You are here: Home > Article Archives

One Man's Story

Chalk it up to Frank, Doug, Jeff and Jack.  “These guys were godly men, Bible-thumpin’ Jesus freaks.  They would pray with me, love me, ask me when I was going to grow up, ask me about my responsibilities; the stuff that men do.”

For years Ken Lewis was drifting.  He had taken an assignment with the Air Force in Anchorage, Alaska, at the same time walking out on his wife and three boys in South Dakota.  But as a new Christian, Christlike men were carefully and strategically placed in Ken's life, and those relationships shaped him into the passionate follower of Jesus Christ he is today.

“Frank introduced me to Doug, who introduced me to Jeff and Jack, and they mentored me.  Iron sharpens iron. Iron is shaped through heat and a lot of pounding on. They loved me, heated me up and pounded on me. They stuck it out with me.  Doug taught me the ‘hows’ to life: how to read my Bible and how to love Jesus.  These men were Jesus with skin on.”

Years later, reconnected with his family and now in Texas, Ken found himself mentored by the father of the modern Christian men’s movement, Dr. Ed Cole.  Today, Lewis, 42, fulfills his commission as a Promise Keepers Ambassador and president of Men Builders International Ministries based in San Antonio.  He considers himself a ‘Minister Majoring in Men.’

Early on in his Christian walk, Lewis says he was more interested in sales motivational meetings than Christian gatherings like Promise Keepers conferences. “I did whatever it took to get right.”  In time, he transitioned mentoring principles and his teaching style from pursuing business deals to pursuing souls.

His Tuesday morning men's group averages 6-20 guys.  “We focus on the Father’s patterns and principles in Scripture, how to apply the Word, manhood and Christ-likeness. We pray, start on time, and end on time.  Of course, if a guy has an issue we’re there to walk him through it. We meet in a restaurant that’s closed for breakfast, but they let us in while they prep for the day.  We do not take lightly we are watched by 30-40 employees as they work - it’s accountability.”

“I’m an Ambassador with Promise Keepers because I’m a men’s minister. Every man God puts in front of me is one of my guys.  ‘Responsibility’ is the one word to describe what drives me.  You care more if you take ownership and have buy-in.  I care about my guys.”

Here is how Ken describes his role as a spiritual coach.  “The Man is the Man you want to get to, and the coach is the man to get you to the Man.  Jesus is the Man, and I am the coach to get you to the Man.”

Promise Keepers 2007 men’s conference (at San Antonio’s AT&T Center July 13-14) is the kind of catalytic event that reaches men where few other events dare to go.

“Churches tell me they are cancelling their individual spring retreats to attend Promise Keepers later this summer.  It’s a mountain top event, an entry point for a man with spiritual questions.  The PK weekend is a great excuse to hang out with the guys, and celebrate Jesus Christ.”

The highlight Ken is looking forward to at this year’s Promise Keepers event:

“The altar call!  Evangelist Mike Silva!!  I love his passion and heart. Mike can touch the deepest issues holding a man down and draw them out.”

In addition to Ken’s “day job” and the joy he derives from being a husband, father and grandfather, he’s meeting with pastors and men’s groups, and organizing the advance rally, called “Power Up!” April 20-21 with Double Portion, The Katinas and guest speaker Doug Stringer of Turning Point and Somebody Cares International.  Later this year, the San Antonio team is producing a community service work project.

How to balance it all?  “With four major areas of activity in my life, I operate at 80 percent in each, with room for extra effort when and where it’s needed.  I listen to my wife Deb, who ensures I remain balanced.”

- - - 

Promise Keepers is recruiting passionate followers of Jesus Christ to become Ambassadors.  Find out more about becoming a Promise Keepers Ambassador by following this link.

Related Links

• San Antonio Conference Page

• SAWorship.com Men’s Page