The Promise Keepers Movement is Dangerous-- Watch Out
For It!
by M.H. Reynolds
©Fundamental Evangelistic Association
A movement called Promise Keepers is sweeping
our nation like a wildfire. Is it of God, or man? Will it solve the problems of those who
have embraced its principles and teachings, or will it compound those problems? Can a
Biblical answer be given to those important questions now, or is it best to withhold
judgment until a later time?
Obviously, some very conflicting views already exist as to the basis, programs,
benefits and goals of the Promise Keepers movement. This report is based upon the actual
words of its leaders made in public meetings, contained in press releases, or printed in
books, magazines and articles which have either been published or endorsed by leaders of
the Promise Keepers movement. It is obvious that this movement is superbly organized and
has tremendous financial resources at its disposal. The way it has caught on since its
formation in 1990, and its ambitious plans for expansion in the future, require our
immediate response and warning.
Most pastors and other individuals have so far heard only good reports about it. Even
though some have questions and a feeling of uneasiness concerning it, they have had little
or no opportunity to examine it carefully. While it is true that most if not all of the
major evangelical and charismatic leaders are praising, supporting and participating in
Promise Keepers, that, in itself is no guarantee that its principles, practices and goals
are in accord with the Scriptures. Having personally read every word of the book, Seven
Promises of a Promise Keeper, as well as all the latest press releases and many of their
other articles, we have come to the inescapable conclusion that this movement represents
another massive effort of Satan to mix truth and error in some very deceptive ways.
Therefore, we do not hesitate to give the strongest possible warning now concerning the
dangers of the Promise Keepers movement. Our reasons will be clearly stated and properly
documented from original sources so that God’s people may be able to see for
themselves how this new movement is mixing truth and error. If for no other reason, the
Promise Keepers movement is dangerous because it promotes an unscriptural agenda of
forging a religious unity which is absolutely forbidden in God’s Word (2
Cor.
6:14-7:1; Eph. 5:11). Its founder and several of its leaders are part of the charismatic
movement which is a major catalyst in the effort to bring about fellowship and eventual
union with the Roman Catholic Church; whereas, in truth, the Roman Catholic Church is a
false church, preaches a false gospel and is not a part of the body of Christ.
Throughout the centuries, the Roman Catholic Church has been an enemy of all true
believers and the blood of hundreds of thousands of martyrs is upon its hands. However,
for the past few decades, the Roman Catholic Church has changed its outward appearance and
approaches. It has a new face of tolerance and a kindlier public image but the damnable
heresies it proclaims remain as dangerous as ever. Furthermore, those who are only
familiar with Roman Catholicism, as practiced in this country, would not believe the raw
heathenism which is part of their worship in countries where they have been in control for
centuries.
It should be of great concern to every believer to know that the Promise Keepers
movement is taught and led by men who blindly praise the Pope and are giving Roman
Catholicism an undeserved and unwarranted vote of confidence and even appreciation instead
of sounding the warnings God’s Word commands.
The Promise Keepers movement and its leaders totally reject the many plain commands of
Scripture to separate from and warn about false teachers, disobedient brethren and the
world. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6,14,15; 1 John 2:15-17. As a result,
those whom they seek to "disciple" are deprived of the warnings God’s Word
says are necessary to preserve the purity of the Gospel and the purity of the church.
Instead of obeying the command of God’s Word to "preach no other doctrine"
(1 Tim. 1:3); and by refusing to heed the warning God gives in Galatians 1:6-10 concerning
all who preach "any other Gospel," they have become "blind leaders of the
blind" about which Jesus Christ warned (Matt. 15:10-14). Since the inevitable result
of such spiritual blindness is that "both shall fall into the ditch," the
strongest warning must be given.
Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper is the title of a book published in 1994 by
"Focus on the Family," Colorado Springs, CO., and distributed in the USA and
Canada by "Word Books," Dallas, TX. It is key to the understanding of what
Promise Keepers is trying to do. Contributing authors are: Bill Bright, Edwin Cole, Dr.
James Dobson, Tony Evans, Bill McCartney, Luis Palau, Randy Phillips, Gary Smalley, Jack
Hayford, Wellington Boone, Howard Hendricks, E. Glenn Wagner, Gary Oliver, Dale Schlafer,
H. B. London, Jr., Philip Porter, and Gordon England. This 210-page book was edited by Al
Janssen and Larry K. Weeden.
"Seven solid promises that will change a man’s life forever" -- This
bold claim, printed on the back jacket of this book, only serves to heighten the need for
an immediate, Scriptural analysis of the Promise Keepers movement; for, indeed, these
seven promises are not solidly based upon the sure foundation of God’s Word alone,
but upon a mixture of God’s Word with the suppositions of men.
WHAT ARE THE SEVEN PROMISES?
Promise one...a man and his God: A Promise Keeper is committed to honoring Jesus Christ
through worship, prayer, and obedience to God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Promise two...a man and his mentors: A Promise Keeper is committed to pursuing vital
relationships with a few other men, understanding that he needs brothers to help him keep
his promises.
Promise three...a man and his integrity: A Promise Keeper is committed to practicing
spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity.
Promise four... a man and his family: A Promise Keeper is committed to building strong
marriages and families through love, protection, and biblical values.
Promise five...a man and his church: A Promise Keeper is committed to supporting the
mission of the church by honoring and praying for his pastor, and by actively giving of
his time and resources.
Promise six...a man and his brothers: A Promise Keeper is committed to reaching beyond
any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity.
Promise seven...a man and his world: A Promise Keeper is committed to influencing his
world, being obedient to the Great Commandment (see Mark 12:30,31) and the Great
Commission (see Matthew 28:19, 20).
At first glance, it is not difficult to understand why most Christians might feel that
the Promise Keepers movement is greatly needed and should be encouraged and supported.
Without question there is a great need today for Godly men who will assume their
responsibilities in the home, in the church and in the world. However, a careful
examination of the programs and goals as set forth by its leaders in public and in print,
and by comparing these with the Scriptures, it becomes clear that discerning believers
must raise serious questions now concerning this rapidly growing men’s movement.
The emphasis upon self-effort within the Promise Keepers program supplants absolute
dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Only God can unfailingly keep a promise. Therefore
those in the movement will face disillusionment and disappointment because of their
failure to look to God and His promises alone.
Before giving an analysis of the Promise Keepers movement in the light of the
Scriptures, we trust it will be helpful to mention several basic issues which should not
be disregarded nor treated lightly.
DANGERS OF THE PROMISE KEEPERS:
• Advocacy of an unscriptural religious unity at the expense of sound doctrine and
practice.
• Acceptance and promotion of unscriptural Charismatic teachings.
• Approval and use of psychological approaches and techniques.
• Use and promotion of corrupted modern versions of the Bible.
• Twisting, misapplying, and misinterpreting key Scriptures.
• A program stressing the importance of evangelism while ignoring the need of a
pure gospel.
• A subtle and very harmful influence upon local churches which have heretofore
resisted unscriptural programs and fellowships.
Are the promises demanded of the Promise Keepers Scriptural? A careful review of their
Seven Promises clearly reveals that a mixture of truth and error is involved. For
instance:
Promise One -- A man and his God: A Promise Keeper is committed to honoring Jesus
Christ through worship, prayer, and obedience to God’s Word in the power of the Holy
Spirit.
(Analysis): Technically, and if these words are understood in their scriptural and
historical meaning, any true believer -- man or woman -- would gladly support such a
statement. However, we live in days when wonderful words like these are being abused and
misused.
For example, in the first chapter of the book, Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper,
Charismatic leader Dr. Jack Hayford sets forth some precious truths concerning the
different aspects of worship as set forth in the Scriptures. However, when he writes about
"Redeeming Worship" on page 19, he teaches serious error. Hayford writes:
"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 all
called to this centerpiece of Christian worship."
Is there any difference between the Eucharist and the Mass (celebrated by Roman
Catholics and Orthodox), and the Lord’s Table, Lord’s Supper and Communion
observed by true believers? Of course there is! Historically the mass has been recognized
by Bible believers as blatant blasphemy. Yet, today, Hayford, like other Charismatic*
leaders, is teaching Promise Keepers and others that this false view of Christian worship
is approved by God and proper for all Christians to accept. Promise One has the right
words but the wrong application. Many other examples could be cited of errors concerning
prayer and the ministry of the Holy Spirit which are believed and taught by Charismatic
leaders. We have to ask, "How could anyone possibly promise to obey God’s Word
and in the same breath disobey that Word?" It is this inconsistency and incongruity
that makes Promise Keepers a deceptive movement.
Promise Two -- A man and his mentors: A Promise Keeper is committed to pursuing vital
relationships with a few other men, understanding that he needs brothers to help him keep
his promises.
(Analysis): How very dangerous is this false premise which is based upon psychological
theories rather than on Biblical principles. Of course Godly men can be of help to others
and be helped by others. But to encourage the false notion that a godly man cannot make it
on his own in these tumultuous times without depending upon other Promise Keepers to help
keep him "on the right track" is another trick of Satan to belittle the power of
God and negate His "...great and precious promises" (2 Pet. 1:3, 4).
God’s Word repeatedly warns about the danger of putting trust in men. Isaiah 2:22,
"Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be
accounted of?" Jeremiah 17:5, "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that
trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord."
By contrast, note Jeremiah 17:7, "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and
whose hope the Lord is." God’s Word clearly commands us to "...have no
confidence in the flesh" (Phil. 3:3). God specifically warns in 1 Corinthians 10:12,
"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." Those who
disregard God’s warnings are surely headed for a fall.
Promise Three -- A man and his integrity: A Promise Keeper is committed to practicing
spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity.
(Analysis): Once again, here is a statement that all Christians should desire to see
fulfilled in their lives, not just the men but women also. But if the men have to depend
on their brothers to attain these goals, what about the women? Will a women’s Promise
Keepers movement also become a necessity and be established as the newest women’s
movement on the scene?
In fact, however, the spiritual, moral, ethical and sexual purity needed by every
believer is not to be found in making boastful promises nor in dependence upon other
believers but can only be obtained by heeding the Word of God which says, "Whereby
are given unto us [all of us!] exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye
might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the
world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4). It is the promises of God that are all-important
and they assure divine power to accomplish His purpose of godliness in an ungodly day, not
the promises of even the finest, most sincere men who attempt to formulate what they
believe is needed to change men and then the world.
Promise Four -- A man and his family: A Promise Keeper is committed to building strong
marriages and families through love, protection, and biblical values.
(Analysis): Here is another promise which is certainly desirable as stated. However,
the question which must be asked and answered concerns just what are these "biblical
values?" A careful study of Promise Keepers literature reveals that their programs
are based upon some Biblical values given by God, but are also mixed with some very
dangerous psychological principles and practices which rest upon the theories of men. This
unsound material will continue to flow into churches long after the initial excitement of
the program wanes.
Promise Five -- A man and his church: A Promise Keeper is committed to supporting the
mission of the church by honoring and praying for his pastor, and by actively giving of
his time and resources.
(Analysis): Whether such a promise is scriptural or unscriptural depends entirely upon
which church is involved. Is it a church which proclaims a false gospel (such as the Roman
Catholic, Orthodox and liberal Protestant churches)? Is it a church which is disobedient
to God’s Word by its fellowship with false teachers and those who "love the
world"? (1 John 2:15-17). If so, to "support the mission of such a church,
honoring and praying for its pastor, and actively giving of his time and resources"
is helping to build the one-world harlot church of the antichrist. Promise Keepers ignore
the plain commands of God’s Word concerning separation from those who teach error,
and fail to "reprove" such (Eph. 5:11). As a result, the men in the Promise
Keepers movement are totally unprepared to stand against all the "wiles of the
devil" (Eph. 6:11).
Promise Six -- A man and his brothers: A Promise Keeper is committed to reaching beyond
any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity.
(Analysis): This required promise once again mixes truth and error and provides another
example of how the word "biblical" is misused. While reaching beyond racial
barriers is Scriptural, reaching beyond denominational barriers as Promise Keepers are
doing amounts to open defiance of God’s plain commands. It is not "biblical
unity" which Promise Keepers think they are demonstrating, but an unbiblical unity
which will bring God’s eventual judgment. 2 Peter 2:1-3.
Should anyone doubt the fact that the Promise Keepers movement seeks an unbiblical
unity, just read the words of its founder, Coach Bill McCartney, as found on pages 160,
161 of Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper: "Now, I don’t mean to suggest that
all cultural differences and denominational distinctives are going to disappear. But what
I know is that Almighty God wants to bring Christian men together regardless of their
ethnic origin, denominational background, or style of worship. There’s only one
criterion for this kind of unity: to love Jesus and be born of the Spirit of God. Can we
look one another in the eye -- black, white, red, brown, yellow, Baptist, Presbyterian,
Assemblies of God, Catholic [emphasis ours], and so on -- and get together on this common
ground: ‘We believe in salvation through Christ alone, and we have made Him the Lord
of our lives’? Is that not the central, unifying reality of our existence? And if it
is, can we not focus on that and call each other brothers instead of always emphasizing
our differences? Men, we have to get together on this!"
In this statement, McCartney’s contradictory words should be noted concerning the
necessity of believing in salvation through Christ alone -- and then including Roman
Catholics as "brothers" in spite of the fact that they do not believe in
salvation through Christ alone, adding sacraments and good works as requirements for
salvation.
Promise Seven -- A man and his world: A Promise Keeper is committed to influencing his
world, being obedient to the Great Commandment (see Mark 12:30, 31) and the Great
Commission (see Matthew 28:19, 20).
(Analysis): The Great Commandment referred to in Mark 12:30, 31 records the words of
Jesus Christ in which love to God and love to one’s neighbor are commanded. However,
Promise Keepers presents a faulty understanding of genuine Christian love in which
reconciliation with a disobedient brother is insisted upon, whereas, in truth, separation
from disobedient brethren is commanded by God (2 Thess. 3:6, 14, 15). In these days of
increasing compromise, Satan has succeeded in blinding the eyes of many believers to the
fact that separation from disobedient brethren is not only for the preservation of a pure
church, but is also for the disobedient brother’s spiritual welfare. Promise
Keepers’ mistaken premise that genuine Christian love necessitates fellowship with,
rather than separation from disobedient brethren, will do untold harm.
The Great Commission referred to in Matthew 28:19, 20 involves not only the preaching
of the Gospel, but also teaching those who believe "...to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you." Giving the impression that it does not matter what
church is attended or what doctrinal creed is embraced by any true believer is foolish --
it does matter to God and a warning against error must be given. The apostle Paul, one of
the greatest evangelists, pastors, missionaries, and teachers of all time, writing by
inspiration of the Holy Spirit in Acts 20:17-32, reminded the Ephesian elders that he had
not shunned to declare "all the counsel of God" (v. 27), warning "every one
night and day with tears" for three years (v. 3l). What were these warnings about?
The grievous wolves (false teachers) who would enter in, "not sparing the flock"
(v. 29), and those from within the church who would arise, "speaking perverse things,
to draw away disciples after them" (v. 30). Separation from, not reconciliation with
such false teachers, is God’s way of preserving the purity and power of the church.
Much of the strong appeal of the movement is based upon humanistic psychological
principles and techniques. Many of its leaders, however, have become very proficient in
using such dangerous theories even while claiming to repudiate humanistic psychology. In
another of Satan’s "dangerous mixture" deceptions, the term "Christian
Psychologist" has mesmerized its proponents into believing that it is possible to
take the "good things" from humanistic psychology and combine these with
Biblical teachings. The result supposedly provides answers to problems Christians are
experiencing which can be found in no other way. As a result, Dr. James Dobson, who is one
of the Promise Keepers leaders, and other well-known "Christian Psychologists"
such as Gary Smalley, John Trent, and Robert Hicks are leading many astray.
We fully concur with the statement of Martin and Deidre Bobgan on page 29 of their
41-page booklet, "Promise Keepers & PsychoHeresy." We quote: "If men
are to come together as men, they would do well to follow what the Bible says rather than
Freudian fables, Jungian myths, and other self-serving, man-made psychologies. And they
would do well to gather together in the place where they are meant to grow -- in the local
church -- not in huge rallies with "mob psychology" or in groups using encounter
group techniques and undermining important doctrinal distinctives." For a
comprehensive and Biblical analysis of the highly-questionable book, The Masculine Journey
-- Understanding The Six Stages of Manhood, which has been given massive distribution to
Promise Keepers, write to PsychoHeresy Awareness Ministries, 4137 Primavera Rd., Santa
Barbara, CA 93112. A second book, Against Biblical Counseling & For the Bible (200
pages) will also be very helpful to all those who want the facts concerning the dangers of
Christian Psychology.
Our own publication, "The House That Freud Built," will provide valuable
information concerning the dangers of "sensitivity training" and "small
group" psychological techniques as devised for those who claim to be evangelical
believers. This 40-page booklet gives the history of how "sensitivity training"
was introduced into evangelical churches. Originally printed in the September/October 1994
issue of Foundation, this reprint will be an eye opener to all who want to know the truth.
What does Promise Keepers say about its history and future plans? The following
information is quoted in full from the Fact Sheet which was part of the official press
packet prepared in January 1995:
How we started: On March 20, 1990 University of Colorado Head Football Coach Bill
McCartney and his friend Dave Wardell, Ph.D were on a three-hour car ride to a Fellowship
of Christian Athletes meeting in Pueblo, CO, when the idea of filling a stadium with
Christian men first came up. Later in 1990, seventy-two men began to pray and fast about
the concept of thousands of men coming together for the purpose of Christian discipleship.
Yearly attendance figures as given in this Fact Sheet testify to its small beginning
and rapid growth.
1991 -- 4,200 men met at the Univ. of Colorado Events Center; 1992 -- 22,000 men met at
CU’s Folsom Stadium; 1993 -- 50,000 filled Folsom Stadium to capacity; 1994 -- Seven
sites nationwide totaling 278,600 men. 1995 Plans: Promise Keepers scheduled 13
conferences across the United States. Total attendance for these 13 conferences was
between 500,000 and 600,000.
Why "For men only": The conferences are designed for specific men’s
issues in the context of an all-male setting. We have discovered that men are more apt to
hear and receive the full instruction of the sessions when they are not inhibited by
concern for a woman’s responses. One of the primary goals of the conference is to
deepen the commitment of men to respect and honor women.
(Analysis): Yes, Promise Keepers is a rapidly growing movement. 1996 included bringing
together 75,000 clergy for a Conference in Washington, D.C. In Promise Keepers literature,
repeated references are made to the supposition, "There is strength in numbers."
But where is such a false idea supported in Scripture? God usually had to reduce the
numerics of Israel’s armies so they would not become proud and take glory unto
themselves for victories won -- glory which belonged to God. Read the record of Gideon in
Judges 7:1-22 as a prime example. Of course, in our day, the great majority of professing
Christians are willing to compromise Biblical principles, mistakenly assuming that size is
all-important to God as it is to men. That is a grievous error. Fidelity to the Truth is
essential.
Speakers at Promise Keepers "Raise the Standard" conferences included: Ron
Blue, Wellington Boone, Bill Bright, Dave Bryant, Ken Canfield, Tom Claus, Ed Cole, Chuck
Colson, Rod Cooper, Daniel DeLeon, Tony Evans, Steve Farrar, Joseph Garlington, Bill
Glass, Franklin Graham, Jack Hayford, Howard Hendricks, E. V. Hill, Bill Hybels, T. D.
Jakes, Jeffrey Johnson, Billy Kim, Greg Laurie, Crawford Loritts, John Maxwell, Bill
McCartney, Bob Moorhead, Gary Oliver, Juan Carlos Ortiz, Luis Palau, John Perkins, Randy
Phillips, Dennis Rainey, Raul Ries, James Ryle, Gary Smalley, Joe Stowell, Chuck Swindoll,
John Trent, E. Glenn Wagner, Stu Weber, John Wesley-White, Al Whittinghill, Bruce
Wilkinson, and Ravi Zacharias.
(Analysis): Without doubt these speakers are very capable teachers who are able to give
forceful presentations of what they teach. The question to be raised however, concerns
whether or not they will be giving these huge crowds of men the whole counsel of God or a
modified, altered, misleading presentation of essential Scriptural truths. Since the
ministry of these teachers runs the gamut from compromising new-evangelicalism and
charismatic error, to ecumenical liberalism, it is clear that they will be introducing the
Promise Keepers to unscriptural doctrines and fellowships. This is a very serious matter.
Promise Keepers officers and major staff members are obviously very capable
communicators and seasoned motivators -- their combined talents provide an amazing base
for publicity and continued support. An article by Stephen R. McLauchlin in the
January/February, 1995 issue of Religious Broadcasters magazine reports that the free
90-second daily "Promise Keepers Men in Action" spot announcements are already
being carried on approximately 400 stations. This article encourages stations to publicize
Promise Keepers by "giving coverage to the conferences, signing up to air "Men
in Action," and covering local stories that highlight grass roots experiences of the
movement."
Campus Crusade for Christ is also involved in the movement. In the "Alumni
Relations" newsletter of January, 1995 the following article was included which
describes the purpose of "Strategic Alliance," the title they have given to the
Promise Keepers/Campus Crusade organizational link: "Strategic Alliance -- Have you
attended Promise Keepers and want to receive further training? ‘M.A.N. to Man’
seminars are part of a Strategic Alliance between Campus Crusade for Christ and Promise
Keepers to help men 1) personalize issues that concern men; 2) provide basic leadership
training; and 3) give information on small-group Bible studies especially for men."
Campus Crusade has a long history of increasing compromise. It adopted at its inception
the policy of totally rejecting Biblical separation; infiltration rather than separation
has always been CCC’s stated strategy. As a result of adopting this unbiblical
course, CCC has increased its compromise. Liberal, Roman Catholic and Charismatic delusion
are now firmly lodged within this incredibly influential organization. Their support will
give Promise Keepers a tremendous boost.
Consider also The National Religious Broadcasters organization which now numbers over
800 broadcasters representing a wide array of diverse theological positions. The NRB began
as an official arm of the National Association Evangelicals, later becoming an
"independent affiliate" with its own laws and executive committee but with an
identical statement of faith. The NAE, since its founding in 1942, has represented a
position of compromise between Biblical Fundamentalism and liberal ecumenism. Fifty years
ago, the NAE considered Roman Catholicism to be a false religious system, and on occasion,
warned about the liberalism of some ecumenical organizations and leaders. Today the NAE
embraces more and more ecumenical positions and programs and openly repudiates Biblical
Fundamentalism. The NAE has now become a major force which admits that there are some
differences between Evangelicals and Roman Catholics, but increasingly advocates
cooperation with them in various activities as though the Roman Catholic Church should now
be considered part of the body of Christ. NAE leaders are also having fellowship with and
commending apostate leaders of the National and World Councils of Churches. Although these
false positions are also held by a majority of believers today, they are unscriptural and
dangerous; hence the strongest warnings must be given.
Promise Keepers is being welcomed by Roman Catholic leaders in Southern California.
According to the official publication of the Los Angeles Roman Catholic archdiocese, The
Tidings, March 31, 1995 edition, Promise Keepers is now considered a viable ministry for
Catholics. The Tidings reported that at the urging of Cardinal Roger Mahony, Christian Van
Liefde, Roman Catholic priest and pastor of St. Hillary Church in Pico Rivera, "has
studied the feasibility and appropriateness of utilizing Promise Keepers at the Catholic
parish level." Van Liefde, while noting "the evangelical roots of the
program," was quoted as stating that "there is no doctrinal issue which should
cause concern to the Catholic Church." Van Liefde was further quoted as saying,
"Promise Keepers places a very strong emphasis on returning to your own church
congregation or parish and becoming an active layman." Van Liefde also mentioned the
fact that one of the promises of Promise Keepers is his commitment to "give
generously of their time, treasure and talent to their local church." Roman Catholic
leaders are quick to observe how Promise Keepers can be used to build a false church which
preaches a false gospel.
The pressure to follow the crowd and silence the voice of scriptural reproof is
growing. In closing this article, however, we would point out that any pastor and church
wanting to stand against such compromise will have to take a stand now against the Promise
Keepers teachings. Many who have already joined this group are now bent on recruiting new
members with fully as much zeal and pressure as sports-minded college alumni men seek to
recruit top athletes for sports programs.
We see this recruiting zeal of those who become involved in the movement to be one of
its greatest hazards. Why? Because there will be many faithful pastors who have in the
past taken a stand against all ecumenical endeavors and movements which would introduce
doctrinal error and the devilish spirit of new-evangelicalism into their congregations,
but who now are pressured into buying into the Promise Keepers program.
How could a pastor say "No, we cannot..." to men returning from a Promise
Keepers conference who promise the pastor they will support him, work with him, and pray
for him as never before? How can he deal with these undoubtedly well-meaning, yet misled,
men within his own church who are now exerting pressure upon him to fall into line with
the program? Imagine the faithful pastor’s dilemma! Up until now he could herald a
warning against Romanism, liberalism, ecumenism, charismatic delusion and the like without
reservation. But now he has men within his own flock who are introducing the people to all
of the above and more under the attractive packaging -- Promise Keepers!
Fundamental, Bible-believing pastor, you must take a stand against this or you will be
taken down by it. The machinery is coming into place for this movement to have a
continuing influence on its Promise Keepers for years to come. Should you be forced into
the program now, dear brother, you will be battling its impact for the duration.
A closing word about those who say, "Why not just emphasize the good things in
Promise Keepers?" Such an argument sounds reasonable until you consider the very
serious doctrinal errors involved. When a deadly poison is discovered in a popular
medicine, no one insists on emphasizing the good ingredients; every one insists on
identifying and warning about the poison. When meat or other food is found to be
contaminated, the concern is not about the beneficial substances involved, but rather the
giving of strong warnings as to the nature, source, and elimination of the contamination.
Spiritual poison and contamination (error) are even more dangerous since they affect the
eternal welfare of individuals and the reward or loss of reward for believers (1 Cor.
3:9-15; 2 Jn. 8; Rev. 3:8-11).
As far as naming names is concerned, this also is frowned upon by most believers today.
Yet, the Lord Jesus Christ (who is the very personification of love) issued some of the
strongest warnings and rebukes ever given to the false teachers of His day. Read Matthew
chapter 23 and pay careful attention to the words our Saviour used concerning the Scribes
and Pharisees. Notice His instruction to "call no man father" upon earth (v. 9),
and also the particular words He used forbidding repetitious prayer (Matt. 6:7). Both of
these are disobeyed by Roman Catholics. And, mark well the warning of Jesus Christ in
Matthew 7:15: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing,
but inwardly they are ravening wolves." And, what about Peter, one of the three
disciples who were closest to Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry? Was Christ’s
rebuke of Peter before the other disciples unnecessary and unloving (Matt. 16:21-23)? Look
carefully at the experience of Peter who learned the hard way about the disaster of trying
to be a promise keeper in his own strength (Mk. 14:26-42).
Furthermore the apostle Paul, one of the greatest Bible teachers, pastors, evangelists
and missionaries of his day, spent three years warning the Ephesian elders about the
wolves (false teachers) who would enter into the flock from without; and a similar warning
about those who would arise from within the church who would desire to "draw away
disciples after themselves" (please read Acts 20:17-32). Likewise both Paul and the
other apostles, writing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, did not hesitate to mention
names. Notice how often they rebuked by name those who were disobedient to the Word of
God. 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 4:10, 14; 3 John 9. We must follow their example and obey
God rather than to trust the promises of any man.
Promise Keepers is dangerous, but please do not forget that these words of warning are
an effort to "speak the truth in love," praying always that God will help those
affected to see this.
[This resource is available from the
Fundamental Evangelistic Association in the booklet, "What About the
Promise Keepers?" which includes articles compiled from FOUNDATION
Magazine including: 1) The Promise Keepers Movement is Dangerous-Watch Out for It;
2) Promise Keepers '97: Making godly men or ungodly
alliances?; 3) Promise Keepers Draws the Line
- FOUNDATION Magazine editorial; 4) Promise
Keepers "Stand in the Gap Rally-A Firsthand Report; 5) Articles taken
from FOUNDATION Magazine's "The Watchman's
Trumpet". "What About the Promise Keepers?" is a 40-page
booklet is available from the Fundamental Evangelistic Association.
Please see the order form for additional information.]
