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Foreword A copy of this booklet was sent to Promise Keepers in Boulder, Colorado. The intent was to allow them to examine the materials and correct any inaccurate quotes it contained. Several of the quotes were "clarified." However, the "clarification" did not change the context. These "clarification" were within the context of the PK's theology, which I find faulty. They also encouraged me to check some (actually only one) of my secondary sources. You may see their objections in "Clarification By Promise Keepers" at the end of this booklet. Also at the end of this booklet you will see a letter that we distributed to churches in our local association and various other churches. This letter was in response to an invitation to participate in a "wake up call" in our community. "Why Baptist are not Ecumenical" Before we begin with the "Facts" let me refer you to a Scripture that will shed some light on what I think the Bible says about the movement Promise Keepers. Luke 7:29-30 29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him .No greater prophet ever lived than John the Baptist -- so says the Word of God (verse 28). But he was more than a prophet, he was a messenger preparing the way for the Lord. Do not minimize the emphasis on this text! This man 's role and his message was the "course change" for the world. John's message of the arrived Christ ushered in a new will of God! This was no small occurrence for either God's people or the world. What a day! John preached repentance and the baptism of repentance -- repent, then demonstrate your repentance by obedience to this new command of immersion. God's man was to plot a new course for Israel and the world. Salvation had not changed; it was always constant from before "the foundation of the world". It was, and always would be, by "grace through faith." But now God had a new direction and that direction demanded immersion at the hands of this man called John the Baptist. When Jesus called out his disciples they had already been prepared for this calling by accepting John's message and receiving his baptism. (Acts 1:21-22). John preached and baptized as a direct command of God. To refuse John's baptism was to refuse this new covenant God was establishing. The Pharisees refused this baptism, thus refusing the counsel of God. In this single act they "... rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." (In order NOT to reject the counsel of God they MUST be baptized.) These requirements have not changed! The foundation of the PK movement goes back to its founder, Bill McCartney. Look at his roots. They are firmly planted in the Vineyard movement, a hyper-Pentecostal group that believes in out-of-the-body experiences and "holy laughter" and a number of other ungodly practices. If those were not enough to make you run, examine their baptism -- no authority, therefore no compliance. They have rejected the counsel of God at their very outset! If you send, or worse yet, take your members to these meetings, you will be participant with men who reject the counsel of God, but who purport to bring you to new unity and holiness! True Baptists have always maintained that the Catholic Church, her daughters, and Protestantism collectively, has no authority or business attempting to fulfill an ordinance that they never received from God, i.e., baptism. Baptists have always maintained that these groups have invalid baptism. Our position has been attacked viciously, at the least being called "mean spirited", "critical", "unloving", and "judgmental" to dare deny the validity of their baptism. We are then mocked as being "the only one going to heaven." Our emphasis on proper baptism is interpreted by them through the filter of their own dogma which places church before salvation and water before blood. The Promise Keepers movement is made up in large part of Protestants who reject any idea that their baptism might be invalid. Yet in their refusal to submit to proper baptism, they in fact reject the counsel of God! They tell us to "seize the moment" because this is a "movement of God." How absolutely absurd this seems, especially when one understands that in the single act of refusing valid baptism they have rejected the counsel of God! The Promise Keepers movement has a desire to unite all of Christianity under the banner of salvation, belief in the Bible, and faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Those five principles are supposed to be the foundation of everything the PK does. I have an important question for any PK member who might be a Pentecostal, Church of Christ, Mormon, Jehovah Witness, Catholic. etc., or any others who have branched out of denominations who have no authority to administer the ordinance of baptism. How can you be committed to the counsel of God when you have rejected the counsel of God? To refuse baptism at the hands of a Scriptural authority is to reject the counsel of God! Whether these men are saved or not I do not know. I do not believe that any Mormon knows Jesus as Savior, that is, if he believes what he has been taught by his leaders. I do not believe any Catholic is saved, if he believes what that groups tells him about salvation. The same holds true for Jehovah's Witnesses, Church of Christ etc. Even if we missed on the issue of salvation, which I don't think we do, we would be "dead on" with the issue of baptism. These folks in the PK want to lead our folk into worship, yet as these Pharisees who refused John's baptism, they have REJECTED the council of God. They have failed to settle first matters first. They miss the whole point of God's New Testament? How can they possibly carry out the New Testament teachings when they have rejected its very foundation? The very first issue (after salvation) is baptism in this New Covenant or New Will of God. In their rejection of valid baptism, they reject the New Covenant, thus rejecting everything they say they are trying to promote. These folks are raising up a new covenant, one based on five principles only, everything else is "non-essential." God has a specific will and expects it to be carried out in a specific manner. Breaching the terms of the will invalidates the administrator's right to be the administrator. They seek to break down the walls instituted and ordained of God and build other walls they deem more "tolerant" of your "brethren." We must worship in "spirit and truth". They have abandoned one to seek the other -- but in fact have abandoned both -- for you cannot worship in truth without spirit nor can you worship in spirit without truth. Facts Sheet on Promise Keepers Followings is a list of facts concerning the Promise Keepers. These fact are to introduce you to some information that you may not be aware of. By no means do these facts reflect all the information available. Each statement is verifiable by books, speakers, videos, telephone conversations, or personal correspondence. Promise Keepers hold to five key principles: everything else is "non-essential." "There are many issues that Promise Keepers does not address that we consider to be some of the non-essentials to orthodox Christianity." (Personal correspondence from Tracey Lawrence, Correspondence Service, Promise Keepers, to Jackie Battles, 7/96) Promise Keepers believes the church started on the day of Pentecost. "Think back to the story of the early days of the church in Acts 2. The church was born on the Day of Pentecost, when the people from many countries, cultures, and (no doubt) races heard the gospel in their own languages and believed in the Lord Jesus." (The Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper Pg. 161) Article 17 of the Doctrinal Statement of the American Baptist Association states: "We believe that Jesus Christ established His church during His ministry on earth..." Promise Keepers believe that all the saved are in the church. "Whether you're Baptist, Pentecostal or Roman Catholic, if you are in the body of Christ, then you should certainly be welcome." (Interview with Al Dager by Randy Phillips, Promise Keepers, "Is what you see what you get? " Al Dager) "We're still separate churches, one black and one white... but we've realized that we're all one church." (Strang Communications Web Site, "We Prayed, and It Happened," Pg. 3) Article 17 of the Doctrinal Statement of the American Baptist Association states: "...and that it is always local, visible assembly of scriptural baptized believers..." Promise Keepers believe that any group of saved individuals constitutes a local church. "The Body of Christ comprises a wide diversity of members. There are many denominations, various styles of worship, and representative from all walks of life... the Bible says there is only one Body." (Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper Workbook, Chapter 6) Article 17 of the Doctrinal Statement of the American Baptist Association states: "...in covenant relationship to carry out the Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ, and each church is an independent, self-governing body, and no other ecclesiastical body may exercise authority over it." Promise Keepers believe that all individuals, including the PK, have been given the Great Commission. "A Promise Keeper is committed to influencing his world, being obedient to the Great Commandment (Mark 12:30-31) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)." ( Promise Keepers brochure, March, 1997) Article 17 of the Doctrinal Statement of the American Baptist Association states: "We believe that Jesus Christ gave the Great Commission to the New Testament churches only, and that He promised the perpetuity of His churches..." Promise Keepers believe baptism is a non-essential and it does not matter what you believe or practice about baptism. Promise Keepers believe that it does not matter as to the mode, administrator, purpose, or candidate of baptism. " ...we leave the administration and method of water baptism up to the individual and his local church. We feel it can be better understood by a man in his own church body where he can be affirmed in his decision to follow Christ and partake in this act of obedience." (Personal correspondence from Tracey Lawrence, Correspondence Service, Promise Keepers, to Jackie Battles7/96) Article 18 of the Doctrinal Statement of the American Baptist Association states: "Scriptural baptism is the immersion of penitent believers in water, administered by the authority of a New Testament church in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." Promise Keepers believe that the Lord's Supper can be anything you want it to be and that any "saved" individual, regardless of morality or doctrine, may partake of the supper. "Redeeming worship centers on the Lord's Table. Whether your tradition celebrates it as Communion, Eucharist, the Mass, or the Lord's Supper, we are called to this centerpiece of Christian worship." (Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper Pg. 19) "...men were given the opportunity to partake together at the Clergy Conference in Atlanta." (Personal correspondence from Tracey Lawrence, Correspondence Service, Promise Keepers, to Jackie Battles, 7/96) Article 18 of the Doctrinal Statement of the American Baptist Association states: "The Lord's Supper is a memorial ordinance, restricted to the members of the church observing the ordinance..." Promise Keepers believes that spiritual gifts are not an issue, are a non-essential, and therefore take no stand. " The issue of 'Charismatic gifts' in the church today is a topic which Promise Keepers does not address in our conferences program nor any of our resource materials. However, we would never exclude an individual from attending a conference because of his personal beliefs or church affiliation." (Personal correspondence from Tracey Lawrence, Correspondence Service, Promise Keepers, to Jackie Battles, 7/96) Article 9 of the Doctrinal Statement of the American Baptist Association states: "We believe that the miraculous spiritual manifestation gifts were done away when the Bible was completed. Faith, Hope, and Love are the vital abiding Spiritual Gifts..." Promise Keepers believes that security of the believer is a "non-essential" and take no stand. "We do not have a particular stance regarding eternal security." (Personal correspondence from Tracey Lawrence, Correspondence Service, Promise Keepers, to Jackie Battles, 7/96) Article 15 of the Doctrinal Statement of the American Baptist Association states: "We believe that all trust Jesus Christ for salvation are eternally secure in Him and shall not perish..." Promise Keepers believe that there are more than two offices in the church. "Promise Keepers are needed to support their pastors, priest, and rabbis." (Vancouver Conference, November 16, 1996, The Projector, Winter 1997). Article 19 of the Doctrinal Statement of the American Baptist Association states: "We believe that there are two divinely appointed offices in the church, pastors and deacons, to be filled by men whose qualifications are set forth in Titus and 1 Timothy." Promise Keeper comprise a diversity of denominations. "Birthed on the biblical premise that walls of division in the Church will only fall as its shepherds lead the way, the Men's Clergy Conference saw nearly 40,000 pastors step to the forefront. In an almost unbroken atmosphere of reverence and worship, pastors of every Christian tradition and ethnicity knelt corporately and embraced one another across racial and denominational lines, sowing seeds of alliance and friendship that may shape the Church into the next century." ("The Making of a Godly Man", Promise Keepers 1997, Pg. 9) [Bold emphasis mine; also note they believe the Church is composed of all the saved.] The following quote is one man's opinion concerning the Clergy Conference. Notice who was sitting next to him. "I came away from that meeting with a new understanding. It was great. The brother next to me was a Jehovah's Witness. It was great!" (The Baptist Challenge, Dr. L.K. Landis 12-96, Pg. 9) I personally interviewed several seventh Day Adventist Pastors and this is the response of one of these men: "When they first called for us to break down the walls, I had a great deal of trouble with joining together with men and pastors of different denominations. For years, I criticized virtually every one. However, after the Bible preaching I saw where I had been wrong. We were encouraged to get out of our seats and find a brother of a different denomination and apologized for such criticism. While another pastor and I (also a Seventh Day Adventist) were wondering what to do, a Baptist pastor came over to us understanding we were Seventh Day Adventists. He apologized for having preached against us. I went away with a completely different outlook. I think it was great." (Personal phone conversation with a Seventh Day Adventist pastor.) The Promise Keepers' stated goal is to break down walls and "unify" diversity. Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Catholics, Lutherans, Seventh-Day Adventists, Methodists, etc. are all Promise Keepers who are in opposition to our Articles of Agreement, yet with whom we would "fellowship" in these meetings. Articles 7,3,2,5,10,12,13,14 of the Doctrinal Statement of the American Baptist Association state:
"... we would never exclude and individual from attending a conference because of his personal beliefs or church affiliation." (Personal correspondence from Tracey Lawrence, Correspondence Service, Promise Keepers, to Jackie Battles, 7/96) "whether you're Baptist, Pentecostal or Roman Catholic, if you are in the body of Christ, then you should certainly be welcome. " (Interview by Al Dager with Randy Phillips, Promise Keepers, "Is What You See What you Get?" Al Dager) "While we have clear convictions regarding the issue of homosexuality, we are sensitive to have compassion for the men who are struggling with these issues. We, therefore, support their being included and welcomed in all our events." (Fax from Promise Keepers to Greg Dixon, Pastor Indianapolis Baptist Temple, Dec. 8, 1993, Promise Keepers, "Is What You See What you Get?" Al Dager) Many sources and documents could be quoted as to the Promise Keepers "faith and practice." However, the quotes cited should send up a red flag to us that the agenda of the Promise Keepers movement and the agenda of the churches of the American Baptist Association are not the same. The American Baptist Association has agreed to fellowship within those belief guidelines in our Doctrinal Statement found on pages 227-229 of the 1996 yearbook. Can we really hold to these principles and at the same time encourage our men to fellowship in a Promise Keepers meeting? On The Book The book called The Masculine Journey written by Robert Hicks (published by Focus on the Family) was introduced into the Promise Keepers meetings in Boulder Colorado. Fifty thousand copies were "given" away to those who attended this 1993 conference. There has been much controversy over this book but here is the final word from the Promise Keepers. Read this endorsement and the excerpts from his book, then see if you would like it distributed at your church. "...we believe Mr. Hick's core theology is consistent with orthodox evangelical Christianity, and that The Masculine Journey was a forthright attempt on his part to deal with male issues from a biblical context.." (PK Net, Official Web site, Statement On The Masculine Journey, Pg. 1) ---- On Jesus Christ "I believe Jesus was Phallic with all the inherent phallic passions we experience as men. But it was never recorded that Jesus had sexual relations with a woman. He may have thought about it as the movie, "The Last Temptation of Christ" portrays, but even in this movie He did not give in to temptation and remained true to His Messianic course. If temptation means anything, it means Christ was tempted in every way as we are. That would mean not only heterosexual temptation, but also homosexual temptation! I have found this insight to be very helpful for gay men struggling with their sexuality." (The Masculine Journey, Pg. 181) "I'm sure many would balk at my though of celebrating the experience of sin. I'm not sure how we could do it. But I do know we need to do it. For example, we usually give the teenagers in our churches such a massive dose of condemnation regarding their first experience with sin that I sometimes wonder how any of them ever recover. Maybe we could take a different approach. Instead of jumping all over them when they have their first experience with the police, or their first drunk, or the first experience with sex or drugs, we could look upon this as a teachable moment and a rite of passage. ...the true elders could come forward and confess their own adolescent sins and congratulate the next generation for being human. (The Masculine Journey , Pg. 177) ---- On Sexuality "The Bible simply defines manhood by the phallus, the very way the doctor did when my son was born." (The Masculine Journey, Pg. 49) "We are sexual beings at our most primary (primal) level. (Ibid., Pg. 24) "We are called to worship God as Phallic kinds of guys, not as some sort of androgynous, neutered nonmales, or feminized males so popular in many feminist-enlightened churches." (Ibid. Pg. 51) "Without proper teaching on the phallus, men will carry around in their psyches a spiritual godhunger. It will seek spiritual fulfillment only in the secrecy of motel rooms, adult videos, and in the bragging and joking about sexual exploits in the athletic locker room." (Ibid., Pg. 55) This idea is not exclusive to the book only. Men who preach at these rallies have picked up the theme. "1. God wants to touch your very identity as a man. 2. God wants to reach out and touch your secret private parts. This enables him to better perform surgery on the heart. 3. God wants to touch man's creative parts." ( Jack Hayford, May, 1994, PK rally - As quoted in The Baptist Watchman, 8/96) "Choosing to let Jesus be Lord of your sex life will shape every other area of your life, because sexuality is at the center of our being." (Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper, Pg. 92) "God created us sexual beings, and our desires are normal." (Ibid. Pg. 95) Space does not allow me to recount the hundreds of psychological unscriptual errors put forth in this book. However, there is one very important element of which you should be aware. Hicks uses six words (as far as I can tell he just picked six names in the Old Testament and then defined them) that are supposed to describe man's journey through life. These six "passages" originate not from the Bible, but from paganism. During these "Rites of Passage" we are to find our "appropriate initiation rites" when entering any one of the six stages of manhood. (Notice on the proceeding pages, one possible rite you could use when a teenager has his first taste of sin.) One church, the Boulder Vineyard Church, has already instituted in church services the "Rite of Passage." "Special: New This Year, The Order of Joseph: A Call to Servanthood. This is especially designed as the next level of commitment within the Rites of Passage ceremony for those who have already experienced the initial ceremony." (Brochure, Boulder Vineyard Fellowship, Christian Conscience, "Resurrecting Pagan Rites, The Men's Movement," 12/95) (Information on these six stage of "manhood" and how they center in pagan rites can be ordered from The Christian Conscience, PO Box 17346, Des Moines, IA 50317. Ask for the article "Resurrecting Pagan Rites," December, 1995 and "The New Gnostics" 1996) ---- Promise Keepers Roots The foundation of the PK movement goes back to its present-day CEO, Bill McCartney. A former Catholic, McCartney now has his feet firmly planted in the Vineyard movement, a hyper-Pentecostal group that believes in out-of-the-body experiences and "holy laughter," slaying in the spirit, animal sounds of the spirit, visions, direct revelation, and a number of other ungodly practices. James Ryle, Board members Promise Keepers & Vineyard Pastor states: "Nothing in the world," he said, chuckling, "Could have ever possibly happened worse, in the whole world, than for Promise Keepers - this incredible, significant, undeniably noble movement - to be spawned out of the Vineyard." (Interview with James Ryle by GQ writer Scott Raab 1/19/96, "James Ryle's Vineyard Theology," by Debra Bouey) Whatever else you make of this statement, it definitely states that the PK was birthed by the Vineyard church. ---- PK Guest Speakers Amos asks in Amos 3:3 "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" In any PK conference speakers may range from Priest to Pentecostal, Church of Christ to Baptist -- you name it, if it wears the brand "Christian," it can be used. The following men represent only a few of the many leaders and speakers at PK rallies. Almost every speaker used would be opposed to Landmark Baptist doctrines. Charles Colson - A speaker in the Memphis PK meeting said that he was proud to call Mother Teresa his sister. She has stated that personal suffering helps to earn one's salvation. She also said that a person needed to believe in whatever "God" is in their mind. (Brean Call 10/96) James Ryle - (Board members Promise Keepers & Vineyard Pastor) Remember the Vineyard movement is a hyper-Pentecostal group that believes in out-of-the-body experiences and "holy laughter", animal sounds of the spirit, and a number of other ungodly practices. "At the Pasadena church, James Ryle, chaplain of the University of Colorado football team, is telling the congregation how Jesus freed him from his own demons - growing up in an orphanage and serving jail time for selling drugs. He tells many jokes about his missing middle finger, lost to a lawn mower. There are waves of tear-wiping laughter. (Washington Post, 11/18/95, The New Gnostics, Lynn & Sarah Leslie) "Ryle makes sound effects, including some animal noises. He snaps his finger, bangs the podium, paces and tells how God will appear here in suits of fire, oil, water. 'You will feel! And the glory of the Lord will put you down!" ("A Rush of Ecstasy and Alarm," Carol McGraw, The New Gnostics, Lynn & Sarah Leslie) E.V. Hill - Pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church In Los Angeles. Member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference which sponsored the Gay Rights march on Washington in the summer of 1993. Bill McCartney - The following quote might seem harmless enough if Mr. McCartney did not have ties to the Vineyard church where God is supposed to have often given men visions and personal visitations. "Coach has been planning and praying about our pastor. He finally came to the conclusion that we needed to have a conference for the clergy." The inspiration for Mac's vision? Schlafer chuckles. 'With Mac it's always the same; he said 'the Spirit of God told me.'" (Strang Web site, "Pastors Come to the Table," Pg. 1) "The president of Promise Keepers has said that the Holy Spirit told him that this movement would 'restore the spiritual identity of God's sons."' (Quoted in The Baptist Watchman, 8/96) Board of Directors of Promise Keepers -1997 Dick Blair - Vail Bible Church Jack Hayford - Church of the Way (charismatic) Howard Hendrecks - Northwester Bible Church E. Peb Jackson - First Presbyterian (Presbyterian) Bill McCartney - Vineyard Christian fellowship (charismatic) Jesse Miranda - Faith tabernacle (charismatic) George Morrison - Faith Bible Chapel (charismatic) Gary Oliver - Mission Hill Baptist A.L. Overton - Greenwood Community Church (Presbyterian) Hank Peters - Cherry Hill Community Church (Presbyterian) David Road Cup - Grace Fellowship Phillip Porter - All Nations Church of God in Christ(charismatic) Ron Blue - Founder Ron Blue and Company Huron Claus - North American Director CHIEF, inc. James Ryle - Vineyard Christian Fellowship (charismatic) Raleigh Washington- Rock of Our Salvation Free Church ---- Pastors and the PK Those who come to the PK meeting are to promise to uphold their pastor. Suppose a pastor does not want his men to participate in the movement, what then? "Missionary-Pastor Richard Arnheiter of Moultrie, Georgia, reports that Heritage Church of Moultrie was formed by Promise Keepers. After attending a Promise Keepers rally, they were not happy with the way their own churches were worshipping. Men from Baptists, Presbyterian and other Protestant churches came together with their families and formed Heritage Church. So much for the promise of 'Supporting the mission of the church by honoring and praying for his pastor, and by actively giving his time and resources.'" (Reprinted from the Missionary Baptist Searchlight, Pg. 9) Mr. McCartney made the following statement at a Mexican Baptist Convention last year. Does this sound like a threat to you? "He [Mr. McCartney] has a warning for skeptics who do not want the Promise Keepers movement in their churches. 'I really believe they better be careful that he (God) doesn't pass them by because this is a movement of God. Those that sit back are at risk,' McCartney said in a brief interview afterward.' " (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal) "Now, I think many of you are in touch with the fact that we're having a pastors' gathering in Atlanta on February 12th, 13th and 14th. This gathering in Atlanta should exceed 100,000 clergymen. Why? Because we have many more than that, and every single one of them ought to be there. We can't have anybody pass up that meeting. If a guy says that he doesn't want to go, he needs to be able to tell us why he doesn't want to go." (Transcribed from a speech in Detroit by Mr. McCartney, Alabama Discernment Ministries Newsletter 9/95) A member of your church who hears and believed this man might feel it was necessary to do something about his pastor who would not allow a "movement of God" in the church. They just might do what the churches in Georgia felt they had to do. In March 31, 1995 issue of The Tidings ( a Roman Catholic paper) it was stated that the Promise Keepers meeting was "...being expanded to included Catholic congregations." (Roman Catholic Promise Keepers Connection) As if that were not far enough, look at what was said at the Vancouver Conference, November 16, 1996. "Promise Keepers are needed to support their pastors, priest, and rabbis." (The Projector, Winter 97, Ian Golighes) Rabbis? Since when are rabbis Christians? I suppose when you can claim that the Catholic Priest who subscribes to and administers the "Seven Sacraments" is a Christian, it is not too great a leap to include the Messiah-rejecting Jew. Notice the following statement made by Bill McCartney at a 1994 Promise Keepers conference in Portland (to pastors and priests): "We cannot rightly divide the Word of Truth. We need you to teach us." (Promise Keepers, "Is What You See What You Get?" Al Dager) It seems that Mr. McCartney has reverted to his Catholic roots where reading the Word of God as an individual is looked upon with disfavor. Remember he was speaking to pastors and priests here. Mr. McCartney dreamed up the idea of PK and set down the five principles they hold to. Surely these principles are suspect if he now admits that he could not rightly divide the word! If Mr. McCartney doesn't know what the Bible says, what business does he have in starting a work that affect hundreds of thousand of people? It seems to me that he really doesn't believe that statement in the least. For instance, what about the pastor who "rightly divides the word" and refuses to let the Promise Keepers into his church. According to Mr. McCartney he is to receive a warning! It appears that all he was doing was "pumping up the preacher." While this is a trivial matter compared to some of the other rubbish, it exhibits the character and nature of the movement. ---- On Homosexuality It must be noted that no individual is to be judged at these conferences. You cannot question a man as to who or what he is. While the quote below refers to mentoring group specifically, the idea runs through the whole concept of Promise Keepers "The first job of men's small groups is to learn complete acceptance: No judgment, no "I told you so" or 'you should have know better.' No hidden agendas! I'm not out to change you and you're not out to change me." (Geoff Gousuch, with Dan Schaffer, "Brothers! Calling Men Into Vital Relationships," Boulder, Colorado: Promise Keepers, 1993, Pg. 10, Promise Keepers, "Is What You See What You Get," Al Dager) Homosexuals are invited openly to attend and participate. In Atlanta, the clergy was given the opportunity to take the Lord's Supper; would you take the Supper with an unrepentant homosexual? Some Promise Keepers say that homosexuality is not a sin problem, but a psychological and genetic one. "As to homosexuality, Promise Keepers adhere the same historic and biblical stance take by Evangelicals and Catholics ---that sex is a good gift from God---to be enjoyed in the context of heterosexual marriage. Promise Keepers also recognizes that homosexuality is a complex and potentially polarizing issue. There is a great debate surrounding its environmental and genetic origins, [emphasis mine] yet as an organization we believe that homosexuals are men who need the same support, encouragement and healing we are offering to all men. While we have clear convictions regarding the issue of homosexuality, we are sensitive to have compassion for the men who are struggling with these issues. We, therefore, support their being included and welcomed in all our events." (Fax from Promise Keepers to Greg Dixon, Pastor Indianapolis Baptist Temple, Dec. 8, 1993, Promise Keepers, "Is What You See What You Get," Al Dager) "Some of my early "counselees" were individuals whom I once though were logical contradictions. God brought to me Christians who were homosexuals and Marxists. I listened, tried to understand, debated back and forth, but was left with the convictions that they were sincere about both their faith in Christ and their views on sexuality and politics, though these views differed from mine." (The Masculine Journey, Pg. 133-134) ---- On Mentors "What is a mentor? He is someone committed to two things: helping you grow and keeping you growing, and helping you realize you life goals. Think of a mentor as a coach. The job of a coach is to prepare an athlete to win an athletic contest. The job of a mentor is to prepare a man to win at life. Do we really need mentors to help us do that? Absolutely! The testimony of Scripture, as well as countless men of God, is that growth and change simple won't happen apart from a relationship with someone perceived as significant; someone who will influence our development and provide motivation and accountability." (Face to Face, Strang Web site 1997) God said that it was not good that man should be alone. He created woman. They two become one flesh. They share, love, and hold each other accountable. The PK movement would have you to believe that a loving wife is not enough. In fact they would dissuade you from going into too many details regarding sex sins when talking with your wife. Yet, you are encouraged to "tell all" to a mentor. The Bible teaches that we are accountable to God, to our wives, to the church, to our families, to our government, and even to ourselves; never have I ever read that we are to set up a group of men with whom I share my most intimate secrets or sins and then be required to be accountable to them. You are encouraged to talk about your first night with your wife and other intimate settings. It is breach of confidence between you and your wife to divulge moments that you have shared together in such a setting. When setting up these mentoring groups you are encouraged to gather other Promise Keepers. These men can be from your church or from any number of churches. You are then expected to share these intimate moments with them. Why not put an ad in the paper? "Look in your church. Look around in your community. Find out who else is a Promise Keeper and invite them to join you on a regular basis." (Ibid., Pg. 4) Also, concerning this "openness" and "sharing" with other men, what if your brother has sinned against you? The Bible demands that matters of error be settled between you and your brother alone. If the fault or sin is taken care of, it is over. The issue is not to be the object of discussion at an accountability session. If the issue cannot be settled after discussion with an additional church member, then the church is to be told and the matter is settled by the whole body. ---- On The Gospel of Self-Esteem: "The degree of self control you have in your life is in direct proportion to the degree of acceptance you have for yourself. Put another way, if you don't value yourself, you won't pull in the reins on actions and attitudes that will affect you for the worse... If you're caught up in the first steps of any addiction or twenty miles down the road, there's a hole in you heart, an inner hurt, and dislike of self that can make you worthy of failure, but not successes. ("What Makes a Man," Pg. 44-45, Promise Keepers, "Is What You See What You Get?" Al Dager) The Bible declares that there is nothing in this flesh that is good (Ro.7:18). You, my friend, are rotten through and through. It is sometimes said that God sees some good in us, else He would not have given His Son to die in our place. No, that's why it is called grace! You didn't deserve anything, but God still extended grace to you! Grace is the results of love. God loves me rotten or not, it has noting to do with self-esteem. ---- On Apologies "We must repent of our attitudes as I did in Atlanta. I went to a man who held different doctrines than I held and apologized because I never cared about him." (Dr. Joseph Stowell, president of Moody Bible Institute, A Report on the 54th Annual Convention held March 3-5, 1996, by Dr. Ralph G. Colas, Promise Keepers, Influencing Key Evangelicals) I should apologize for being a Landmark Baptist? ---- On Racial Apologies "..we bear some responsibilities for the unrepented sins of our forefathers." (Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper, Pg. 162) You are expected to apologize for the sins of your fathers who were prejudiced. The PK does not limit it to your father or your grandfather or even your great-grandfather - you are expected to apologize for all people in every century for all the wrongs they have committed in regard to racism! Several Scriptures are taken out of context to prove that we are to repent for someone else (2 Sam 21:1, 14; Dan 9:4). I have no clue as to how I am to repent for another person. If I repent to God for you, would God be required to accept that repentance? It appears to me that you can see Mr. McCartney's Catholic roots emerging. Is this not what the Priest does? ---- Other Statements by the PK "In the fall of 1997, Promise Keepers will provide a platform for God to work as He has historically." (The Making of Godly Men, 1997, Pg. 6) Isn't the church the "platform" God has been using to do his work? When did this change? Notice Ephesians 3:21 "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." "Promise Keepers desires to be a catalyst for revival in the personal life of clergy and their congregations." (Ibid. Pg. 5) Where will they have revival? Will a revival begin with a group who has many, many lost people within it ranks? Will it continue to grow with a group who has refused scriptural baptism? Will it become the "catalyst" for church revival by those who have no concept of what the church is? "...visit an ethnically or denominationally different church at least four times a year;" (Official Promise Keepers Web Site, Statement of Reconciliation) "In Joel 2:15, God tells us to, 'Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a sacred assembly." Stand in the gap is our intentional response to a specific invitation by God, offering to revive His Church." (Ibid. Pg. 6) I don't remember reading that specific invitation in the Bible. It does invite the lost to salvation. It does COMMAND the CHURCH to go to all the world. I read nowhere that the PK is to "stand in the gap" to revive the church or the world. The Bible is very clear that this responsibility rests solely with the local church. "We are going to demonstrate our spiritual poverty as a Church before a holy God" (Ibid. Pg. 6) This statement was made concerning the PK meeting to be held in Washington this year. (Can we now understand that they consider themselves a church? By their definition of what a church is, we must believe they are a church! This of course, is a normal assumption when you believe that all the saved are in the church.) What's Next "...Promise Keepers is launching Promise Keepers Institute to equip men on both a personal and ministry level." (Strang Communication Web Page, "Back to School, Men," Pg. 1) After the Atlanta clergy meeting, several "respected" Christian leaders developed a statement of purpose that is called the "Atlantic Covenant." Notice a portion of Article 6: "Where we have ignored praying and working with pastors of differing denominations and race, we commit to seek out these clergy and intentionally pursue relationships with them -- praying and working together for the building of the kingdom of God." (Strang Web Site, "The Atlantic Covenant; A Pastoral Declaration", Pg., 2) Will the clergy that participate in future Promise Keepers conferences be expected to keep this Covenant? ---- Say What? Double Talk "As godly men within the church, we are called to exhibit such focused purpose, unity of spirit, and love for each other that the lost can only conclude that God alone is responsible. Let's strive to model this depth of commitment and show the world how Christians accept and serve one another. Only through such unified diversity can we illuminate for a dying world the unmistakable powers, authority and grace of Jesus Christ." (Strang Communication Web Site "God's Calculated Risk," Pg. 2) "Unity does not mean everyone in the body of Christ looking exactly alike, crossing every "t" and dotting every "i" in the same way. Rather, it is coming together in the midst of our diversity." (Strang Communication Web site, "What is Biblical Unity," Pg., 1) "Biblical unity does not mean we should have no denomination." (Ibid., Pg. 1) "We are afraid of being assimilated into others. We think we must become like them, rather than understand that unity in the body of Christ is the joy of celebrating our differences based upon our common faith." (Ibid., Pg. 2) "...Scripture reminds us that God's heart is for uniqueness to flow into unity." (Strang Web page, "God's Calculated Risk.") "At church level, pastors can teach about controversial passages in a way that does not dishonor a brother pastor..." (Ibid., Pg. 2) ---- For What it is Worth - Money I have yet to find anything the Promise Keepers has that is free. You can buy a PK logo 96 T-shirt for $13.00 or a "My Daddy is a Promise Keeper" T-shirt for $9.00. I'm sure you would look swell in a windbreaker for $35.00 or a color block polo shirt for $38.00. How about a "Breaking Down the Walls" 96 song book for $6.00? Or a "Seize the Moment" CD for $12.00? You can even order the "Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper" for $16.00 or "The Power of a Promise Kept" for $16.00. You can get a writing pen, lapel pins, thermal mug, ceramic mug, or perhaps an auto decal to let those behind you know that you are ahead of them? If you are not interested in their wares, then how about their conferences?. It cost from $50-$75 to attend a conference. If you don't have the cash don't expect to get in. However, they can help. "Also, men in some churches can't afford to attend the conferences, so we've been connecting them with churches that will cover their entire cost." (Strang Web Site, "Walls Tumble in Los Angeles at PK," Pg., 1) "I am asking that each man begin to pray daily, humbly beseeching God for the resources needed to sustain His work." (Strang Web Site, "Our Next Chapter.") ---- Conclusion The Promise Keepers movement has tried to fill a definite void that, admittedly, the church has neglected to a great degree. Sincere men who truly want to be better fathers, husbands and citizens are attracted to this gathering of like-minded peers. Promise Keepers has found a niche and intends to fill it. It preys upon the needy and the ignorant. Pastors who may have felt their own ministries were lacking in teaching about the subjects of marriage and parenting see PK as a ready-made answer to their problems with churches that are filled with divorced singles, fatherless children and the ensuant problems that broken families create. Unfortunately, the water that is lapped up so greedily is from a broken cistern, and the effects on true churches will not be long in coming. We have repeatedly resolved NOT to fellowship with those church who have invalid baptism , practice open communion, use charismatic gift, deny the virgin birth, infallibility of the Scriptures, and preach that salvation plus something else equals eternal life. It is my opinion that to fellowship with the Promise Keepers, flies in the face of everything we have ever voted on as an association of churches! When a church fellowships with men who openly deny those principle we hold sacred and for whom millions of our brothers gave their lives (and the lives of their families) to defend, it is a serious breach of our Doctrinal Statement. It is my opinion, that this violates those things we "most surely believe" and those things for which we say we stand. If any churches is going to be ecumenical, then do so, but at least do not do so under the guise of being in fellowship with those principle and resolves that this group has said they do not believe. Clarification By Promise Keepers. A - "Regarding our statement of faith that you refer to on page one, please note that the non-essentials we are referring to are those issues we consider 'non-salvific' in nature. This does not mean we think other doctrinal issues are not important. We feel particularly called to promote the core beliefs surrounding salvation and the Gospel message. These essentials must be present in order to pursue biblical unity. Please note we are a para-church ministry, and want to stay focused on the mission... Other important issues should be resolved in the context of the local church. Our goal is to come along side and support the body of Christ; we do not want to try and function as the Church and resolve matters the Church was designed to fully address." B - "Promise Keepers has recently developed a theological committee that will address and review issues of concern posed to the ministry." C - "In reference to baptism, Promise Keepers does believe this is an important step in the life of a believer. Again, we feel this is best understood in the context of the local church. D - "With regard to the issue of "Mormon involvement" in Promise Keepers, please be assured that we do not endorse nor are in any way affiliated with Mormonism or Jehovah's Witnesses." E - "Any and all reports of Mormons speakers, staff members, or board members involved in Promise Keepers are completely unfounded. These statements would also be applicable to the doctrines and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses." F - "Moreover, please know we do desire to come together with our Messianic Jew brothers. We are unsure of your source quoted on page 15, stating that Promise Keepers encourage men to support their rabbis. This statement would only be true is addressing our Jewish brothers who are born again." G - "Promise Keepers have no involvement in the "laughing revival," signs and wonders," or the Toronto Blessing." You may wish to note as well, that the church involved with the "Toronto Blessing" - the Toronto Airport Vineyard - had its official endorsement withdrawn from the Association of Vineyard Churches." (Personal correspondence from Tracey Lawrence, Correspondence Service, Promise Keepers, to Jackie Battles, 5/15/97) - - - - Answers
Changes Made (PK has changed it's doctrinal statement, again, this time to be more "Catholic friendly." In the beginning of the PK, article five was so written as to leave out the element of faith. An outcry was made and the statement was changed. It read as follows: "We believe that man was created in the image of God, but because of sin, was alienated from God. That alienation can be removed only by accepting through faith alone God's gift of salvation which was made possible by Christ's death." Now, the statement "through faith alone" in article five, has been changed to read ""Only through faith." It now reads: "We believe that man was created in the image of God, but because of sin, was alienated from God. Only through faith, trusting Christ alone for salvation which was made possible by His death and resurrection, can that alienation be removed." Doesn't sound like much does it? However let me quote to you from The Catholic Church and God's Plan for You. "The Catholic Church teaches what the apostles taught and what the bible teaches: We are saved by grace alone, but not by faith alone (which is what "Bible Christians" teach; see Jas.2:24)" (Pillar of fire Pillar of truth, Pg. 22) Now how does it sound? If you believe that salvation is by grace through faith you are one of those "Bible Christians" and in their eyes are an apostate! So why would they join the PK? The is only one answer, to promote THEIR doctrine! The Catholics objected to "through faith only" because the doctrinal statement declared that salvation comes by no other means other than through faith. They believe that the seven sacraments are through faith and that they, the sacraments, are the means of salvation, not faith alone. If another outcry is made, will they change their position again?) At the "Standing in the Gap" march, a spokesman for the PK was interview. A "female pastor" was also present and expressed concerns that the "women" pastors were left out. The PK spokesman said that early next year they plan to "fix" that problem. Just what the "fix" would involve is not known. However, come next year, I would not be surprised to see that at least in the "clergy conferences" they include "women" pastors.
Liberty Baptist Church PO Box 67 Stephens City, VA 22655
February, 1997
We were asked to unite with a number of churches in our area that were having a "wake up call" for all Promise Keepers. This seems to be in keeping with a central theme I have noticed in Promise Keepers literature to "break down the walls" of denominational differences. We did not be participate in this movement, and I would like to share with you a few of the many reasons why we did not participate. We were asked to join this group under the cloak of fellowship and love, agreeing to five principles that made this fellowship possible. These five principles are the whole of the doctrinal beliefs of the Promise Keepers -- everything else is "non-essential." This means that other principles of the New Testament are not issues over which we should disagree. First, there can be no unity outside of truth. It is the truth that will set us free -- not the compromise of truth. Jesus never tried to unify the Pharisees with his little band of disciples. Yet these Pharisee would be welcomed today into such a group as the PK movement. The fact of the matter is, He tells us to beware of the "leaven" of the Pharisee. He knew that a little leaven would permeate the whole batch. To disregard truth for the sake of "unity" is sin. Jesus did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34: Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. Jesus did not seek to unify error and truth, but rather to change the error. He drew a line in the sand, and declared there were values and truths worth more than unity. He commands that we hold to all His truths, not sliced bits that suit our fancy. You might think this unification is a noble effort: it is not, at least not without the changing of men's heart toward the truth. Next, consider Paul's admonition to the Corinthians that they were carnal. Do you know why they were carnal? They were divided, and Paul rightly deduced that division meant there were heresies being taught. And what were the heresies that divided them? The things that the PK says are "non-essential", such as baptism, spiritual gifts, the Lord's Supper etc., 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? This church was not in fellowship because there was division. How then can the PK unify us when we have so many differences as to the mode and purpose of baptism, the uses of spiritual gifts, the reason and method for the Lord's Supper, etc., You may meet, but you can never be unified. Then, notice something else very significant in this same book. 1 Corinthians 11:29-30 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. These two verses of Scripture are direct references to the Lord's Supper and the way the Corinthians had "abused" this ordinance. Note that some of these church members were sick and many had died because they ate the Lord's Supper for the wrong reason! Think about it! The very things the PK says do not matter so disturbed God that he deprived many among the Corinthians of their health, or their very lives! God demonstrated in a real way just how important these "non-essentials" were. Will you dare tell God these principles are unimportant? Next, are there really only five important principles in the New Testament? Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Why such a solemn warning if there are only five important principles? Consider this: The great commission in Matthew 28:19-20 is one of the seven promises of a PK but not a part of the statement of faith, is it now a "non-essential". Christ's death for His church (Eph.5:25) is now disposable. Will there really be a great white throne of judgment as found in Revelation 20:11 or is it, too, without significance? Don't forget the reality of Hell in Luke 16. What about baptism? Will it ever matter now if you are sprinkled or immersed? Do the elements of the Lord's Supper really become the literal body of Jesus? This just names a few of the hundreds of important "essentials" in the New Testament that really are not negotiable. It is left up to you to decide whether it is important to believe in Hell, or judgment, or evangelizing the world. You decide if the PK groups are right when they compromise truths for the sake of unity. A few years ago there was a tremendous outcry when Readers Digest gave us a "compact" Bible by abridging the sacred Scriptures. What is the difference between what they did and what the PK wants to do? You will no longer be able to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 3) This is only the first step toward a greater compromise; anything else will be easy to swallow. Maybe you don't care if you are compromising what you believe for the sake of unity. I think you do, else you would not have built your church and made your stand. Baptists have never been Protestant, but according to the PK the Protestant reformation was a joke. Luther, Calvin, Wesley and others who separated themselves from Rome should have kept silent for the sake of unity. They should have stayed with the Catholic Church. Deep in your heart you know that some principles are worth standing for. Some things are worth squaring your jaw, setting your feet, and saying "Here I stand." We don't believe you can be baptized and wash away your sins. Neither do we believe that you have to hold out faithful to be saved. We believe you are born again forever in that instant you put your trust and faith in the one who died for you. The instant you repent of your sins you are born again -- forever. We don't pretend to be in harmony with such doctrines as falling from grace, speaking in tongues, open communion, or baptism by sprinkling, etc. However, we do want you to know that though we may not believe like you, neither do you believe like us! How in the world can we unite in fellowship until one of us comes to the truth (we think it is you who should change, you think it is us who should change)? When you join the PK movement you are saying "it makes no difference, we are working for the same cause." But it will be a lie! Even those who tout such a utopia through unification know they do not believe such a thing! Indeed' number three of the five basic principles of belief causes division. One group believes you must be baptized, take communion, go to confession, etc., in order to be saved. Another group believes you are saved by the additional agents of water and works, another by manifestation of spiritual gifts' another by doing good, another by holding out faithful, others by secret rites; a few believe the Blood of Christ is sufficient without works, or tongues, or church membership. There is not even agreement on this one basic principle. Jesus required His disciples to come out from the world and be separate. 2 Corinthians 6:16-17 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God, as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and i will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, Notice these verses and see if they tell you to unite, or separate. Romans 16:1 7 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them. I Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, with such an one no not to eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed 2 John 10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that bideth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. Titus 3: 10-1 1 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. Galatians 1: 7-9 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. I can see nothing in these scriptures that would allow us to unite, in any meeting, with those who pervert the Gospel. Folks, we don't need the PK or any other "alternate" church group! Any right principles that the PK promotes are church matters and not PK matters. God left into the hands of the local church - not the PK -- the authority to go into all the world She, the local church, is the pillar and ground of the truth. She is to bind and loose on earth, not the PK. Granted churches have failed to do what they were expected to do at times, but that does not justify the creation of an organization to supplant the church and her authority. Jesus did not try to make exceptions and allowances when truth hung in the balance. He required, demanded, that His followers follow Him, every jot and tittle. He never allowed His people to pick and choose those doctrines "most important" and allow everything else to become negotiable. Mr. McCartney, the founder of the PK, issued this warning to those who would not participate in this movement. "I really believe they better be careful that he (God) doesn't pass them by because this is a movement of God. Those that sit back are at risk." Who says, other than Mr. McCartney, this is a movement of God? If it is, would not God be awfully confused? He left us many doctrines and non-negotiables in the New Testament but now Mr. McCartney has reduced it to five? Are we now to believe Mr. McCartney has a new revelation from God and we can toss out the Bible and accept what this man says is sufficient for our faith and practice? According to the apostle Paul, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine. for reproof. for correction. for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16 What are we at "risk" of, Mr. McCartney? Will God no longer honor what His church does for Him? Have we been wasting our time for these last two thousand years until you came along and revealed the right path? Let me close with a warning -- not mine -- but God's: Isaiah5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! If all of "Christianity" say a thing is right, does that make it right? We know of only one source of absolute truth - God. The invitation letter we received aptly put it, this should be a "wake-up call." May every church that holds to and teaches the truth wake up! Jackie Battles, Pastor Liberty Baptist Church PS If you would like to discuss this information further you may contact us by mail or call us at 540-869-6595.
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