Thoughts on the opening of Lakewood Land

one of my professors once told me that he thought it better to move down in the world, make less money with each job, work at a smaller church each time, to the point where people don't even know your name... that's success. like Christ became lower and lower, emptying himself to the point of nothing. that's why i have a hard time with pastors like olsteen.

Wow, those are harsh words. I remeber something from the apostle Paul saying that he is happy that Christ's name is even being mentioned. Are we just jealous of Joel? I just get sick of Christians attacking each other, and I seem to think that God does too.

"As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!" (Galatians 1.9)

I believe the difference is that Osteen does not preach the biblical Gospel. He doesn't mention Jesus very much at all, and when he does its not the Jesus of the Bible but rather more of a Santa Claus Jesus who wants to bring you favor all the time - even with things like good parking places at your favorite restaurants (it's in his book - no joke).

Imonk did use some harsh words, but then again so did Paul. Jealous of Joel - not a bit. But I do pray every day. He is one of of the most influential men in America, and if he would begin to preach Christ and him crucified, calling people to repentance and faith in the death of Christ I think amazing things could/would happen.

I have thought about posting many times in response to things said about Joel Osteen and have stopped myself but I am going to post this time. I know that these are personal opinions being posted on someones personal blog site but I have to agree with Jason. Although there are ways that Joel could improve as a pastor (keep in mind though that we all have room for improvement) I still think he does a great job. What role do I think he plays in furthering the Kingdom of God you may ask? Well, I think he opens peoples eyes to God. He speaks to those that have maybe closed themselves off from Christianity and gives them a new zeal. He shows them that past mistakes will not keep you from the love of Jesus and that we are all God's children. I have many friends who are in a relationship with the Lord, know all about grace through faith and know so much about scripture but will tell you that it was Lakewood Church or Joel on TV that got them interested in knowing all of this. Like I said before, no one is perfect and we all have room for improvement but I don't doubt that Joel Osteen has a great role in furthering God's Kingdom. I just think it is time we stopped attacking other Christians and build each other up instead. There are enough people out there ready to attack us that we don't have to attack each other. Thanks for listening.

I have to agree with Bill. Osteen does a disservice to Christiandom, particullary in Houston. I have experienced first hand the damage that is done when a megachurch that does not preach repentance through Christ unleashes it's people on an unsuspecting city. In my experience, they feel like they all deserve to be served instead of feeling like it is their duty to serve. Also, I do not expect a church that is preaching Christ and Him crucified to be "popular". People do not want to hear that. There is no Biblical mention of a champion in anyone, but when you tell people that, they come to your church and buy your books.

I do not hate Joel, but I agree that he does not preach the Gospel. I too know people that watch him on TV. They say that they feel closer to God when they do - that's dangerous. So what if they are seeking...if they never hear the truth, then what is the point?

About the scripture where Paul says that if Christ is proclaimed, then who cares what the matives of the speaker are?
That does not applt to this case - Osteen would have to proclaim Christ first.

Then accusations of jealously might make more sense.

I'm surprised at the attention my comment got. Of course, Christ crucified must be preached since that is the Gospel. Personally, I don't really like Joel's teaching style, but I was merely addressing us, as church leaders, to be cautious about becoming judgmental. Let's face it, it's a problem. We are given to it since we are constantly evaluating people's lives and having to make assessments and decisions. And more often than not, we're cleaning up the mess they've made of themselves.

I'm just trying to imagine the day that we as Chrsitians focus all this energy in to reaching the lost instead of debating with each other. That's not meant to be harsh. Just kind of a reminder that it's easy to become a critical. After all, they should know us by our love...

I visited Lakewood about two months ago and it was very interesting. Joel is a pretty charismatic guy and people dig the whole 'come to church and get blessed' bit. Personally I feel that we should be more about being a blessing (to others) than being blessed (our selves).