At Lakewood, goal is to be 'good stewards of God's money'

Houston Chronicle ^ | July 23, 2005, 6:13PM | By JOHN C. ROPER

[zzen01]

What does everyone think of this?

[Obadiah]

It is hard to say, exactly. If Lakewood is truly following biblical precepts, then I'm okay with that. I am reminded that Abraham, Solomon, David, and others where individually financially wealthy. Wealth is not the issue, as it may appear in the article. If they are indeed being good stewards and listening to the voice of God, then fantastic. If this is some variation on Jim and Tammy Baker, then that's a problem, and if it is, it won't stand for very long - also like Jim and Tammy Baker.

[ken5050]

The obvious coment is that the main-stream, or main-line churches have all failed miserably at quenching the thirst that people have for a creditable message of faith..OTOH, I'd rather have this guy put his whole family on the payroll, as compared to what ECUSA does with its Diocesan pledeg here in NY.

[jra]

Theologically speaking, his sermons are hardly 'meaty'.

Some find him to be inspiring and uplifting, which is fine. To me, his sermons are motivational messages sprinkled with a little religion.

Not knocking the guy...he could be doing lots worse.

If he's sincere, then good for him.

[Tax-chick]

If they're making audited financial statements available to the public, then it seems to me they're being honest with their contributors. It's up to the congregants to decide whether they're getting something they value.

[RushingWater]

It is sad if this phenomenal church growth is because people are drawn to a pastor that refuses to rebuke sin.

[BigFinn]

A bit different than the way Jesus ministered. He had no home, no mega buildings, traveled about the country with a few disciples. He preached about the kingdom of God not what you could accumulate on this earth. He gave his life that others might live. He was a servant not a CEO.

[RushingWater]

It is sad if this phenomenal church growth is because people are drawn to a pastor that refuses to rebuke sin.

[mollynme]

I wonder what percentage of their income goes towards supporting missionaries and charitable outreach?

[clearlight]

"The obvious coment is that the main-stream, or main-line churches have all failed miserably at quenching the thirst that people have for a creditable message of faith."

An additional point is that Osteen refrains from hammering his congregation with his political opinions. Nothing turns me off like going to church and having the pastor assume I'm a liberal Democrat.

[inkling]

I certainly don't trust prosperity doctrine or a "bigger is better" mentality. I've attended and worked (administrative employee and lay person) in huge and small churches, both of which were great. Still, from my brief review of O'Steen, he seems to have all the big issues right.

This might be a style thing with me, but I never have liked the "shiny happy people" version of Christianity prevalent in the American church. A premium is placed on having a perfect smile, perfect suits, perfect family, hyper-polished presentations, etc. I would much rather listen to a preacher that is rough around the edges and has had his share of dark times. After all, Christ was called "the Man of Sorrows" and Solomon wrote "a sad face is good for the heart." Seeing a preacher with an eternal 1,000-watt smile and ubiquitous $2,000 suits makes me squeamish from the start. But as I mentioned, that might be more of a style than doctrinal issue.

[inkling]

What sin didn't Osteen rebuke?

[fuquadukie]

Two things..

1. Good work, if you can get it.

2. Sounds like a 'business', should be taxed as such.

I have absolutely NO qualms about criticizing most, if not all, of these 'made-for-TV' 'ministeries'. Joel sounds and looks a little too slick, for me. As does that slickster in Columbus or the weird bearded one that is always selling his books (has to do with 'gifts of life' or something like that).

Give me an old-fashioned Cathloic priest any day; not these 'happy-people' ministers that are only a small upgrade from a used-car salesperson.

[Blzbba]

"A bit different than the way Jesus ministered. "


Indeed. Jesus preached about giving one's wealth away and joining him, NOT using His Word to generate a $200,000/year salary.

[Space Dawg]

Lakewood features "prosperity gospel," which promises the faithful that if they ask, God will reward them financially.

I don't know the context of this statement, but I strongly disagree with it as it reads. God does indeed bless some people with "wealth and prosperity", but we not entitled to that from God. In fact God calls people to follow Him wherever He leads whether that would be serving as missionaries to Africa or serving in small churches in backwoods America. There is no guarantee that we will be "comfortable" but rather we are commanded to just follow Him.

I think that statement refers to the verses in Malachi chapter 3 about "opening up the floodgates and pour out so much blessing". However those verses are not talking about financial blessings per se, but we will be blessed in other means.

[maestro]

......"It would be naive to say, 'No, we're not a business,' " Senior Pastor Joel Osteen said in an interview. "We obviously are a business because we're dealing with millions of dollars. And I say that because we don't take.... (that).... lightly.".....

....but it 'is' the......'TAKE'....as USUAL....$$$$....the love of _______'is' the ...........hidden....Terrorism!

....impossible?

1st John 4:1......

[Half Vast Conspiracy]

It souns a lot like Frazer UMC in Montgomery, AL which has been called “Six Flags over Jesus.”

[constitutionfan]

I agree with you totally. I wish these churches would preach more about Jesus and less about getting rich

[Larry Lucido]

What does everyone think of this?

Let me get "everyone" on the phone, then we'll tell you.

[ThisLittleLightofMine]

Lakewood features "prosperity gospel," which promises the faithful that if they ask, God will reward them financially. Its niche is what Osteen calls "the unsaved" or "unchurched."

This certainly is not biblical and reminiscent to "name it and claim" gospel.....YIKES!!!