Promise-Keepers???

nickbeth · 09-18-2002, 04:27 AM

Ladies, any info and feedback you may have regarding the PK organisation would be helpful. My limited experience has been both good and bad, but some of that had a lot to do with the personalities of the men involved and their roles in my life. DH is now involved in Men's Ministry at our church, in leadership for the first time, and has heard about a large stadium rally taking place in Arizona in February... I'd just like some honest opinions about the group in general, how they walk their talk, and what their talk really has to say about women in leadership, since I'm headed in that direction in a pretty major way, DH may wind up being a pastor's husband before we're all done.

Much as I respect other's beliefs and their right to have them, please don't give in to the desire to flame me for wanting to become a pastor if you are of the opinion that women should not be in leadership.

I'm really just looking to find out if the PK group is likely to try to convice DH that I should not be in leadership.

Thanks!

Ajani · 09-18-2002, 03:05 PM

Promise Keepers are devoted to being caring husbands, who love their wives and kids, live for God and serve Him. I believe that matters of women in leadership are left to the individual denominations. Promise Keepers has been nothing but positive for my family and our church.

KlassicalKat · 09-18-2002, 03:19 PM

I have also heard good and bad.

Most of the Christian men that I know who are involved in this have pure motives. They desire to be better men for God and better family men.

However, a friend of ours who once published a book about cults sent us a copy of what was apparently a questionnaire for men in PK to fill out. Now, granted, I don't know for sure if it was legit, but it was filled with strange very prying questions about extremely personal things...sexual fantasies, what turns you on in a woman...(including women other than your wife!) etc. It was really gross, graphic and voyeuristic (to me it bordered on pornography) and tended to make me suspicious as to what are the motives for asking the men such personal things.

I don't know their stance on leadership for women. Given your situation, I would definitely check that aspect out.
Kathryn

CTCyster · 09-18-2002, 03:19 PM

My DH's father and brother are both PKs- but my DH will not join because he does not agree with some of their philosophies involving women in leadership and their feelings towards homosexuals (Yes- we have gay male friends and PKs stance is offensive to us). We are Christians, Presbyterians to be exact. Although we, personally, are not PK supporters, there is a chapter who regularly meets at our church.

That being said, F/I/L and B/I/L seem to find a lot of fellowship through PK, and since they do not feel the same way about certain issues, they enjoy being members of this organization. The go to Stadium rallys with their church's PK chapter about twice per year. On their last trip (to upstate NY, I believe it was) my F/I/L volunteered to be a prayer leader (I am not exactly sure what the title was- but you get the idea).

So- my DHs family are heavily involved in PK, DH and I are not for our own personal reasons, as listed above.

Good luck on your spiritual journey- whatever decision you and DH decide to make- I think there is room for everyone in the ministry- both men and WOMEN. If you feel the calling to become a pastor, you have this cyster's support 100%

*Aimee*

nickbeth · 09-19-2002, 05:58 PM

Thanks, Ladies...
As for the questionaire thing, I would be really surprised if it was really from the PK org, since I am pretty sure that they absolutely belive and try to practice sexual purity and all that that entails.
We have since looked up their website, and you were right about the homosexuality issue there, I wasn't aware of that, but it does figure, considering the source, it's too bad really, I wish more Christians saw through the trappings of a behavior from the outside and saw the grace and love of God on that issue in particular. It has occurred to me more than once that perhaps God was offended by the promiscuity and lascivious behavior rather than the same-sex relationship??? Different issue than the thread started, but hey, what the heck.
DH is not as keen as he was to join now that that particular issue has been added to the piple, and it's more because of the tone and strength of their position on this issue and the issues surrounding women in ministry than anything else. That and it has always bothered me when anyone says "The ground is level at the foot of the cross", but then insist that a woman's role si somehow not complete without a man and that all leadership roles should be filled by men. Just doesn't seem to make sense to me.

JMHO! Thanks for the input!

Ajani · 09-20-2002, 03:00 PM

Perhaps this is a good place to leave this thread... I know that personally, there are many things that I could say here, but in the spirit of harmony, I won't. I will say again, though, that Promise Keepers has been a positive thing for my husband and our church. And I agree with you about that "questionaire." Highly doubtful that it is official PK material.

CTCyster · 09-20-2002, 03:26 PM

I just wanted to add one more thing. I doubt that PK used those questionaires as well, I just don't agree with all of PKs politics. But that being said, like I said previously, my FIL and BIL really get a lot of fellowship out of PK- it just isn't the right thing for DH (or me for that matter) because we disagree with some of their philosophies.

I was just trying to voice my honest feelings about PK- not be mean spirited or anything like that towards those who support PK. Hey- we all have our own beliefs about certain issues- that's what makes the world go round, right?

I guess we all need to go with what is best for ourselves.

God Bless you, cysters!

*Aimee*

KlassicalKat · 09-20-2002, 03:27 PM

I am sorry if I offended anyone about the questionaire. I did regret posting that, because, as you have rightfully pointed out, I don't know where this person got it. Perhaps it was made by someone who didn't like PK...who knows? Oh well, it is a lesson for me to be sure that I check my sources and post only verified information!

Again, I am sorry if I offended.

KKat

Kat_Iowa · 09-24-2002, 02:37 PM

nickbeth,
I don't have anything to say about the PK org I will keep their opinion about them to myself, but I did want to give you a great note of encourgment about your DH becoming a pastors husband. If this is what feels right for you and your family I would suggest that you go for it with gusto no matter what any man or woman has to say about the role of women leaders.
Wishing you the best of luck,
~Kat

April_Bee · 09-25-2002, 04:44 AM

nickbeth,

IMHO, if you truly feel that God is calling you into a ministry or leadership role in the church, then it is right. Because God is always right.

Just the other day I was watching Joyce Meyer on tv telling how she felt when God called her to preach. She said the first thing I thought was, "but I'm a woman! Is it okay for a woman to preach?" Then she added, "well, God realized I was a woman when he gave me this calling." LOL

Just continue to pray and God will work ALL things out for you, DH, and the Promise Keepers.

God bless you