DENVER  Promise Keepers president Bill McCartney is resigning from the international ministry he founded 13 years ago to care for his wife and spend more time with his family, according to a news release.
McCartney's resignation is effective Oct. 1. He announced his decision to step down at the ministry's quarterly meeting Sept. 9.
Retired Army Lt. Gen. Alonzo Short will continue to serve as interim president, a role he assumed when McCartney went on a six-month sabbatical in March. The board hopes to name a permanent successor within the next few weeks, according to the release.
McCartney, who founded Promise Keepers while he was head football coach at the University of Colorado, has been on a board-approved leave of absence to care for his wife, Lyndi, who is battling a severe respiratory illness.
"Bill let the board know in the most loving way that his time at the helm was ending  but he will always be the founder, and we expect to solicit his advice, counsel, and expressions of love," Short said in a statement.
"Coach Mac has enabled millions of men to find their identity in Christ and embrace true manhood, which has equipped them to be better husbands, fathers and church and community leaders," Short said.
McCartney said he is confident the ministry will continue to grow.
"God has assigned me to be a husband and a grandfather," McCartney said. "The ministry of Promise Keepers is not finished; it is needed now more than ever. I am confident that the Lord will direct and empower the ministry to move forward in strength and support  the opportunities for PK are limitless."
Promise Keepers' 2004 conference season is planned for 17 cities and is centered on the theme "Uprising: the Revolution of a Man's Soul." Conference cities, venues and dates will be announced in October.
