SIMI DAD KEEPING THE FAITH; MAN EN ROUTE TO WASHINGTON FOR NATIONAL RELIGIOUS RALLY.

Byline: Douglas Clark Daily News Staff Writer

Having kept a promise to his sons to be a better father, Jim Stephens is now keeping a promise to himself.

He embarked late Tuesday on a 42-hour, cross-country journey to meet with 1 million other men who have committed to their families. A national rally of the Promise Keepers is planned for Saturday at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and Stephens, his sons and three other Simi Valley men will be a part of it.

``It's kind of an adventure, in a way. It'll be good for us. We'll have lots of time to share prayers and laughs and life experiences,'' Stephens said.

Along the way, the men will be keeping a diary of their experiences on a laptop computer.

At the request of the national Promise Keepers leaders, they also will videotape the trip.

Making the trip with Stephens are Dick Inman, Steve Beck, and the Rev. Glen Jackson, pastor of the Simi Valley Christian Church, where the men all worship.

Stephens' son Tom was scheduled to rendezvous with the sojourners Tuesday night in Victorville, just south of Interstate 40 - the road the motor home will travel to the Capital Beltway.

And Tim Stephens, who lives near San Diego, will fly to Washington today to join the group.

As they prepared to depart Tuesday from the Sycamore Shopping Plaza parking lot, relatives swarmed around Stephens' Safari motor home, taking pictures, loading food and other supplies, and praying for a safe trip.

Inman said the rally is a special opportunity.

``It means a chance to do something for the Lord, to stand in the gap between the moral and immoral,'' he said. ``The whole movement has given me a lot of hope.''

Promise Keepers was founded in 1991 by Bill McCartney - then the head football coach of the University of Colorado - who organized rallies nationwide at which men vowed to deepen their commitment to Christ and family life. The popularity of the organization has exploded, with 1.1 million men attending rallies last year at 22 stadiums; this year, revenues are projected at $117 million.

The men who join Promise Keepers agree to uphold seven basic promises that include seeking the well-being of family members, breaking down racial barriers, maintaining moral and sexual integrity, and devoting oneself to Jesus Christ and the church.

Jackson said about 20 men from his church became Promise Keepers after attending a 1993 rally at Anaheim Stadium that drew 55,000 men who prayed, cried and sang together.

``Anytime you can get together with thousands of people who share the same values, it's a wonderful experience,'' he said.

Jim Stephens said the family-centered values espoused by Promise Keepers brought him and his sons closer. His son Tim Stephens concurred.

``It's been a great inspiration. It's easier to communicate with each other. It helps resolve the problems,'' he said, referring to an earlier time when he was angry with his dad for being a workaholic.

Jim Stephens said that as fathers and husbands they have to take responsibility for making mistakes.

``Then we need forgiveness within our families and with our God,'' said Stephens. ``I've been honest with my sons, and it really makes for a wonderful relationship.''

Despite the enthusiasm of men like Jackson and the Stephenses, Promise Keepers has drawn criticism. Patricia Ireland, president of the National Organization for Women, said the ministry requires women to be submissive to their husbands.

Jackson said critics who say the Promise Keepers are taking the Bible too literally are themselves taking too literally the Bible's admonishment that ``wives submit to your husbands.'' He said the Bible also says, ``Husbands love your wives.'' One does not work without the other, he said.

Nicki, Jackson's wife, said she is deeply moved by the commitment area men have made to Promise Keepers. She knows of no complaints from church women whose husbands have become involved in the movement.

``I got choked up thinking about what it really meant,'' she said. ``There are all these men thinking about being men of integrity. They're saying, `We want these values. And they're important enough to take time off work to make this statement.' ''

CAPTION(S):

3 Photos

PHOTO (1--color) From left, Jim Stephens, Pastor Glen Jackson and Dick Inman of Simi Valley left Tuesday for the Promise Keepers in Washington.

(2--color in Simi edition only) Family members and friends form a prayer circle for the Simi Valley Christian Church members who will videotape their travels.

(3--ran in Conejo edition only) Pastor Glen Jackson, his wife, Nicki, center, and Gail Stephens prepare the motor home for its trip to Washington.

Myung J. Chun/Daily News