Joel Osteen

I just finished reading a book, " The Rise of Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen," by Richard Young.
It is not an incisive academic study and it tends to be more on the anecdotal side. The author says some things that need further study and makes conclusive statements that are without substantiation. But it is a glimpse into the life of a visionary, a young pastor who saw that with God all things are possible. What Joel Osteen and Lakewood have done and are doing is indeed phenomenal. Joel took the church over in 1999 when John Osteen (Joel’s father) passed away. At that time, the church had around 6000 members, but today there are over 47 000 people who attend Lakewood’s weekend services. The church moved from a venue that used to seat 3500 people a service to the 16 000 seater Compaq Arena.

The most important lesson that I picked up in the book concerns Joel's determination. Many people thought that he would fail, some because they knew that he was not like John Osteen. But we can all learn lessons from Joel’s leadership style; the style of "making things happen”; of surrounding yourself with good and creative people, and allowing them to flourish in what God has called them to do so that they can empower you to do what you are called to do. Good examples of this are Cindy Radcliffe and Israel Houghton, the senior worship leaders at Lakewood.

Lakewood, has become the biggest church in America not just in numbers but also in building size. People will always be critical of the Joel style of reaching people, especially his style of preaching. I for one take issue with some of the “lean” sermons that come from his pulpit. I believe that that kind of teaching will not sustain some of us for the long haul of our faith and I don’t think that one should preach like that every time. However, I can say that when I’m feeling down and out, I too need an encouraging Osteen sermon to perk me up. I believe that what is important is that Joel lifts God’s name up and leads the lost to Jesus Christ.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is in ministry and those who are starting out in business or any other venture. Joel Osteen’s story is truly encouraging and challenging. Indeed, “with God all things are possible.”

Are you called?

Something got my attention last week which caused me to ponder about those of us who are called to the five- fold ministry. I was thinking that for most of us our calling is from God and in many instances has been confirmed by two or more witnesses. How is it then that sometimes “we” feel the need to prove it to other people or compare ourselves to them. More importantly though how do we encourage ourselves concerning what the Lord has said to us, especially if the depth of the vision is not that DEEP at this moment. How do you reconcile yourself with your small church? Or as a one invitation a month itinerant speaker? Furthermore as one who has not even started working on that vision?

I found comfort in the words spoken by the Apostle Paul to a young teacher-pastor in 2 Timothy 1:6+7 “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. " .I hope that you will also be encouraged by these words. He admonishes Timothy to stir up that gift that is stored up within him. I am sure you can take it to be meaning words or prophecies that were spoken over him over the years. Prophecies and words usually sound great at that moment, and many of us begin imagining ourselves doing what has been prophesied. That is when reality hits because stirring up the gift takes REAL time. You can’t hope to be good at the word only when you arrive on the pulpit or be a prayer warrior when you have those 500 members. These are things that you should be practising on a daily basis.

Paul also instructs Timothy not to be timid concerning his age. Timothy was a young pastor and so are many of us still. Therefore we should not be afraid to work hard and excel in the areas that God has called us to. Go out in boldness and do the work that the Lord has called you to. After all we are not in competition with the McCauleys, Dollars and Osteens. We are called to run our own races with perseverance.

Lastly my prayer is that may we be found faithful wherever the Lord has called us to serve whether it is in shepherding, teaching etc. Stand strong in what God has called you to do; you don't need to prove your calling or prophecies that you have received to the rest of us. When you do what you have to do, trust me, we will all notice and we will give God all the honour and glory.