Joel Osteen

[Willow]

I truly enjoy Joel Osteens inspirational messages on TV. I got an invitation to see him and went. The Osteens were associated with my former "group of churches". So... this was a huge step. I went... I cried... and I lived to tell. And... I had a true friend sitting 2 seats down that seems to understand why I pouted the whole time. Not in a way to get attention. He leaned over once and asked if "I felt that or was I shut down", I assured him that I felt "it" but "it" was not provoking the same emotions in me as it was in him. A lot of overwhelming sad feelings.... but good and it felt relatively safe there. Joel Osteen might have an insider's view... and thus his message is VERY gentle. Gentle to the point he has been criticized. Oh well... God must have liked it. He showed up... or at least it felt like it to me.

[yeshua'smags]

Very cool Willow! How do you feel now? I like him too, he does seem very gentle.;)

[ex-shep]

Very cool Willow! How do you feel now? I like him too, he does seem very gentle.;)

Good question. I must have wondered the same thing when I joined Tammy's church in 2005. It was a safe place.

Depression and computer blues had me homebound. Never did make it to Midwest City for Mexican food. It seems media files lock the computer up. I am not sure if it is the firewall or internet filter running interference. Can you say "powerless"?

[mary]

Depression and computer blues had me homebound. Never did make it to Midwest City for Mexican food. It seems media files lock the computer up. I am not sure if it is the firewall or internet filter running interference. Can you say "powerless"?

Do you have any add-ons that could be throwing a monkey wrench into the works? Just a thought...

mary

[Willow]

Good question. I must have wondered the same thing when I joined Tammy's church in 2005. It was a safe place.

Depression and computer blues had me homebound. Never did make it to Midwest City for Mexican food. It seems media files lock the computer up. I am not sure if it is the firewall or internet filter running interference. Can you say "powerless"?

(((((((((((Ex shep))))))))))))))))
minor trivia... hurdles and techno-crap. I have seen you leap tall buildings in a single bound. You can handle this one! Depression... boy can I relate to that one. HUGSSSSS

[Willow]

Very cool Willow! How do you feel now? I like him too, he does seem very gentle.;)

Well... right now I feel kinda naughty. I went to a bar after the conference. I actually had to duck out early. I had promised to show and I keep promises. As usual... I tried to squeeze too much into one day!

As far as how I feel now about church? Well... I just got through typing my assessment of the situation to a friend. Here's what I wrote: "OK... so I've been thinking about this.

Joel never wanted to preach because his personal convictions and style are so different from his Dad's.
However... he flew under the radar... not rocking the boat.
So... we have the "shell/form/conatiner" of the old ministry (at least as long as his mother is alive)
And we have the "content" of Joel's personal style and beliefs... which were largely developed by watching the craziness of church culture all his life.
Add to the mix Joel's wife... who appeared to have a more aggressive personality than his... and is probably a rather difficult.. and possibly abusive to those under her authority.

There you have the Osteen boogie!

I like the guy. He's dancing very well in a delicate situation. I hope he can handle all the recognition."

[ex-shep]

(((((((((((Ex shep))))))))))))))))
minor trivia... hurdles and techno-crap. I have seen you leap tall buildings in a single bound. You can handle this one! Depression... boy can I relate to that one. HUGSSSSS


gracias.

[Reg]

Hi Amy,

Yes, I agree he does appear that way. Personally, I have nothing to say that would indicate anything contrary.

However, knowing my trust issues, I like to get all the facts about someone as popular as Joel.

Here are a couple of articles that address the issue.

Joel Osteen: True or False?
http://www.av1611.org/osteen.html

Joel Osteen: The Prosperity Gospel’s Coverboy
http://www.cultlink.com/ar/osteen.htm

[Willow]

Thanks Reg... I'll check it out.
I don't really look at him as a preacher.
Maybe that's why it's easier for me to listen to him.
He seems to just introduce you to a good God and play some music and let you talk to him. At least that's what happened at the meeting Friday night.

[Willow]

Hi Reg... I had read the Larry King show transcripts too. I also read accounts of an airplane confrontation with Joel's wife. She is apparently quite the spitfire when she wants to be! I also read a heated debate on a radio show forum about his finances and how he got them. He quit taking a salary from the church 6 years ago... according to one poster. His money came from real estate transactions before he stepped into the pulpit. His book sales are enough to make him the largest financial contributer to the church and still live a comfortable lifestyle.

I agree with his stance that God is the judge. God never called us to say specifically who will not go to heaven. God only called us to present the message. I don't agree with all points of his message... but he is certainly an encourager and an uplifter. When I listen to his message, I begin to believe God is for me and not against me.

His wife however... I don't trust.

[lomigirl]

Hi Willow,

I'm writing an article on televangelism, with a focus on Joel Osteen, and was hoping you'd be willing to tell me more about your experience at his live event.

Also, if you know anyone who has attended one of his events, or who is a Lakewood Church member, please have them contact me at llomibao@gmail.com. I'd love to hear their story.

Thanks so much for your time!

Best,
Lynn Lomibao

[Willow]

Hi lomigirl.
I had a positive experience at Joel Osteens rally.
It helped me because with all the packaging of my former church experience... there was a safe message.