MEN OF INTEGRITY, PROMISE KEEPERS INVITES WOMEN

Promise Keepers Founder Coach McCartney recently spoke with CitizenLink.


Report by Josh Montez, staff writer


'I believe we'll see the beginnings of the greatest move of God in our lifetimes.'

Twenty years ago, Coach Bill McCartney gathered 4,200 men at the University of Colorado for the first Promise Keepers conference. At the time, he was head football coach at the school.

This summer, McCartney and tens of thousands of men — and women — will fill the university's football stadium to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Promise Keepers. “A Time to Honor” is scheduled for July 31-Aug. 1.

Based in Denver, Promise Keepers has reached more than 5.5 million men. In 1997, an estimated 1 million men gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

1. Give me a couple of highlights of what’s going to be taking place in Boulder at the end of July.

I believe we'll see the beginnings of the greatest move of God in our lifetimes. The secret to this outpouring of God's Holy Spirit is to revisit three key priorities embraced by the first-century Church: celebrating virtuous women; sharing resources equally; and honoring the spiritual fathers of the faith. We want to honor Jewish believers.
In the High Priestly Prayer in John 17, Jesus prayed we would be one as He and the Father are one. And then the world would believe that He sent Him. And it says in John 17:22: “The glory which you gave me, I’ve given them.” When Jew and Gentile are in one accord, the presence of God comes in extraordinary measure.

2. It sounds like something unique. You’re not just inviting the men this time, are you?

It’ll be the first time in 20 years that we’ve invited women. And the reason we’re doing that is the presence of God. If you knew that the presence of God was going to fall, would you exclude anybody? I want everybody I know and love to be there.

3. What else are you hoping to accomplish during this event?

The Church is divided (in how) we interpret the Word of God. It’s also divided racially. As a result of this incredible outpouring of God’s Spirit, we’re going to see the body come together, even as the days get more difficult.

4. What do folks need to do to get involved?

We encourage everybody who wants to experience the presence of God to join us. There is a registration fee, but no one will be turned away. We understand with the economy like it is, that many will want to come but they can’t afford it. Just tell them to register, and we’ll save a place for them. We’ll feed them, and we’ll send them home full of God.

5. It’s great to hear your vision. Did I leave anything out?

Single moms, single women — the culture has intimidated them. And we need to get them (to Promise Keepers) because when the presence of God falls, they’re going to be restored. And on Saturday, August 1st, we’re hoping as many as 11,000 young adults (will) be ministered to by contemporary artists and speakers. It’s going to be the same thing: invoking the presence of God so we can help (send) this generation to where God wants them to go.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONLearn more about the conference, and register today.

Watch a special Turn Signal video report about the event.