Preach the Word...Joel Osteen.
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From My Desk
Having preached for less than a decade, Joel Osteen, 46, presides over a Houston church in a former basketball arena that draws 40,000 people on Sundays. His televised sermons are seen by more than 7 million Americans a week and millions more around the world.
He's had two best-selling books and a third, "It's Your Time," will come out in November. He's only been preaching on the road for five years, but is taking the stage at the new Yankee Stadium before A-Rod for what he calls "A Night of Hope."
He appeals to conservatives and liberals, Texas Republicans and Nancy Pelosi, Pentecostal Christians filled with the Holy Spirit and atheists filled with none.
"I wish I could explain it better," he said of his appeal in a recent interview with The Journal News at the swanky Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Columbus Circle. "I don't have an answer. I guess it's that my message is positive and hopeful. People stop me on the street, whether they are bikers or bankers. I've had atheists tell me that they watch me on TV."
"It's got to be God," he said, "because it's not me."
Tulane University's Shayne Lee, an expert on superstar evangelists, said Osteen is young, fresh, likable and doesn't have the baggage of the televangelists of old.
"He understands the importance of TV and uses the language of contemporary American society - the language of psychotherapy, the language of Americans who watch Oprah and Dr. Phil," said Lee, whose new book, "Holy Mavericks," profiles Osteen and four other pastors with national followings. "Osteen understands that his brand is not to condemn, but uplift. If the caricature of the typical evangelist is a fingerpointing loudmouth, Osteen seems so trustworthy that he's the boy next door."
"My message is not about doctrine. I don't have to get 50 references from Scripture in a sermon for it to be a good sermon. Churches that are helping people live out a Christian life are growing and flourishing."
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[But Mr. Osteen what's the Bible say? "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned to fables." II Timothy 4:2-4]
He's had two best-selling books and a third, "It's Your Time," will come out in November. He's only been preaching on the road for five years, but is taking the stage at the new Yankee Stadium before A-Rod for what he calls "A Night of Hope."
He appeals to conservatives and liberals, Texas Republicans and Nancy Pelosi, Pentecostal Christians filled with the Holy Spirit and atheists filled with none.
"I wish I could explain it better," he said of his appeal in a recent interview with The Journal News at the swanky Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Columbus Circle. "I don't have an answer. I guess it's that my message is positive and hopeful. People stop me on the street, whether they are bikers or bankers. I've had atheists tell me that they watch me on TV."
"It's got to be God," he said, "because it's not me."
Tulane University's Shayne Lee, an expert on superstar evangelists, said Osteen is young, fresh, likable and doesn't have the baggage of the televangelists of old.
"He understands the importance of TV and uses the language of contemporary American society - the language of psychotherapy, the language of Americans who watch Oprah and Dr. Phil," said Lee, whose new book, "Holy Mavericks," profiles Osteen and four other pastors with national followings. "Osteen understands that his brand is not to condemn, but uplift. If the caricature of the typical evangelist is a fingerpointing loudmouth, Osteen seems so trustworthy that he's the boy next door."
"My message is not about doctrine. I don't have to get 50 references from Scripture in a sermon for it to be a good sermon. Churches that are helping people live out a Christian life are growing and flourishing."
Read More Here
[But Mr. Osteen what's the Bible say? "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned to fables." II Timothy 4:2-4]
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June 18, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Do you think people listen to Joel Osteen "out of their own lusts?" These are people who seek a closer and loving relationship with God. I know, for I am one. I am a born-again believer -- who would sacrifice all for Him if called to do so. But since I have been listening to Joel Osteen (On Sundays before I go to my Church), I have gained a desire to speak to God more, to be more thankful for what I have and to seek Him in all things I do. I never ask God to make me rich, but I do ask Him to put desires in my heart and to grant me the favor to accomplish those things he would have me do. Finally: I have recommended Joel's television show to others, and I have seen them grow stronger in their faith as well. Joel is a blessing to the Body of Christ!
June 18, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Don, I appreciate your comments.
In response to your question, I don't know the hearts of man but God does and I'll leave it to Him to decide and judge. I was pointing out that a preacher of God is to be a proclaimer of the Word of God. A preacher is told to preach the "whole counsel of God" and most of that counsel from God says all men are sinners and as such are condemned to hell by which the only escape is through Jesus Christ. It also addresses the believer telling them through the teachings of the Bible to obey and live a seperated life then the blessings will come whether on earth or in heaven.
In my opinion, Joel Osteen does not preach the whole counsel of God...he preaches a feel-good kind of convenient truth. I would pray that all believers would have Holy Spirit discernment to know the difference between the truth and a false representation of that truth.
June 19, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Osteen is quoted:
"My message is not about doctrine. I don't have to get 50 references from Scripture in a sermon for it to be a good sermon. Churches that are helping people live out a Christian life are growing and flourishing."
... and my question is -- How can it not be doctrine? Fifty KJV verses from Deu. to Rev. And John tells us: If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (2 John 1:10 KJV)
Doesn't take "50 references from Scripture in a sermon," just take them one at a time.
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