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Seven Questions Women Ask About Promise Keepers

Thank you for your interest in Promise Keepers.  One of the reasons a man comes to Promise Keepers is because of the women in his life.  Men want to be better husbands, stronger fathers...they want closer friendships, and to be a vital part of a community.  We've discovered that most men deeply desire to be men of their word...men of integrity.  Read a message from Toni Fortson, wife of Dr. Tom Fortson, PK President.

1. What is Promise Keepers?

Established in 1990, Promise Keepers (PK) is a ministry designed to ignite and unite men to become passionate followers of Jesus Christ through the effective communication of seven promises to God, other men, their family, their church and their community.

The men gather on Friday evening and Saturday morning to hear excellent Christian speakers on a variety of topics related to the seven promises.  Along with praise and worship, the interaction has proven to be dynamic!

Promise Keepers has directly reached more than five million men in 16 years of over 200 stadium and arena events for men, youth, and clergy, through weekly radio and television broadcasts, the Internet, 16 CDs, more than two dozen books, Bible studies, multi-media resources, plus outreach programs to local churches.

Promise Keepers' vision is simple:  Men Transformed Worldwide!  You will find the Seven Promises in full text along with other PK related information by taking time to browse our website.  Our Frequently Asked Questions section is a good place to start.

2. Are women allowed to attend PK meetings?

Yes, they are and they have! However, we have found that men are more apt to receive the content of the message in the company of other men as opposed to a mixed gender setting.  Promise Keepers' program is aimed at the hearts of men, using language, illustrations, and experiences that are commonly understood by men.

Over the years, we have found that men tend to feel much freer and more open in expressing celebration and other emotions in the company of other men. At Promise Keepers, this predominately male setting is referred to as "the masculine context."

Many women have graciously volunteered at all our events to help in the various areas of production and support. They are highly appreciated and gratefully received. It is important to note that thousands of women pray each year for every one of our event cities.

3. Is Promise Keepers only for married men, or will it benefit men who are not married, i.e. fiancé or boyfriend?

While most men who attend Promise Keepers are married, according to a recent survey, 86% of single men (including widowed and divorced men) report that many of the insights gained at a PK event gave them a greater understanding in relating to God and in other significant relationships. Promise Keepers is all about relationships—transformed relationships.

Promise Keepers addresses such issues as anger and conflict management, the power of positive words, and the "why" and "how-to" of "servant leadership."

4. How old should a young man be to attend a Promise Keepers event?

Because of the length of the program, Promise Keepers suggests that boys no younger than 13 attend.  However, many younger boys have attended and benefited from the "bonding" time with their dads and other men.

5. How can I encourage the man in my life to attend a Promise Keepers event?

Be sensitive that any suggestion or recommendation might be received as an accusation by a man who is defensive. Nevertheless, encourage him to spend time with other Christian men in the setting of a PK event. Suggest he use the weekend as a "father-son" event, or a good opportunity to spend time with his own father or father-in-law. Don't overlook the fact that he may wish to go alone, join a church or employee group, or just join another friend.

6. What should I expect from my man after he has attended a PK event?

It takes most men some time to process many of the things they experience at a Promise Keepers event (including worship, personal and relaxed prayer, confession, repentance, forgiveness, spiritual reflection, etc.). Change and growth often take time.

While a Promise Keepers event can jump-start a man's spiritual life, it takes more than a weekend with the guys to transform his heart and life. A large meal won't feed you for a lifetime.

Men are encouraged to personally pray for wisdom and strength as they begin their journey in following the seven promises. You can expect that you will need to continue to pray for him, as well.

7. What steps can I take to be an enthusiastic and effective "Promise Reaper?"

Be grateful for the spiritual hunger your man is showing. Acknowledge the little steps he is making to lead you and your family well. Be affirming in public. Practice patience. Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter five that respect is one of the important things we can give our husbands. It has been said that the wife is the spiritual barometer in the home. Protect your own time with the Lord so that you will be able to discern the spiritual cues in your home and with your man.

What Women are Saying

Kim Franke-Folstad, columnist for the Rocky Mountain News

"Granted, I don't have access to an old decoder ring from the Little Rascals He-man Woman Haters Club, so I couldn't check for secret subversive messages in the literature handed out at this weekend's PK conference. I didn't sneak behind the scenes to see if they were putting aprons and feather dusters into goody bags for the guys to take home to their wives, either. But I did go to the conference. I listened, I watched, and I talked to a few of the fellas. It all seemed quite harmless. OK, you can report me to the gals at N.O.W...because I'm thinking this might be good."

Tina, 15 years old - Homewood, IL

"I want to thank you for your never-ending encouragement to men to live godly lives. My relationship with my dad has grown so much lately and I know you are a major factor in it. Keep it up!"

Antoinette - Anaheim, CA

"My husband has attended Promise Keepers since the second one in Boulder (CO). I have truly benefited from his commitment to the Lord and to me as a result—guess you could say I've been a 'Promise Reaper!'"