DENVER, Colo., Jan. 24 /Christian Newswire/ -- Promise Keepers (PK), the international ministry to men, will hold its high energy men's conferences in seven cities in 2008, marking 18 years of life-transforming events in sports arenas across the United States. The theme for the gatherings is "Manhood '08: Let the Truth Be Told."

"The concept of manhood itself is under assault in our culture," said Dr. Tom Fortson, president and CEO of Promise Keepers. "Fewer and fewer children are being raised under the influence of their fathers, and without a constructive masculine role model. Sexuality is totally distorted. We need help with our identity and priorities, and Promise Keepers events help men address these issues like no other experience."

SIX SESSIONS TO HELP EQUIP MEN FOR BATTLE
From the opening downbeat of the drums, to the closing "Amen," the 2008 Promise Keepers conference is designed to speak directly to the minds and hearts of men. In the strongest possible terms, the sessions will outline the spiritual, moral and intellectual territory that must be claimed if men are to fulfill their potential and destiny. The sessions are framed as "battle-planning:" "The Battle for Eternity," "The Battle for Absolutes," "The Battle for Growth," "The Battle for Sexual Freedom," "The Battle for Priorities," and "The Battle for Influence."

INVITED SPEAKERS AND SPECIAL GUESTS
Evangelists Franklin Graham (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) and author Richard Blackaby (Blackaby Ministries International) are on the Promise Keepers platform in 2008. Other speakers will be announced soon.

MANHOOD '08 CD INCLUDED!
For a limited time Promise Keepers is again including a special edition music CD with advance registrations. Manhood '08 Worship, co-produced with Integrity Music, will help men get 'in tune' with the event even before they get to the arena, said Dr. Fortson. "Men loved it when Promise Keepers pioneered the idea of helping men learn new songs in advance, and we're pleased to include this CD as part of the registration package," said Dr. Fortson.

"The CD will present a nice balance of rock, contemporary, gospel, praise and worship, and hymns, plus new material. It will be one of our signature projects," said Stephen Newby, who returns to lead worship again at all seven conferences in 2008.

2008 CITIES, DATES AND REGISTRATION*
June 27-28 Fresno, CA
August 1-2 Atlanta, GA
August 8-9 Peoria, IL
August 15-16 Dallas, TX
Sept. 5-6 Cleveland, OH
Sept. 26-27 Charleston, WV
Nov. 14-15 Tacoma, WA
(*Dates and cities are subject to change.)

The program runs Friday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Register online at www.promisekeepers.org, or by calling toll-free 1-866-PROMISE (866-776-6473). Group rates are available. Discounts are available for youth (13 – 18 years of age) and active military personnel (active duty, reservists and retired personnel).

IMPORTANT: Because PK is returning to a full-day Saturday program in 2008, box lunches are available as a separate and optional purchase if ordered when registering for the event.** For a limited time, the music CD will be included with advance registrations. The Manhood ’08 Worship CD will be shipped beginning in June.
(**Because of preparation deadlines, lunch will not be available with registrations made within two weeks before your conference.)

BACKGROUND
Promise Keepers, in its 18th year of ministry, has reached millions of men since its founding in late 1990. Through arena conferences, audience-specific events, theater/community service events called PKAdventure, its website, and multi-media resources, Promise Keepers encourages and equips men to fulfill their calling and demonstrate their integrity. Promise Keepers' mission is to ignite and unite men to make them passionate followers of Jesus Christ. Promise Keepers' vision is "Men Transformed Worldwide."

Editors: Promise Keepers president/CEO Dr. Tom Fortson is available on Friday, Jan. 25 and Monday, Jan. 28, 2008. Please call 303-513-6323 to arrange an interview.