Posted on 07/17/2005 10:15:12 AM PDT by BenLurkin
HOUSTON (AP) - America's largest church celebrated its move into the former arena for the Houston Rockets with a capacity crowd of 16,000, an upbeat sermon from its televangelist pastor and a spirited welcome from the governor of Texas. "How do you like our new home?" Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen asked to thunderous applause. "It looks pretty good doesn't it? This is a dream come true."
The new home for the nondenominational Christian church is the former Compaq Center, once home to the Rockets.
There were no vacant spots in the arena as Lakewood, which recently became the first church in the United States to average more than 30,000 worshippers weekly, held its first service there Saturday night. The service also was televised live.
Gov. Rick Perry praised the church's new look and told the crowd, "As lawmakers we do a lot of things, but only the church can teach people to love.
"This is nothing short of amazing," Perry said. "It is so great to look across this crowd and see the wonderful diversity of this great state we call Texas."
It took more than 15 months and $75 million to complete the renovations - which included adding five stories to make more room.
"I couldn't believe how beautiful it was," Osteen said afterward when asked to describe how he felt when he first entered what he called the "Texas-sized" sanctuary. "It almost felt surreal."
Video clips playing on three gigantic screens showcased the building and recounted the history of the church. One video recalled the church's humble beginnings in an abandoned feed store in 1959 and traced Osteen's rise to the pulpit after his father and church founder, John Osteen, died 40 years later.
Osteen took over the church in 1999 and has increased the size of the congregation almost five-fold since then. His book, "Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living Your Full Potential" has sold almost 3 million copies.
The service was highlighted by a 25-minute sermon by Osteen, who told the crowd that he and his wife, Victoria, went on their first date in the arena 19 years ago.
The crowd roared with approval throughout the message and was often brought to its feet as Osteen spoke in front of a large golden-colored globe that rotated slowly.
Members of the choir swayed happily, belting out several different songs below pictures of a crisp blue sky with puffy white clouds.
While collection plates were passed, video messages from people around the world, including Pastor T.D. Jakes of the Potter's House in Dallas, welcomed Lakewood to its new location.
"It is overwhelming, unbelievable, fantastic," Ann Bell, one of the church's original members, said after the service. "Words can't even describe it."
Of course the answer to that is "YES" (More that turn to God the better) but what is Osteen's "flock" following? Is it, truly, God's teachings? My question.
Can't say he is a phoney, but I am always amazed at how some people get others attenion. Never have figured out how some have such control over others...
If that is what you think, you are an idiot and moron pal!
Give me a break.
But Osteen is...right?
We all have perspectives...why this is a good forum. I see your point.
As to his message, sometimes he preaches the gospel and sometimes he preaches prosperity. But I still found last nights service to be good.
Thanks...never heard that before...hahahahahah. Ohhh, for your edification chief, the analogy is being drawn upon the Branch Davidians because, as they relate to Osteen, the Davidians followed a "cult of personality". And that cult of personality, was little distinguished from God's teachings.
My point has been...in watching Osteen, I see this new venue of his little related to God, but more towards the greater glory of one man. IMHO.
Thanks Cajun man, appreciate the thoughts.
BINGO!
I was going to ask these questions, but you beat me to it. This guy is a smiling fraud. He's a tax-exempt Tony Robbins.
He "preaches" the most shallow Christianity I've ever heard.
I don't know what Lakewood is doing now, but I know that Pastor John Osteen (Joel's father) made several trips to India throughout the years and ministered to thousands of people there. A church I used to attend gave Lakewood $1 million in support of missions; I think that was for India or somewhere else overseas.
Agreed.
That's reassuring to know. Thanks
A Church is a community of people, NOT a "building." Reminds me of how all of these Catholics got po's in my old nabe when some Brazilians took over a few storefronts and turned it into a Church.
do you know him personally?
Why is it there is always people on FR like you that like to tear down this Christian man and his Church?
Next, you'll be calling LakeWood Church a compound and suggesting Joel is only after the other mens' women.
My low opinion of you on this issue stands.
"A Church is a community of people, NOT a "building."
I get your meaning but then again a community of people isn't always a religion (church). Think Jim Jones. People need to keep their eyes wide open.
THE PEOPLE'S TEMPLE Jim Jones held degrees from Indiana University and Butler University. Jim Jones' mental illness, aggravated by his use of drugs....
www.religioustolerance.org/dc_jones.htm
My questions too. Bump.
I just think we should all question (within reason) those who take leadership roles in Faith. Prudence demands it, and when it comes to one's spiritual walk in life...it only makes sense.
I never saw the guy post anything close to telling others how to worship. Best I could figure out he was critisizing a minister for not walking it like he talked it. A pretty common critisizim about televangilists.
Why don't you guys just start up a "Bash LakeWood Church & Joel" thread?
He's one of the "good guys" in this culture war and all you and your type can do is bash this Christian Family Man, his preaching style and his always generous church.
(s)But what about the TAXES? This church's non-payment of property taxes is taking away millions of gvernment money.(/s)
I am not saying he's not Christian, but I feel his hubris may have taken him off the path as a "leader" of Faith.
No, I would not...I draw the end to the branch Davidian analogy at "cult of personality" issues.
I, as any person, within this forum call a question to those that respresent a certain way of life, but whose "actions" depart from it.
Are you saying it is wrong to guestion? If it is...then you will just have to hold that low opinion.
Thanks, your thoughts have been dually noted.
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