Will being a 'promise keeper' make me a Godly man?

     I struggle with the question. On the one hand, I hear some people say that this movement of "male integrity" is the most awesome sign of revival in our country in a long time. On the other hand, I hear that this movement is a shift towards ecumenism and apostasy. Most pastors seem to feel that this is indeed the path to unity in Christ, while some feel that this is unity at all costs. Large numbers of men are coming forward at these events, presumably to give their lives to Christ. But is this a true conversion? What in the world is this movement calling itself 'promise keepers'???

      1) Q. Who started this thing, anyway?
          A. Bill Macartney, former football coach. Converted from Catholicism to Christianity in the Vineyard movement ( Vineyard founded by John Wimber ). Coach Mac's pastor in Denver is James Ryle ( claims direct revelation from God thru Beatle's music, sports, any large venue in the world today ). Ryle is part of a group called 'the Kansas city prophets' with members Paul Kane & others ( self-proclaimed prophets who supposedly far exceed any prior apostles, even Paul of the New Testament!)

     2) Q. Who can attend these meetings?
          A. Men only. If you claim faith in Jesus Christ, you are welcome at these intra-denominational gatherings. You can meet men of many faiths, including all Protestant denominations ( Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists, Charismatic, non-denom., etc. ) you can also get to know some Catholics, Mormons, and Jehovah's Witnesses; these last few comprise a smaller percentage, but they still attend in good numbers. You might even be lucky enough to meet some of the Ordained homosexual ministers from the Episcopalian Church!

     3) Q. What if I have some Doctrinal difference with these people?
           A. Don't sweat it. Promise Keepers does not teach doctrine ( N.W. Christian journal, June 95' ) If you hear something you don't understand, just return to your home church and ask your Pastor; ( If you're Catholic, ask your Bishop [ or the Pope! ] If you're a Mormon, just ask the god-man one rung above you! ) To each his own.

     4) Q. Who gets to speak at these meetings?
           A. You will hear Pastors from every belief-background, including (but not limited to) E.V. Hill, James Ryle, Jack Hayford, etc. You will even be treated to the likes of Gary Smalley, 'Christian psychologist' ( whatever that means! )

     5) Q. Can such diverse doctrinal backgrounds ever reconcile their differences?
           A. They don't need too, that's the beauty of it! Just steer clear of most meaningful Bible doctrines, and you got it made!

      6) Q. What if I want sound biblical teaching?
           A. You will hear messages on abraham's altar ( altars are made of stones, stones are hard, Abram was bringing his hard things before God...[?!?!?!?!?]) ; Jesus going up the mountain ( Jesus went up to pray, mountains are tough to climb, what mountains do you have in your life, just like Jesus climb them with prayer....[?!?!?!?!?]) etc. In short, you will hear what sounds like Biblical teaching.

     7) Q. I thought the bible taught us that we shouldn't make promises? Matt 5:33-37; James 4:13-16,5:12
           A. It does. But again, simply ignore what God's word really says, pour into it your own meaning, and you too can be a promise keeper!

     8) Q. Why do men subject themselves to this?
           A. Good question.
           a) they don't know any better.
           b) some are starved for spiritual food because the modern church is slipping and sliding downhill, and not doing the job assigned to it; namely making disciples!
           c) some just don't care. They are religious pretenders and it makes no difference to them how God's word is handled! We must also remember the numerous teachings in the new testament about end time false prophets. 1 Tim 1:3-7,6:20-21; 2Tim 2:14-3:5; 2 Pet 2:1-3:18; 1,2,3 John; Jude....you get the picture.

     9) Q. Why would a Born again Christian even want to attend?
           A. ......Beats me!

     10) Q. Should I save my $55.00*  for something more relevant to my Christian walk?
           A. I know I would; maybe invest in some good study tools and find out what real Biblical manhood is all about!

     * $55 X 60,000 men....26 get-togethers a year.... you do the math.

" Let God be true and every man a liar " Rom 3:4



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