Lakewood megachurch.....

[jason3477]

Hello there… I was thiking/wondering… why do so many people go to those mega-churches-like Joel Osteen’s church is Houston, Texas??? What’s the attraction to those mega-churches? Becasue he never even seems to talk about Jesus or the cross!!!

I mean, those mega-churches seem to be more about God and country and not about the Holy Trinity… you know what I mean?

 

[hn160]

Hello there… I was thiking/wondering… why do so many people go to those mega-churches-like Joel Osteen’s church is Houston, Texas??? What’s the attraction to those mega-churches? Becasue he never even seems to talk about Jesus or the cross!!!

I mean, those mega-churches seem to be more about God and country and not about the Holy Trinity… you know what I mean?

The ones that go to the Joel Osteen type churches do not want to hear that we all are sinners and that Christ died on the cross for our sins. They want to hear how God wants them to be rich. The only person that is getting rich is Joel Osteen. Praise the Lord and pass the offering basket.

 

[BornAgain2010]

The ones that go to the Joel Osteen type churches do not want to hear that we all are sinners and that Christ died on the cross for our sins. They want to hear how God wants them to be rich. The only person that is getting rich is Joel Osteen. Praise the Lord and pass the offering basket.

Evangelicals are really just business men. They tell people what they want to hear just to get at their wallets.

The street-evangelists! They’re the heroes!
They’re the ones who get my respect. You know the ones. They wander the streets 24-7 distributing Bibles and prayer cards to everyone. Talking with the homeless man until his anguish can be comforted by the love that only God can provide. Giving him a hug when noone else will. The one who helps the prostitutes get off drugs, leave their pimp, and get their life back. The ones in the trenches. They’re the heroes. They’re the TRUE evangelists.

 

[paperbackwinter]

The real heroes are the priests who sit and wait to hear confessions. They constantly welcome sinners back, humbly and quietly. As hard as it is for me to go to Confession, it has to be harder on the priest. God bless them.

Which brings me to why people like mega-churches. Safety in numbers, very few rules, good music. When I watch evangelicals on T.V., I don’t get the sense that they really think about God as God. They seem to study the Bible so hard that they forget to worship. I’m sure my Catholic bias is showing.

Anyway, If those churches had confession or Sunday obligation, they would shut down immediately. As one poster put it, “they tell people what they want to hear.” When they don’t, people are free to choose another church.

 

[Paul_theApostle]

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[DJK100]

Hello there… I was thiking/wondering… why do so many people go to those mega-churches-like Joel Osteen’s church is Houston, Texas??? What’s the attraction to those mega-churches? Becasue he never even seems to talk about Jesus or the cross!!!

I mean, those mega-churches seem to be more about God and country and not about the Holy Trinity… you know what I mean?

Based on your thread I decided to watch one of his “sermons.” All I can say is thank god I am Catholic. I really don’t understand this and it actually kind of made me sad. He seems like he is just some motivational speaker. It is exactly like all those motivational classes you can take. A flashy speaker with bleached teeth, a “cool” band, constantly peddeling his books and talks at the bottom of the screen. Personal testimonies of how Joel Osteen changed their lives. It seems really silly. On the plus side though you can really see how devout and into Christ his congregation is. I just wish they would look for more substance than flash.

 

[Anna_Scott]

The ones that go to the Joel Osteen type churches do not want to hear that we all are sinners and that Christ died on the cross for our sins. They want to hear how God wants them to be rich. The only person that is getting rich is Joel Osteen. Praise the Lord and pass the offering basket.

I’m not a fan of mega churches or Osteen’s prosperity gospel, but Osteen makes most of his money through his book sales. Last I read, he does not draw a salary from Lakewood Church since around 2005 or 2006. So, he is not getting rich from the “offering basket.”

Peace,
Anna

 

[DJK100]

I’m not a fan of mega churches or Osteen’s prosperity gospel, but Osteen makes most of his money through his book sales. Last I read, he does not draw a salary from Lakewood Church since around 2005 or 2006. So, he is not getting rich from the “offering basket.”

Peace,
Anna

You probably, know better than I do Anna, however looking at his program he is going to have a huge overhead with the choir, the band, the guest singers, the tv production crew, the giant building etc… etc. I would be willing to bet that this is all paid for by the offering basket. And this show is then used to peddel his books and his upcoming talks. The flashier the show the more people who attend and the bigger audience he has to sell his books to. Just like every motivational speaker, the real money is in the “products” and selling more “textbooks” to the audience.

I don’t know it just seemed so sterile in contrast to an Anglican or Catholic Liturgy

 

[BrianH]

How many of these threads have we seen? People join and stay at Lakewood for a number of reasons. He really does get on a lot of peoples nerves…except for the millons who watch him and the tens of thousands who attend his church. In fact, other than James White, I suspect he has more threads devoted to him than any other living Protestant. Joel does not bash Catholics but that does not matter to most people on this forum and to be fair Protestant forums.
I will say this having family in the area, Lakewood does a lot for the community. Not all evangelical churches are as involved as they are. But none of that will matter, people resent success. I think it is jealousy and the same mindset that drives the OWS folks. But of course that is just my opinion

 

[Faith1960]

I’m not a fan of mega churches or Osteen’s prosperity gospel, but Osteen makes most of his money through his book sales. Last I read, he does not draw a salary from Lakewood Church since around 2005 or 2006. So, he is not getting rich from the “offering basket.”

Peace,
Anna

I’d always refused to buy books from Christian preachers like Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer, not wanting to add money to their already over-flowing pockets, but last month I went against my better judgement and bought “Every Day A Friday,” by Joel Osteen. The book started out good and lost steam as it went along. I still haven’t finished it.

 

[Faith1960]

How many of these threads have we seen? People join and stay at Lakewood for a number of reasons. He really does get on a lot of peoples nerves…except for the millons who watch him and the tens of thousands who attend his church. In fact, other than James White, I suspect he has more threads devoted to him than any other living Protestant. Joel does not bash Catholics but that does not matter to most people on this forum and to be fair Protestant forums.
I will say this having family in the area, Lakewood does a lot for the community. Not all evangelical churches are as involved as they are. But none of that will matter, people resent success. I think it is jealousy and the same mindset that drives the OWS folks. But of course that is just my opinion

Does he donate any of his proceeds to the needy?

 

[MarkBrown]

I’m not a fan of mega churches or Osteen’s prosperity gospel, but Osteen makes most of his money through his book sales. Last I read, he does not draw a salary from Lakewood Church since around 2005 or 2006. So, he is not getting rich from the “offering basket.”

Peace,
Anna

Anna,

Most of the mega-rich do not draw a salary from their organizations. They use other means to tap into the wealth and avoid some taxes. Expense accounts, paid with options etc. Warren Buffet, if I remember correctly, draws a small salary. Gates, Jobs etc, the mega wealthy use other means to tap into the wealth.

So while Osteen is not drawing a salary, he is obtaining the benefit of the wealth gained by his church for his personal use.

Mark

 

[TimothyH]

How many of these threads have we seen? People join and stay at Lakewood for a number of reasons. He really does get on a lot of peoples nerves…except for the millons who watch him and the tens of thousands who attend his church. In fact, other than James White, I suspect he has more threads devoted to him than any other living Protestant. Joel does not bash Catholics but that does not matter to most people on this forum and to be fair Protestant forums.
I will say this having family in the area, Lakewood does a lot for the community. Not all evangelical churches are as involved as they are. But none of that will matter, people resent success. I think it is jealousy and the same mindset that drives the OWS folks. But of course that is just my opinion

I disagree on a very basic level with what his Church teaches doctrinally and theologically.

My issues with Joel Osteen are not with what he does for the community, whether he does or doesn’t attack the Catholic Church, how he makes his money, how many books he writes, how much he donates to charity, what car he drives, or even whether he pays taxes or not. On the contrary, I have a fundamental disagreement with his message and his teaching on Jesus Christ and how Christians are to live. I believe that his message is self-centered instead of Christ-centered. I believe his message promotes self-love and self-gratification. I believe his message to be closer to the spirit of the world which Paul warned us about rather than the spirit of Christ. I believe that his message actualy draws people away from their ultimate destiny, which is to spend eternity united to the Trinity, rather than towards it. I have watched his telecasts many times, and have heard some pretty outlandish interpetations of scripture with regards to personal wealth, happiness, and living an authentic, Christ centered life.

Though many here criticize prosperity pastors personally, there are also a great many of us here who take serious issue with what they teach in terms of doctrine and theology. To us, it is not that he simply gets on our nerves but rather he is leading people away from Christ, not towards Christ.

Personally, I couldn’t care less about how much money he or his followers make or how successful they are at any ministry. There are many people throughout history who have done much good for the world and never attacked the Catholic Church directly but have led many away from the authentic message of Christ. I believe Joel Osteen to be one of them.

-Tim-

 

[MarkBrown]

How many of these threads have we seen? People join and stay at Lakewood for a number of reasons. He really does get on a lot of peoples nerves…except for the millons who watch him and the tens of thousands who attend his church. In fact, other than James White, I suspect he has more threads devoted to him than any other living Protestant. Joel does not bash Catholics but that does not matter to most people on this forum and to be fair Protestant forums.
I will say this having family in the area, Lakewood does a lot for the community. Not all evangelical churches are as involved as they are. But none of that will matter, people resent success. I think it is jealousy and the same mindset that drives the OWS folks. But of course that is just my opinion

Brian,

Opinions are like armpits…everyone has one and they all stink. Yes I had to change the location of the body parts, Gunny Kerr used a different one on me when I was an officer candidate for the USMC.

I could care less how much money Osteen makes. Start a business and make more money than Bill Gates…more power to you. Give as much to the community as you want to give. Great. But preach a false gospel, lead souls to hell…that kind of gets Christians
up in arms.

Christians do not like Osteen for the false gospel he preaches, when he preaches a somewhat gospel. Remember on Larry King Live back in '07 I believe, brother Joe announced to the 10-20 people who listen to Larry King you did not need Jesus for salvation. When a caller called in concerned…brother joe did the oh I was misunderstood two step. Never mind that Larry King, a Jewish man, was shock at what Joel said and questioned him on it. Ask for clarification before the caller called in. Joel tells people what they want to hear. St Paul warns us about those who love to tickle our ears.

Not just Larry King, Joel has let it slip his understanding of the Gospel is lacking on 60 minutes etc. Joel never attended seminary, learned the trade from his Dad, who started this group. Who at one time was asked to leave the SBC for theological reasons.

For Joel, the Gospel is about Joel and the person listening. OH throw some Jesus references in at times to fool those who are not really listening.

Sorry, I have no tolerance for tv preachers/speakers. Even as a baptist teenager I would rant against Rex Humbart while my mother watched. I teased my grandfather about Oral Roberts and the Crystal Cathedral guy.

And just because he throws money at the community means nothing if the intent behind it is not of God. And no, Joel is about Joel. Jesus is the instrument of his wealth. Remind me of a certain Simon St Peter had to face in Acts of the Apostles.

Mark

 

[Anna_Scott]

Anna,

Most of the mega-rich do not draw a salary from their organizations. They use other means to tap into the wealth and avoid some taxes. Expense accounts, paid with options etc. Warren Buffet, if I remember correctly, draws a small salary. Gates, Jobs etc, the mega wealthy use other means to tap into the wealth.

So while Osteen is not drawing a salary, he is obtaining the benefit of the wealth gained by his church for his personal use.

Mark

Mark,
I do agree that he does benefit from the church as a means of advertisement for his books. I just think we have to be careful about the facts. That’s all I’m saying.

I left a Baptist mega church in Texas (not Osteen’s) and was confirmed in an Anglican Church earlier this year. The Baptist church I left had a membership of about 12,000. Sunday worship felt more and more like a spectator sport.

Love my conservative Anglican Church. We have about 400 on Sundays. 12,000 to 400 is a big change and a welcome one.

Peace,
Anna

 

[Anna_Scott]

I’d always refused to buy books from Christian preachers like Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer, not wanting to add money to their already over-flowing pockets, but last month I went against my better judgement and bought “Every Day A Friday,” by Joel Osteen. The book started out good and lost steam as it went along. I still haven’t finished it.

Faith1960,
I had to smile when I read your post, because someone gave me Osteen’s first book as a Christmas present a few years back. I started it, but never finished it. There was no substance, no Gospel. Lot’s of feel good stuff that feeds our self-oriented society.

Peace,
Anna

 

[hn160]

Brian,

Opinions are like armpits…everyone has one and they all stink. Yes I had to change the location of the body parts, Gunny Kerr used a different one on me when I was an officer candidate for the USMC.

I could care less how much money Osteen makes. Start a business and make more money than Bill Gates…more power to you. Give as much to the community as you want to give. Great. But preach a false gospel, lead souls to hell…that kind of gets Christians
up in arms.

Christians do not like Osteen for the false gospel he preaches, when he preaches a somewhat gospel. Remember on Larry King Live back in '07 I believe, brother Joe announced to the 10-20 people who listen to Larry King you did not need Jesus for salvation. When a caller called in concerned…brother joe did the oh I was misunderstood two step. Never mind that Larry King, a Jewish man, was shock at what Joel said and questioned him on it. Ask for clarification before the caller called in. Joel tells people what they want to hear. St Paul warns us about those who love to tickle our ears.

Not just Larry King, Joel has let it slip his understanding of the Gospel is lacking on 60 minutes etc. Joel never attended seminary, learned the trade from his Dad, who started this group. Who at one time was asked to leave the SBC for theological reasons.

For Joel, the Gospel is about Joel and the person listening. OH throw some Jesus references in at times to fool those who are not really listening.

Sorry, I have no tolerance for tv preachers/speakers. Even as a baptist teenager I would rant against Rex Humbart while my mother watched. I teased my grandfather about Oral Roberts and the Crystal Cathedral guy.

And just because he throws money at the community means nothing if the intent behind it is not of God. And no, Joel is about Joel. Jesus is the instrument of his wealth. Remind me of a certain Simon St Peter had to face in Acts of the Apostles.

Mark

I don’t think that in Joel Osteen’s feel good prosperity sermons, you will hear that he and the listeners are sinners and that Christ was hung on a cross and that God died for us in order to cover our sins. As I said before, he is leading these people straight to Hell.

 

[Kouyate42]

In the UK there’s a trend towards large church meetings that meet in sports halls, community centres and the like and where the emphasis is on brightly colored flyers and banners, loud worship music and ‘feel-good’ worship which is full of talk about the love of God and how we’re ‘buddies with God’ and there’s no mention of sin, Hell or the very real presence of the influence of evil in the world. It shares a lot of similarities to the megachurches of the US in a lot of ways.

I’ve attended some of these church meetings and it’s like eating junk food- you’ve eaten something but an hour later you’re hungry again. It’s sickly sweet worship and goes down with the average person who doesn’t like the idea that God demands something of you in terms of obedience and actual confession of faults along with the honest repair of those faults.

I stopped going to my old church for similar reasons. THere was a lot of talk of the ‘happy’ passage of the Bible but few real lessons on Hell, judgement or sin.

 

[jw2lds2catholic]

My parish might be considered a mega church with over 23,000 registered, lol. However only about 9,000 attend the 7 weekend masses. I’vewatched Olsten and agree with the motivational speaker comparison. Jesus and a few verses of scripture are used to keep it ‘churchy’. He is a very good speaker, but I haven’t read any of his books so can’t comment on his writing.

 

[Brywan]

My parish might be considered a mega church with over 23,000 registered, lol. However only about 9,000 attend the 7 weekend masses. I’vewatched Olsten and agree with the motivational speaker comparison. Jesus and a few verses of scripture are used to keep it ‘churchy’. He is a very good speaker, but I haven’t read any of his books so can’t comment on his writing.

As Catholics, we are part of the biggest Mega-Church on earth–besides faithful “members”–every baptized Christian is also connected to our fellowship–whether they recognize it or not.