“Deep within the heart of Christian men there is a burning desire to be men of God, be men of integrity, be heroes in their home, and come together in person and lock shields with other Christian men.” — Ken Harrison, Chairman of Promise Keepers
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. — All across our land, God is at work, writing a different story in the lives of men. For over a year, the pandemic has isolated men in their homes, separated men behind plexiglass screens, and hidden them hidden behind masks. They are yearning for brotherhood and deep friendships. They long to lock shields and come together. They are ready to stand together and stand strong.
In other words, they are ready to gather in person as grandfathers, fathers, sons, husbands, brothers, pastors, and men of God for the Promise Keepers (PK) 2021 Men’s Conference at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, July 16 and 17, 2021. The event comes less than a year after PK’s online Global Digital Experience, which reached over 1 million men from 84 countries and all 50 states. The men participated from homes, churches, universities, military installations, Salvation Army locations, and prisons across the country and around the world.
Ken Harrison, volunteer Chairman of PK, said this about the timeliness and urgent need for the Promise Keepers Men’s Conference:
“In the Bible, in a time of confusion, complexity and conflict when men had to choose between following Saul or David, the men of the tribe of Issachar were singled for praise because they “understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32).
“Our times are hostile to biblical teaching about what it means to be a good man, a good husband and a good father. Yet despite the unprecedented onslaught of culture, deep within the heart of Christian men, there is a burning desire to be men of God, be men of integrity, be heroes in their home and come together in person and lock shields with other Christian men for encouragement, inspiration, and to take a stand.
“Our theme for the conference, ‘Stand Strong,’ is taken from 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, ‘Be on guard; stand firm in your faith. Act like men and be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.’
Recent statistics bear out the danger of isolation and the importance of men coming together and in-person for support, encouragement, inspiration and fellowship:
But can attending an event like the yearly Promise Keepers Men’s Conference make a difference? The research points to “Yes”—provided it’s a “crucial event.” In a fascinating article in Fast Company entitled, “Here’s Scientific Proof that We All Need to Party when COVID-19 Ends,” Robert Harrington, professor, and director of the School of Hospitality Management at Washington State University, says, “‘crucial events’ … are tied to improving quality of life perceptions when they are perceived as unique, provide memories for attendees, and allow us to feel good about our lives and experiences.” The article goes on to say, “And taking part in any sort of crucial event can give you memories that make you happier long into the future.”
This research is validated by the millions of men who have attended Promise Keepers stadium events over the years and were transformed forever. Ken Harrison said,
“The two-day event will feature everything that men have come to expect from a Promise Keepers event — an authentic, Christ-centered experience with amazing keynote speakers, worship artists and special guests. Every element has been carefully assembled to produce a timely message of hope, unity, and transformation that will empower men to bless their families, strengthen their churches, transform their communities and reignite a new generation to rise up, stand strong, and show the world what it means to be a Man of God.”
Yet Harrison is careful to note that just as PK is more than an organization, so the 2021 PK Men’s Conference is much more than just an event:
“Promise Keepers is more than an organization; it is a movement in the hearts of men, turning them back to God in humility and repentance and toward each other in authentic relationships across generational, denominational and racial divides. Likewise, the stadium event is not just a program, but rather a platform for equipping men to function as ambassadors of reconciliation and service as a result of an authentic encounter with Jesus.”
Just as thousands will gather at AT&T Stadium to experience the PK Men’s Conference in person, millions will join from churches across the country and around the world via simulcast. Through the generosity of donors, churches can host local simulcasts of the Men’s Conference free of charge.
In 2021, the Men’s Conference will have a greater reach than ever before. Nicole Stark, PK’s vice president of operations, said:
“Last year’s Global Digital Experience reached men in 65 countries (including Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Costa Rica, Fiji, India, Italy, Kenya, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Ireland, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, Uganda, U.K., and Zambia — to name a few). This was even though the Global Digital Experience was only available in English and Spanish.
“This year, the PK Men’s Conference will be available via real-time audio translation and closed captions in English and Spanish as well as:
“As a result, two-thirds of the world’s population can experience the PK Men’s Conference in their most-spoken language and take the next best step in their spiritual walk through the free Promise Keepers app.”
When asked why men should round up their sons and fathers and come to the PK Men’s Conference, Ken Harrison said,
“Come for worship that strengthens the soul and shakes the rafters. Come to connect with men from across the country and build brotherhood that lasts a lifetime. Come to gain biblical and spiritual tools that will empower you to be the man Christ intended you to be.
“The past year has been isolating for millions of men, and our culture’s brokenness has left millions more confused about what godly manhood looks like.
“That ends this summer.
“If you’ve been struggling with isolation, confusion and a lost sense of purpose, the 2021 Men’s Conference will be your place of community, clarity, and restoration.
“We’ll enter the gates of AT&T Stadium with a shared feeling of purpose, shields locked in a bond of brotherhood no one can break. By God’s grace, we will return home as changed men, ready to lead our families, communities and country.”
To register for the 2021 PK Men’s Conference or for more information, visit: promisekeepersevent.com
To register your church as a host site for the 2021 PK Men’s Conference or for more information, visit: promisekeepersevent.com/simulcast
For press interested in covering the 2021 PK Men’s Conference at AT&T Stadium or video simulcast, contact [email protected].
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ABOUT PROMISE KEEPERS
Founded in 1990 by Coach Bill McCartney, Promise Keepers is one of the most significant movements of God in the history of the church. In 1997 alone, Promise Keepers packed 22 NFL stadiums and gathered 1 million men for Stand in the Gap: A Sacred Assembly of Men at the National Mall in the District of Columbia.
On July 16-17, 2021, men from across America and around the world will converge upon AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys, for PK’s annual stadium event.
The organization’s mission is to empower men to live out their God-given identity and purpose today and destiny tomorrow by serving their homes, workplaces and communities with integrity and influence.
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