The Joel Osteen Experience

This morning I attended a mega-church worship service for the first time. Actually, we headed over to the largest congregation in the United States. Lakewood Church seats almost 17,000 and, this morning, was around 3/4 full. Joel Osteen spoke this morning on Signs of God's Favour. He is a very engaging speaker and enjoyable to listen to. Lakewood is a charismatic church and much of it's teachings conform to the prosperity gospel, though they call their teaching "Word of Faith," which is actually slightly different.

My first impressions made it hard to take the church seriously. There are rock formations with waterfalls on either side of the stage and the stage rises to bring the band to the center. Fog machines enhance the effects of the lighting and the people in the large choir were colour-coordinated. The opening song proclaimed "Thanks be to God, who always causes us to win." These are not words that I feel comfortable singing.

After this morning, I have very mixed feelings. These people, and there are thousands of them, truly believe in what they are saying. I think that many of them have more faith than in God I do, though I would argue that the God they have faith in is not exactly the God of Scripture. Joel Osteen has experienced miracles and witnessed signs that I never have. Is this because he has more faith? Or is it because he is more attentive to God's movement, always looking for it? Or is it simply because he is more gullible?

My automatic reaction to charismatics is skepticism. I think a better response would be a desire to learn more. What is the truth in it? Are there things that I could learn and grow from? Because the answer is probably yes.

Not a great picture, but it gives you some idea of how large this place actually is.