State Capitol Rallies Scrubbed

In part because of uncertainty over Y2K computer problems, Promise Keepers (PK) has abandoned plans to hold rallies outside every state capitol on January 1, 2000.

At stadium events last year, PK recruited conference participants for family gatherings at state capitols. About 90 percent of attendees vowed to show up, and most promised to invite another 10 families (CT, Oct. 5, 1998, p. 21).

The agenda has shifted. Now, PK is urging Christians to stay home and be a witness in their neighborhoods. PK wants families to gather for devotions and prayer on the morning of January 1 (a Saturday), visit or pray with their neighbors in the afternoon, and finally go to church and hear a videotaped message from key leaders of various denominations about being salt and light (portable audiocassette recorders will play the same message in case Y2K has knocked out electricity).

“This is a plan that will honor and serve the church better,” says Gordon England, executive director of PK’s Vision 2000. “Millions of Christians will be interacting with unbelievers in their neighborhoods.”

In conjunction with Mission America (CT, Jan. 11, 1999, p. 13), PK is recommending that Christians establish their homes as “lighthouses” in their blocks. Christians can become acquainted with neighbors by hosting a Y2K preparation party and calming fears of uncertainty about the future, England says.

In addition to concerns about Y2K, England says PK decided to forgo the capitol rallies because of objections in northern climates about standing outside in January. And with the potential of severe weather, families are more likely to make a short drive to their local church than a long drive to a state capitol, he says.

PK will continue to hold conferences this year.

Copyright © 1999 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Also in this issue

Hungry for God: Special News Report: Tired of comfortable Christianity and longing for revival, millions of Christians are rediscovering the discipline of fasting. Surprisingly, teenagers are the most eager participants.

Cover Story

Hungry for God

Church Members Seek Asylum

Sword Drills and Stained Glass

The Last Deist

National Baptists' Lyons Convicted

Better Disability Access Urged

Y2K Boon to Missionary Supplier

Can Town's Charter Include Scripture?

Strict, Conservative Churches Growing

School Permits Abstinence Choice

In Brief: April 05, 1999

The Last Good War

Broadcasters Seek Partners Overseas

Apology Crusaders to Enter Israel

First Messianic Synagogue Built

The Selling of 'Miracle City'

Christ Is King—Lila Graves

Fear Not—Matt Lamb

Crucifix—Ian Pyper

Jesus—Mose Tolliver

Glory Be to God—Oswald Tschirtner

How Healthy Is Fasting?

Letters

Republican Candidates Court Conservatives Early Often

Partial-Birth Abortion: Legislative Bans Stymied in States

Besieged President Resigns

Dissidents Push Churches to Withhold Contributions

NAE Selects New President

Family Films Make Big Money

Editorial

Not a Fast Fix

What Would J. Christy Wilson Do?

Outside the Gate Outsider artists interpret the cross.

How Green Is Easter?

Can the Graham Anointing Be Passed?

Not Your Father's Evangelist

Angel in the Pulpit

Truth and Consequences in South Africa

Jesus Wasn’t a Pluralist

Classic & Contemporary Excerpts from April 05, 1999

Did God Die on the Cross?

View issue

Our Latest

Latino Churches’ Vibrant Testimony

Hispanic American congregations tend to be young, vibrant, and intergenerational. The wider church has much to learn with and from them.

Review

Modern ‘Technoculture’ Makes the World Feel Unnaturally Godless

By changing our experience of reality, it tempts those who don’t perceive God to conclude that he doesn’t exist.

The Bulletin

A Brief Word from Our Sponsor

The Bulletin recaps the 2024 vice presidential debate, discusses global religious persecution, and explores the dynamics of celebrity Christianity.

News

Evangelicals Struggle to Preach Life in the Top Country for Assisted Death

Canadian pastors are lagging behind a national push to expand MAID to those with disabilities and mental health conditions.

Excerpt

The Chinese Christian Who Helped Overcome Illiteracy in Asia

Yan Yangchu taught thousands of peasants to read and write in the early 20th century.

What Would Lecrae Do?

Why Kendrick Lamar’s question matters.

No More Sundays on the Couch

COVID got us used to staying home. But it’s the work of God’s people to lift up the name of Christ and receive God’s Word—together.

Review

Safety Shouldn’t Come First

A theologian questions our habit of elevating this goal above all others.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube