Promise Keepers Canada (PKC), a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian organization based in Burlington, Ontario, has launched a new magazine to reach out to men across the country.

The first 30,000 copies of Seven were to be delivered yesterday to coincide with Father's Day. The debut issue was loosely themed around father/son relationships, including a cover story on Elvis Iginla, father to Calgary Flames superstar Jarome Iginla.

PKC Marketing Manager Jeff Stearns said response has been "really positive." About 15,000 copies of the 36-page premiere issue were requested by churches for distribution, while another 14,000 men have subscribed to the magazine. The remaining 1,000 copies will be placed in Christian bookstores and sold for $4.95 each.

Advertising sales have been more of a challenge, Stearns noted, but he expected things to pick up after the first issue gets out.

While all of the magazine's content is rooted in Christian teachings and values, PKC hoped Seven will have broader appeal. "It's a magazine for Christian guys, but not everything in there will be absolutely Christian," Stearns said. "We're interested in other stuff."

Last fall, New Man magazine, published by Strang Communications, was shifted from print to the Internet in response to the changing market. Strang publishes Christian Retailing.