakening," p. 23):

"Some 33,000 men gathered for the conference held last June, only to be sent fleeing by a devastating rainstorm that destroyed equipment and shut down the program for more than five hours. Recalls president Randy Phillips, 'When we got back together, we said "Lord, is there something you want to show us here?"' The men unanimously concluded that God had allowed the storm to happen to show them how much they were lacking in making the Texas meeting a racially mixed affair, says Phillips. 'After that, all the speakers laid aside their prepared messages and united together to address how racism has divided the church.'"

Over three years later, McCartney did his Martin Luther King impression at an 11/96 PK staff conference ("two marathon days of confession, repentance, and reconciliation") -- "Promise Keepers has got to be a place where our brothers and sisters of color feel respected, where they feel accepted, and where they can finally say, 'Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty we are free at last'" (Spring 1997, Men of Action, pp. 5-6).

- One of the movements within Promise Keepers that is also gaining prominence within other ministries is the concept of mentoring. Promise Keepers is based on the belief that every man must have an older mentor to whom he can be held accountable for his decisions and actions in life. Moreover, Promise Keepers believes that every man should not only have an older mentor, but also have a spiritual peer, as well as a younger man to whom he can be a mentor. Another word for mentoring would be discipling or shepherding, which has gained prominence within the charismatic movement. Yet, as much as Promise Keepers insists on the importance of male bonding and accountability to one another, the Promise Keepers manual on the subject (Brothers! Calling Men Into Vital Relationships:1993) is heavily psychological in orientation, not Scriptural (Media Spotlight, 11/94 Special Report on Promise Keepers, pp. 7-8).

Promise Keepers believes that as a part of mentoring, every man must be accountable to some other man, especially in the areas of one's finances, sexual life, and relationship to God. This partner gained through mentoring, then, must be given complete freedom to inquire into any of these areas at will, with the understanding that he may bring correction to those areas he feels are not in proper alignment. This is a kind of covenant relationship not found anywhere in Scripture. In fact, to the contrary, God takes such covenants far more seriously than does Promise Keepers (cf. Num. 30:2). [Media Spotlight, 11/94 Special Report on Promise Keepers, p. 13. See also the 4/95, Men of Action, p. 8, for "An Open Letter From 'Generation X,'" which is a plea for mentors, all couched in psychological terms.]

One error that comes from this covenant relationship is the encouraging of men to take oaths. This unbiblical practice is not at all uncommon at Promise Keepers meetings. These oaths are supposed to entail life-changing decisions. Instead, they impose an extra-Biblical series of requirements on men. The Seven Promises themselves comprise nothing more than a surrogate sanctification that puts men under legalism rather than grace (9/95, The Christian Conscience, p. 24).

- Promise Keepers even goes so far as to mandate mentoring relationships. In Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper (pp. 55, 61) and its sequel, The Power of a Promise Kept (p. 4), PK teaches:

"It is impossible for men to fulfill the commands of Scripture without being in significant relationship with other men." (Emphasis added.)

Apparently God overlooked this fact when He only made Eve to help Adam fulfill the commands entrusted to him. Another PK author actually asks, "Do you have someone other than your wife with whom you can share your secret temptations and failure" (The Power of a Promise Kept, p. 123). By "other than," this author clearly means someone instead of your wife, not in addition to her, since only six pages later, he commends to the reader the example of one so-called promise-keeper who salved his conscience by telling his male soulmate, instead of his wife, about some infidelity he had committed. Another PK writer even lists factors to help husbands decide on a case-by-case basis whether they should confess infidelities to their wives (Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper, p. 96), but then, without skipping a beat, this same author mandates that men develop bonds with a few other men with whom they can "acknowledge" their "secret sins." (Excerpted and/or adapted from the 3/4/96, Christian News, p. 13.)

(자료출처 http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Psychology/pk/