Learn More about Bob Reccord and Promise Keepers

An eleven year old young man turned to his thirteen year old friend during the invitation and said, “If God is tugging at your heart, I’ll be glad to go forward with you.” Without hesitation, his friend responded, “Let’s go.” When I met them in the crowd that had come forward, the thirteen year old said, “I know I’m the oldest but in this case my buddy was the leader. I’m so glad he brought me…and even more glad he challenged me to step out and make a commitment, and came with me when I did.”

A young man in his twenties stood weeping incessantly, while his dad stood beside him beaming. When they could talk with me they explained that the son had been praying for his dad for years and had almost given up hope. But on that night, his dad had accepted Christ and the son just couldn’t control him emotions. The dad, on the other hand, could suppress his joy with his new found relationship with Christ. As I walked away, the son grabbed me and exclaimed, “Thanks for completing my family by helping my dad find Christ.”

A man almost 90 came forward and stood alone, without friends of family, when I descended from the stage at invitation time. He was weeping so hard he was shaking. When I asked if I could help he grabbed me, and sobbing said, “Everything you said in your message describes me and where I am. I need Christ!” And he invited the Savior into his heart right there.

Why should a man attend a Promise Keeper event? Or, why should a wife encourage her husband to leave her, and maybe the kids, for a weekend away?

“Transformed lives—that’s what Promise Keepers is all about!” says featured speaker and evangelist Bob Reccord. He goes on to say, “ I have loved walking the halls and just being with the men, and I have had them share some amazing stories. Let me tell you just of the few of the divine encounters that have happened in the last few weeks.”

Reason 1

A 21 year old son, his father and grandfather came forward at the invitation. When asked who was coming to make a decision for Christ the grandfather began to weep. He explained it was his grandson’s birthday, and when he had asked what his grandson wanted the response had been simply, “Grandfather, would you please go to Promise Keepers with me and dad?” And that night, that grandfather met Christ! 

Milwaukee has long been touted as the beer capitol of the world. But, in Bradley center on Friday evening, home to the Admirals, Bucks, and Marquette U sports, it was enthusiasm that was flowing. Men were there to be a part of a Promise Keepers Celebration. And, following the riveting message by Dr. Bob Reccord, over 620 men responded to the invitation to become followers of Jesus Christ.

“I’m having the time of my life!” says speaker, author, consultant and evangelist Dr. Bob Reccord. Reccord is the keynote evangelist for the 2006 18 Promise Keeper events. “I never get over the thrill of watching men run to the front of the arenas to publicly declare their intention to make Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior.”

Reccord has simply returned to his roots. “I came to know Jesus Christ personally while a student at Indiana University. Almost immediately, I found myself preaching evangelistic celebrations across the Midwest while still in college. This continued as I became a graduate student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, the largest seminary in the world. From there, I served as a pastor in 3 different churches, national director of training for a Para church organization, and as vice-president of a Detroit area corporation.

While the opportunities seemed diverse, each of the roles that Reccord has pursued has had a common thread. “People tell me they feel I have the ability to go into an organization, find what needs fixing, fix it…and help it color outside the lines with creative strategies. While there are many things that work, that also means you’ve got to risk doing some things that don’t totally succeed.. After all, that’s why they call it risk!” Reccord’s visionary and entrepreneurial skills were put to the test when he was asked to oversee the massive 21/2 year implementation of restructuring the Southern Baptist Convention—what many called “an impossible task.’. Following his strong leadership and a fully successful implementation, Reccord was asked to be the first and founding president of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) (which was a consolidation of three former agencies and became one of the world’s largest mission’s agencies), where he served for nine years, “With ministries ranging from the inner cities to the UN and Washington DC, coupled with being the nerve center of the third largest disaster relief ministry in North America, we were privileged to see many amazing accomplishments such as over 14,350 new churches begun in conjunction with our SBC partners. World Changers—a ministry of high school students helping to rebuild inner city housing mushroomed from 7000 participants yearly to 25,000+ yearly.” In addition Reccord was thrilled to see the mission agency go move from an approximately 25% administrative overhead at its inception in 1997, to under 12% when he left in 2006—helping to see over $41 million more dollars freed up to front line ministries in the first five years of the agency’s existence. And under Reccord’s leadership, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief stepped into new national prominence as they provided over fifteen million hot meals, 104,000 hot showers and cleared over 17,000 debris sites for hurricane victims in 2005. Accolades for Southern Baptist relief efforts poured in from all quarters, not the least of which was the Red Cross and the White House,.and financial support rose to a record high of over $24 million to NAMB’s relief efforts, with a staggering 1 of every 5 dollars coming from non-Southern Baptists for the first time in .

“But, with all those opportunities came a seemingly endless stream of administrative demands and meetings. I feel as though God has now freed me up to pursue the passion of my soul—of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ—and helping others do the same– and seeing lives transformed. I love to simply spend time one on one with men (all night Friday and all day Saturday) after I leave the platform and hear their stories of how Christ has unleashed them to became all that God meant them to be.”

Apparently, Reccord will get to continue pursuing his passion. He’s already been asked by Tom Fortson, President of Promise Keepers, to speak at the 2007 Promise Keeper events sharing how men are “made to count right where they are, starting now.”

And, as Reccord says, “It just doesn’t get better than this!”

IT PAYS TO BE ALERT!

There’s nothing like the golden hues of the Aspens, Poplars, and Cottonwoods of Wyoming and Montana in the Fall. The winds rustling through the leaves play a harmony that is music to an outdoorsman’s ears. Fly fishing is drawing to a close for the season. Deer and elk season are around the corner. The rut will have animals on the move like they haven’t been in months. Trigger fingers begin to twitch. The fashion for clothes becomes camo. And Scent Loc doesn’t have anything to do with a security device on a door.

That is where I found myself recently outside of Cody, Wyoming. The colors were the most vibrant I had seen them in years. I felt I was walking through a Terry Redkin painting. The mountains sat a purple velvet draped panoramic backdrop to a wonderland I too often am able to only dream about.

We had ridden through the mountains setting on the vistas with a 360 degree view of “forever.” The horses had labored getting up some of the inclines…but the view at the top was worth it all. At least for us. But it sure made me glad that I wasn’t horse!

But there is one thing that can significantly disrupt the idyllic aura of the mighty Rockies—Grizzlies! They had spotted them in the pasture a few days before I arrived. A mother and her cubs. The fur thick. The silver coloring tipping the hair glistening in the rays of the sun. Powerfully striding through the field she left little doubt of who ruled the roost.

And when grizzlies are on the prowl you had better keep your senses keen, a gun or bear spray close and your feet ready to move quickly. But they can take even the most experienced off guard in a hurry.

Larry Ellis is the seasoned ranch manager on the beautiful spread onwhich I was spending several days. He had told me to be careful and alert, taken a gun and spray as we had ridden both the ranch and national forest, and had watched the mamouth animal…now joined by a male…through glasses. A bear can outrun a horse in a 100 yards or less so knowing their whereabouts at all times when outside is vital.

I had gone up to a higher point on the ranch and had no idea of the crisis developing below. Larry and his wife Melanie, along with their four year old son Colter, had been pacing off the area of their new ranch home to be built in the coming months. Squatting down on the ground they were focused on the drawings and schematics, discussing the pros and cons of various alternatives for the place that would be their “refuge” from the demanding responsibilities of ranch life.

Suddenly, Melanie noticed a movement in her perifphial vision. Probably one of the horses. But something deep in that woman’s intuition told her differently. Glancing up with a foreboding inner sense, she froze as she looked into the face of the mother grizzly, accompanied by her cubs…30 feet away!

“Grrriiizzzlly,” she stammered, grabbing Colter and backing away. Stunned, Larry reached for his .44 magnum. And time seemed to stand still…or at least move in slow motion.

You’re never supposed to look a grizzly in the eye…but Melanie would later say she inadvertently did that day. Two mothers, each with their kids, facing off. Melanie wondering if she could get Colter away fast enough. Larry trying to assure safety in a terrorizing moment. And a grizzley sow, determining whether to attack or retreat, while simultaneously scuttling her cubs away to safety.

With tension crackling in the air, everything seemed to move in slow motion. The sow stuck her neck forward, sniffing the air and shaking her head slowly, debating the charge. Suddenly…thankfully…she rolled her head to the side, turned and trotted after her cubs as Melanie swept Colter to the house, and the men let out an audible gasp of relief from held breath’s that burst out in released tension.

We would all do we to be reminded that while it is easy to get distracted daily in our normal activities, there is always an Adversary on the prowl close by waiting for his opportunity to pounce. Rather than a bear, Scripture describes Satan as a “roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). His desire is not to merely trip us up, but to destroy us and our testimony.

So, heads up! Be on the alert! Be ready to resist…and stand firm! You never when he’ll show up.

Bob Reccord - Promise Keepers - Glendale 

Author:Joyce Howard Price

Original Article: Washing Times

Article Date: March 16, 2006

Southern Baptist volunteers plan to rebuild more than 1,000 houses in New Orleans

Members of the evangelical men’s group Promise Keepers will assist.”We’re hoping for a minimum of 52,000 volunteers” between the two groups, Mr. Reccord said. The work will resemble those of the international relief group Samaritan’s Purse, headed by the Rev. Franklin Graham. Samaritan’s Purse has contributed $25 million to the area’s rebuilding effort.

Read more about this Bob Reccord article

MEN IN MILWAUKEE RESPOND TO ‘UNLEASHED’ MESSAGE

Thousands set free, on mission to impact communities

Place and Time:Milwaukee, Sept. 9, 2006

by: Dr. Reccord and Don Conklin of The Christian Courier contributed to this report

An estimated 7,500 men gathered in downtown Milwaukee for the Promise Keepers men’s weekend experience, called “Unleashed - Releasing the Raw Power of Your Heart.” Hundreds of volunteers pitched in to pull off the event, and conference attendees donated 7500 pounds of non-perishable food items for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Wisconsin.

Bishop Joseph Garlington (Covenant Church of Pittsburgh, www.ccop.org) spent Saturday morning on the topics of “Heart” and “Talent.” “The great potential and purpose of man is found in a heart that is surrendered to God,” said the Bishop.

“God’s Spirit comes alongside us to lead us away from sin and toward His purpose and plans,” said Omaha pastor Dobie Weasel (Glad Tidings Church, www.gtomaha.com) in a Saturday afternoon session.

Emcee Reggie Dabbs closed the meeting with a prayer for the United States, which marks the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks on Monday. “I pray that no evil thought (against our nation) would become reality. Touch our President and those in authority.”

Making a Joyful Noise

On Saturday afternoon, The Katinas, the Samoan, break-dancing, hip-hop and R&B band, thrilled the crowd with soul-laced versions of hymns and worship songs. The men roared at Jon Katina’s chant, “Wisconsin, Wisconsin, Wisconsin’s on fire! We don’t need the devil ‘cuz the devil is a liar!”

Throughout the conference, Integrity Records’ PK7 served “house band” duties, creating a soundtrack of praise from their latest release, called “Unleashed.”

170 Bikes for Jesus

Promise Keepers unveiled its first-ever custom bike “Unleashed,” starting up the 124 cu. in. S & S engine and driving it through the seats on the floor of the Bradley Center on Friday night. The “PK Thunder” events attracted more than 170 motorcyclists, including an escorted Saturday morning loop ride along the Milwaukee River and past the Harley-Davidson headquarters building. “PK Thunder” motorcycle events will also be held during Promise Keepers conferences in Sacramento (Oct. 6-7) and Glendale, Ariz. (Oct.13-14). (www.pkthunder.com)

What the men say:

“I was amazed at how much Promise Keepers have financially invested into these men. “It was an awesome program,” said Grant Lawson of Milwaukee. Jim Plavsic of Milwaukee really connected with the music. “The Katinas were great but I even enjoyed PK7! I was really impressed by the quality of their worship music.”

Friday at Bradley Center

Author Dr. Bob Reccord (www.madetocount.com) was the first keynote speaker. His message “Hearing God’s Invitation,” invited men to join the historic, practical Christian faith. Nearly 500 men responded by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, half making a first-time decision and half re-affirming their faith. Their prayer, “Father, I’ve come home.”

Upcoming Promise Keepers meetings

Next week, Promise Keepers’ “Unleashed” men’s conference meets across Lake Michigan in Grand Rapids, Mich. (Sept. 15-16). On Sept. 22-23, “Unleashed” is at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Ky. Next year Promise Keepers meets in St. Paul, Minn. on Sept. 14-15, 2007. Details for upcoming “Unleashed” conferences are available at www.promisekeepers.org, and registration is available by calling toll-free 1-866-PROMISE (866-776-6473).

Promise Keepers’ mission is to ignite and unite men to become passionate followers of Jesus Christ through the effective communication of seven promises to God, his fellow man, family, church and the world. This year is Promise Keepers’ 16th year of conference ministry.

LOUISVILLE ENDURES FLOODS, UNLEASHES 12,000 MEN

Place and Date: Louisville, Ky., Sept. 23, 2006

Food raised, blood given, “put your hand on the man’s shoulder next to you”

As September thunderstorms raged outside,an estimated 12,000 men gathered at Freedom Hall for Promise Keepers’ 2006 conference, “Unleashed - Releasing the Raw Power of Your Heart.” The graphic image of the “Unleashed” conference is a bolt of lightning. Church-based men’s groups, fathers and sons, friends and strangers came for spiritual encouragement and direction.

In a Saturday morning food drive, attendees contributed an estimated 7000 pounds of non-perishable food for Kentucky Harvest, feeding the hungry.

Louisville “Unleashed” conferees donated more than 40 units of blood at a Friday afternoon blood drive conducted with the Louisville chapter of the Red Cross. At four Promise Keepers conferences in 2006, a total of 213 units of blood were donated.

Promise Keepers president and CEO Dr. Tom Fortson encouraged men personally after recovering from a bout with an E. coli infection in July. “I never imagined that my hospital stay would be, for me, the ‘green pastures’ (Psalm 23). I have a story to tell: God is good no matter where you are. You have a story to tell as well,” said Dr. Fortson. “We want you to leave here free and unleashed to tell your story.”

Bishop Joseph Garlington (Covenant Church of Pittsburgh, www.ccop.org) addressed men’s neglected hearts and dormant talents. “The mistakes of a righteous man are more precious in the sight of God, than those who refuse to trust Him.”

Oregon pastor and Vietnam era Green Beret Stu Weber reminded men that they will need a Helper to keep promises, God the Holy Spirit. “Like my friend in the Pentagon on September 11, when you see that wall of fire and temptation coming down the hall at you, you can rely on a faithful God.”

Missouri camp director Joe White closed the conference with a message titled, “Releasing Your Potential.” From a wheel barrel, White shoveled dirt over a huge “seed,” demonstrating a servant lifestyle. “All my heroes are foot washers. I am third. That’s the kind of life I want to live. God is first, others are second. I am third.”

Real men sing real loud!

Big Daddy Weave (www.bigdaddyweave.com) came up from Mobile, Ala. to play the after-lunch concert at Louisville’s Promise Keepers event. The crowd joined immediately as they presented songs from their new Fervent/Curb Records release Every Time I Breathe. Urging the men to jump, they included the youth group favorite “Undignified.”

The weekend’s house band, PK7 played songs from their latest release on Integrity Music, Unleashed, a blend of classic hymns and new praise and worship songs.

Friday at Freedom Hall

“The first place my adoptive parents brought me to live my new life was Paducah, Ky., so it’s really important for me to be here,” said Dr. Bob Reccord, a noted author and Bible teacher (www.madetocount.com). At Reccord’s invitation to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, some 250 men and boys responded by praying at the front of the five-foot stage.

The men prayed: “Father, I’ve come home. I have turned from my sin, and I accept your forgiveness. Today I start my new journey as your son.” In the background, the 1865 hymn “Jesus Paid It All” took on a fresh relevance.

Grand Rapids pastor Rob Bell closed the first night of the conference with a video from his Nooma series (www.nooma.com). Challenging men to accept God’s call on their lives, Bell said, “(Jesus) must have faith in us,because He leaves it all in the hands of his disciples. us!”

“Pastor of Ceremonies” is nationally known high school motivational speaker Reggie Dabbs. “The day comes in your life when you have to respond to the raw power of God in your heart.”

Promise Keepers next year

Next year Promise Keepers meets in Nashville on July 20-21, and in Cincinnati on Sept. 7-8, 2007. Promise Keepers moves west for the next three weekends to close its 2006 season (Spokane, Sacramento, Glendale, Ariz.). Details for upcoming “Unleashed” conferences are available at www.promisekeepers.org, and registration is available by calling toll-free 1-866-PROMISE (866-776-6473).

Promise Keepers’ mission is to ignite and unite men to become passionate followers of Jesus Christ through the effective communication of several promises to God, his fellow man, family, church and the world. This year is Promise Keepers’ 16th year of conference ministry.

LOUISVILLE ENDURES FLOODS, UNLEASHES 12,000 MEN

Place and Date: Louisville, Ky., Sept. 23, 2006

Food raised, blood given, “put your hand on the man’s shoulder next to you”

As September thunderstorms raged outside,an estimated 12,000 men gathered at Freedom Hall for Promise Keepers’ 2006 conference, “Unleashed - Releasing the Raw Power of Your Heart.” The graphic image of the “Unleashed” conference is a bolt of lightning. Church-based men’s groups, fathers and sons, friends and strangers came for spiritual encouragement and direction.

In a Saturday morning food drive, attendees contributed an estimated 7000 pounds of non-perishable food for Kentucky Harvest, feeding the hungry.

Louisville “Unleashed” conferees donated more than 40 units of blood at a Friday afternoon blood drive conducted with the Louisville chapter of the Red Cross. At four Promise Keepers conferences in 2006, a total of 213 units of blood were donated.

Promise Keepers president and CEO Dr. Tom Fortson encouraged men personally after recovering from a bout with an E. coli infection in July. “I never imagined that my hospital stay would be, for me, the ‘green pastures’ (Psalm 23). I have a story to tell: God is good no matter where you are. You have a story to tell as well,” said Dr. Fortson. “We want you to leave here free and unleashed to tell your story.”

Bishop Joseph Garlington (Covenant Church of Pittsburgh, www.ccop.org) addressed men’s neglected hearts and dormant talents. “The mistakes of a righteous man are more precious in the sight of God, than those who refuse to trust Him.”

Oregon pastor and Vietnam era Green Beret Stu Weber reminded men that they will need a Helper to keep promises, God the Holy Spirit. “Like my friend in the Pentagon on September 11, when you see that wall of fire and temptation coming down the hall at you, you can rely on a faithful God.”

Missouri camp director Joe White closed the conference with a message titled, “Releasing Your Potential.” From a wheel barrel, White shoveled dirt over a huge “seed,” demonstrating a servant lifestyle. “All my heroes are foot washers. I am third. That’s the kind of life I want to live. God is first, others are second. I am third.”

Real men sing real loud!

Big Daddy Weave (www.bigdaddyweave.com) came up from Mobile, Ala. to play the after-lunch concert at Louisville’s Promise Keepers event. The crowd joined immediately as they presented songs from their new Fervent/Curb Records release Every Time I Breathe. Urging the men to jump, they included the youth group favorite “Undignified.”

The weekend’s house band, PK7 played songs from their latest release on Integrity Music, Unleashed, a blend of classic hymns and new praise and worship songs.

Friday at Freedom Hall

“The first place my adoptive parents brought me to live my new life was Paducah, Ky., so it’s really important for me to be here,” said Dr. Bob Reccord, a noted author and Bible teacher (www.madetocount.com). At Reccord’s invitation to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, some 250 men and boys responded by praying at the front of the five-foot stage.

The men prayed: “Father, I’ve come home. I have turned from my sin, and I accept your forgiveness. Today I start my new journey as your son.” In the background, the 1865 hymn “Jesus Paid It All” took on a fresh relevance.

Grand Rapids pastor Rob Bell closed the first night of the conference with a video from his Nooma series (www.nooma.com). Challenging men to accept God’s call on their lives, Bell said, “(Jesus) must have faith in us,because He leaves it all in the hands of his disciples. us!”

“Pastor of Ceremonies” is nationally known high school motivational speaker Reggie Dabbs. “The day comes in your life when you have to respond to the raw power of God in your heart.”

Promise Keepers next year

Next year Promise Keepers meets in Nashville on July 20-21, and in Cincinnati on Sept. 7-8, 2007. Promise Keepers moves west for the next three weekends to close its 2006 season (Spokane, Sacramento, Glendale, Ariz.). Details for upcoming “Unleashed” conferences are available at www.promisekeepers.org, and registration is available by calling toll-free 1-866-PROMISE (866-776-6473).

Promise Keepers’ mission is to ignite and unite men to become passionate followers of Jesus Christ through the effective communication of several promises to God, his fellow man, family, church and the world. This year is Promise Keepers’ 16th year of conference ministry.