VOL. 24, NO. 4 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2004 EDITOR: KEITH A. MORSE

Joel Osteen’s Appealing But Aberrant Message by Robert S. Liichow Many would look at Houston’s with G. Richard Fisher Baptist boat and walked out to Lakewood Church, with its 30,000 do what Jesus was doing. Others people attending services each Sun- have stayed in the boat where it day in a 16,000-seat arena that once is safe. They are not in danger of was the home of the Houston Rockets sinking, but they are not out basketball team, as the epitome of where the miracles are. Oh, for church success. But that success was men and women who will risk achieved at a cost to sound doctrine all for Jesus. Oh, for people who and spiritual integrity. will rise up and walk out, trust- ing only in the power of Jesus!’’2 Lakewood, a Charismatic, Word Faith powerhouse in the 21st century, Osteen eventually became associ- was founded by the late John Osteen, ated with the Word Faith movement. who started his pastoral career as a ‘‘A Tribute to Pastor John Osteen,’’ Southern Baptist. After receiving ‘‘the found on the church’s web site, offers baptism in the Holy Ghost in 1958,’’1 further details of the church’s genesis, he became enamored with the Charis- mission, and history: matic renewal movement. In 1959, he ‘‘John Osteen began Lakewood left the Southern Baptist Convention Church in a dusty, abandoned and described his exodus in these feed store on Mother’s Day 1959. terms: ... John Osteen was driven by an ‘‘One day I was sailing through how it thrilled me! I cried, ‘Jesus, amazing love for people of all life in my little Baptist boat. I I want to do what I see You ages, races, nationalities and began to study the Bible in my doing.’ He said, ‘Come!’ Thank walks of life. ... The late John search for deeper things. As I God, I marched out of my little (continues on page 14) read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, I saw the Son of the Living Inside this Issue: God. He was healing the sick. He Remember the Puzzle ...... Page 2 was casting out demons. He was setting the captives free. He was The Cultic Root System of King James Onlyism ...... Page 4 bringing men to God through the The Not So Guiding Light of Jack T. Chick ...... Page 5 power of the Holy Spirit. Oh, THE LEAVEN OF LAKEWOOD promises out loud. Say them to kidneys were not properly clear- (continued from page 1) yourself! Say them to the devil! ing the toxins out of his body as Say them to the sickness! Say they are designed to do. He had Osteen served the Lord Jesus them to your mountain of a heart catheterization in August Christ as pastor, evangelist, au- trouble! Confess them in the face that determined all was well thor, and teacher for sixty years. of all contrary evidence! Say with his heart at that time. Ordained as a Southern Baptist, them while the pain is there!! Say Nearly three weeks ago, doctors he received the baptism in the them while you are so sick you performed surgery to put in a Holy Ghost in 1958, an experi- can hardly think!! God is smiling pacemaker for his heart as the ence which revolutionized his down on you. He delights for upper and lower chambers were ministry into a worldwide out- you to ‘put Him in remembrance’ not in synch, and his heart rate reach for Jesus Christ.’’3 of His Word. The Lord will was low.’’8 surely make His promises come Apparently, John Osteen could not In a time of racial division, John true in your life. When we SAY tell his body how to feel. However, Osteen opened wide the doors of his and CONFESS His Word, He as the truth was being revealed, the church to all people, and all shades brings the miracle to pass!!’’5 and classes of people came. Although situation grew worse: John Osteen rejected Southern Baptist A few pages later in the same ‘‘The past two weeks or so Pastor theology — he received a Master’s publication, he wrote: Osteen has experienced excruci- degree from Northern Baptist Semi- ‘‘In your heart of hearts, picture ating pain in his chest. Doctors nary — he never lost sight of the need yourself completely delivered said it could be caused by the for foreign missions and his congrega- from sickness, suffering and all dialysis, or possibly a degener- tion still supports a great deal of trouble. YOU ARE!!! Now, take ated disc in his neck, but that mission work. At the time of his God’s promises without fear and they had to do more extensive death in 1999, Lakewood Church boldly confess them day and tests this week to determine the claimed 6,000 members.4 night. When people ask you how cause of the chest pain.’’9 Those who may have had the op- you feel, don’t tell them. TELL The complications mounted: portunity to survey the ministry and THEM WHAT GOD SAYS legacy of the late Osteen probably ABOUT YOUR CASE!!! TELL ‘‘Now doctors believe that will agree that he appeared to have a THEM ABOUT THE PROMISES smaller arteries feeding into the genuine pastor’s heart and a desire to OF GOD!!! TELL THEM YOU larger arteries of the heart are see people come to a saving faith in DON’T GO BY FEELING BUT blocked and constricted. A new Jesus Christ. Perhaps it was his legiti- BY WHAT GOD SAYS!!!’’6 procedure will be available in mate seminary education that helped SAD CONSEQUENCES mid-February to do balloon sur- gery on the smaller arteries, keep Osteen from espousing some of OF BAD THEOLOGY the more heretical doctrines common which they feel he may be a among Word Faith teachers today. It’s impossible to know if the late candidate for. Yesterday Pastor Osteen was deceived by, or know- Osteen had a nuclear test done BEWARE OF THE LEAVEN ingly forged the ‘‘health and wealth’’ on his heart, and the test results We should never fall under the message. In any case, he was no showed his heart was greatly 10 illusion regarding the Word Faith poster boy for his message. Charisma weakened.’’ ‘‘leaven’’ that he propagated, and magazine reported, ‘‘In January 1999 Clearly, John Osteen was dying. which is being magnified through his John Osteen wound up in the hospital Perhaps God was giving him time to with kidney trouble.’’7 He could not son Joel, who assumed pastoral re- repent and renounce his false positive speak himself well, but resorted to sponsibilities at Lakewood upon his confession error, but he did not relent. medical help. father’s death. The elder Osteen was a He continued to give himself and leading crusader for the erroneous But it was more than kidney others false hope: doctrine of positive confession: the trouble. On Jan. 18, 1999, Lakewood ‘‘Pastor Osteen asks that you idea that we can speak our desires Church began a frantic attempt to ‘wait’ on the Lord with him, and into existence. This is also known as ‘‘confess’’ John Osteen well. The agree with him for a creative the ‘‘health and wealth gospel.’’ This church sent, via e-mail, what it called miracle for the kidneys and the metaphysical belief deludes many, a ‘‘RED ALERT PRAYER REQUEST.’’ functions of the heart to be nor- convincing them that they can either The e-mailed prayer request revealed mal. He is believing God for new create or change their reality by the the grave nature (which had a hereto- kidneys, a new heart and circula- power of their words. For example, fore unrevealed history) and the ter- tory system, and that he will John stated the following: minal condition of John Osteen: have an appetite for food. He ‘‘The miracle is in YOUR ‘‘Pastor Osteen began kidney di- also needs strength in his body. MOUTH. Dare to speak those alysis last Fall 1998 because his Pastor Osteen’s faith is strong.

14 · The Quarterly Journal October-December 2004 His confession is strong. He is TIVE THINGS. You may say, perpetuates them by his silence and not asking for prayer out of ‘How long do I have to confess the sale of his father’s books. desperation. He is a man of it?’ All of your life.’’14 faith.’’11 THE MASTER Additionally, John Osteen is on OF MARKETEERING Even more tragic was John Osteen’s record as fully endorsing the errant failure as a prophet. The e-mail went Word Faith concepts surrounding fi- Joel Osteen had no biblical training on to state what were said to be nancial prosperity: or experience to be a pastor, which divine promises for John Osteen and seems to be more the rule than the his staff, which would go unfulfilled: ‘‘I look at the great truths of exception within the Charismatic Almighty God and with the sixth camp. Its pulpits are filled with men ‘‘He knows God has promised sense in my spirit-man, I believe and women who ‘‘feel called’’ to the him that he will be preaching and I have a consciousness that pastorate. They attempt to build con- into his early 90’s, and he is only they are mine. I see and believe gregations on the ‘‘strength’’ of their 77 now. God gave him a vision salvation is mine. Healing is calling. Some Charismatic leaders for ‘Seven Years of Harvest’, and mine. Prosperity is mine. All of may go on to an unaccredited ‘‘Bible we are just beginning our 6th God’s blessings are mine. On the School’’ for a year or two, such as year of this special thrust for basis of this information from the Rhema Bible Training Center started world evangelism. God has sixth sense of faith, I can confi- by the late Kenneth Hagin. However, promised our staff that He will dently say, ‘I am healed! I am for the majority of Word Faith minis- bring our pastor’s kidneys on a blessed! I am redeemed! I am ters, schooling at a legitimate semi- platter of praise.’’12 prosperous!’’’15 nary would be an anomaly. John and the staff were grossly In the citation above, he summed Few people would allow a surgeon misled. Less than a week later, John up the ‘‘health and wealth gospel’’ in to operate because he ‘‘felt called’’ to Osteen died. No new kidneys, no just a few short sentences. So despite be a surgeon as a child, but never preaching into his early 90s. He never the good things that John Osteen did went to medical school. Nor would even made it to his 78th birthday. as a pastor, he was ensnared by the many allow someone to build a house When the announcement for ‘‘Pastor subtlety of false teaching and ended who firmly believed God had Osteen’s Memorial service’’ was up misleading many before his death. ‘‘called’’ him to be an architect, yet made, it closed with: Jesus warned His disciples: had never gone to a college or univer- sity to study architectural design. ‘‘The Osteen family and Lake- ‘‘‘Take heed and beware of the wood Church will continue to leaven of the Pharisees and the Yet, thousands upon thousands of serve humbly and faithfully, as Sadducees.’ ... ‘How is it you do professing Christians are more than we believe to see more miracles, not understand that I did not willing to follow a man or woman healings, and the greater works speak to you concerning bread? who professes a divine calling, but of Jesus.’’13 — but to beware of the leaven of has never studied Church history, the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ hermeneutics, systematic theology, The ailing ‘‘healer’’ was unable to and Greek and Hebrew. They claim to speak himself or be spoken into Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the hear directly from God. This is espe- health. He was living proof of the cially true for the sign-gift pastors.17 fallacy of his own teaching. leaven of bread, but of the doc- trine of the Pharisees and Saddu- Consider Joel Osteen’s own words IT’S MINE FOR THE ASKING cees’’ (Matthew 16:6, 11-12). to Charisma: John Osteen also believed he had Even though it seems to us that His ‘‘‘Make church relevant,’ he says. the power to make his children what disciples were, at times, a little slow ‘Give them something to be able he wanted through his positive con- on the uptake, Jesus made His point to take away. I find today people fession. Many would wish child-rear- clear. He was warning them to ‘‘be- are not looking for theology. There’s ing were as easy as he made it out to ware,’’16 to be on guard against the a place for it. [But] in your be: danger of doctrinal errors, which everyday life you need to know Jesus likens to leaven in bread. Jesus 18 ‘‘I am the sum total of what I how to live.’’’ knew that if left unchecked, like have been confessing through the leaven in bread, doctrinal error would While Joel Osteen acknowledges years. My children are the best spread. The leaven of false doctrine, there’s a place for theology, we must children that ever lived on the inquire where it is. Theology is the which John Osteen instilled in his son face of the earth. They are study of God, His attributes, His Joel, is now expanding and mislead- blessed of God. They are the sum character, and His works. We surely ing more people than the elder Osteen total of what Dodie and I have need to know those things in our could have ever imagined. confessed and loved them into everyday life, lest we follow false being. CONFESS THE WORD Sadly, Joel Osteen has never de- gods. The minimizing of theology by OF GOD INSTEAD OF NEGA- nounced the errors of his father, but Joel Osteen makes way for his clearly

October-December 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 15 humanistic message loaded with theology.’’ That fact is quite obvious, Nearly every parent who has a child seeker-sensitive buzzwords. because if they were, they would have who does not like to eat vegetables THE UPBEAT GOES ON to look elsewhere. Although he did will, with regularity, make the child not reveal to Charisma’s readers where eat the vegetables. As good parents, Charisma describes Osteen with hav- he derived this astonishing fact, it they know that eating vegetables is ing an “upbeat style.” Of course his appears the folks he shepherds have beneficial and necessary. ‘‘style’’ is “upbeat.” It is safe to say he no interest in theology. really believes much of the Word The same is true for every man who Faith elements his father cultivated in Lest you think such a criticism a bit stands behind a pulpit. Jesus told him all his life. Add to this whatever harsh, it is helpful to remember that Peter, ‘‘feed My sheep’’ (John 21:16). offbeat spirituality Joel Osteen may theology simply means ‘‘the knowl- He said, ‘‘feed’’ the sheep, not ‘‘enter- have gleaned from his two years at edge of God.’’ In essence, Joel Osteen tain’’ them! Pastors are to give them Oral Roberts University, where he has said that people are really not the Word of God in its totality. In studied television production and interested in learning about God. Per- Jesus’ last commission, He told them marketing. And he is authentic: what haps, due to his lack of biblical to teach ‘‘all’’ that He commanded you see is what you get. Joel Osteen is education, he has made a distinction (Matthew 28:20). Any pastor can fall a man without any biblical education, between knowing the God of the into the trap of becoming a people- but an admitted talent for marketing Bible through sound biblical theology pleaser. This is why Paul, through the and with a definite stage presence. and knowing “how to live.’’ The truth Holy Spirit, warned young Timothy: is, without a true knowledge of God, To be a success in marketing, one we really cannot know ‘‘how to live.’’ ‘‘I charge you therefore before has to know where people itch and To separate doctrine from duty is a God and the Lord Jesus Christ, how to scratch it. Or, one has to create major error addressed all through the who will judge the living and the a hunger for something they currently book of Titus. Likewise, an important dead at His appearing and His do not have, nor formerly knew they issue addressed by the Apostle Peter kingdom: Preach the word! Be needed. is that true doctrine and holy living ready in season and out of sea- So to become a megachurch, a are inseparably linked: son. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teach- pastor has to make church relevant. ‘‘His divine power has given to ing’’ (2 Timothy 4:1-2). He has to give the people what they us all things that pertain to life want, something that soothes that and godliness, through the Timothy was warned to be steadfast spiritual itch. In order to be a ‘‘suc- knowledge of Him who called us in his proclamation of the Gospel, to cess’’ (many in attendance and lots of by glory and virtue’’ (2 Peter be ready to do so at all times (i.e., ‘‘in money), pastors must preach unchal- 1:3). season and out of season’’), and in his lenging messages that uplift rather Peter then adds: preaching to: 1) convince (or reprove), than convict. He must pander to the 2) rebuke, and 3) exhort the people lowest common denominator and ‘‘But also for this very reason, according to the Scriptures. A minis- make sure that whatever is taught giving all diligence, add to your ter is to preach with all long-suffering does not offend anyone at anytime. faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, because preaching with sound teach- This is simply a fulfillment of Paul’s to knowledge self-control, to self- warning to Timothy: ing or doctrine is unpleasant to control perseverance, to perse- people’s carnal nature. This is in ‘‘For the time will come when verance godliness, to godliness spite of the hue and cry of seeker- brotherly kindness, and to broth- they will not endure sound doc- sensitive pundits who lament, ‘‘Oh erly kindness love. For if these trine, but according to their own come now, surely you know preach- things are yours and abound, desires, because they have itch- ing doctrinal messages is passé?’’ Yet you will be neither barren nor ing ears, they will heap up for Joel Osteen would do well to heed the themselves teachers; and they unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he word of the Lord from a genuine will turn their ears away from prophet who stated: the truth, and be turned aside to who lacks these things is short- fables’’ (2 Timothy 4:3-4). sighted, even to blindness, and ‘‘Son of man, prophesy against has forgotten that he was the shepherds of Israel, prophesy This is exactly where multitudes of cleansed from his old sins” (2 Pe- and say to them, ‘Thus says the people are spiritually today. The ter 1:5-9). LORD God to the shepherds: above text also helps explain the ‘‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel phenomena of people like Robert GROWTH FROM who feed themselves! Should not Schuller, Rod Parsley, Joyce Meyer, TRUE KNOWLEDGE the shepherds feed the flocks? Paul Crouch, Benny Hinn, Robert Scripture repeatedly declares that You eat the fat and clothe your- Tilton, and now Joel Osteen. the more accurately one understands selves with the wool; you slaugh- Recall Joel Osteen’s statement, ‘‘I God, within the biblical context, the ter the fatlings, but you do not find today people are not looking for better life one will live before Him. feed the flock’’’’’ (Ezekiel 34:2-3).

16 · The Quarterly Journal October-December 2004 There are many biblical themes ‘I just got up there and told stories. ‘‘Joel Osteen says he does not which are very unpopular and even I was so glad when it was over. I preach theology. According to politically incorrect, yet the faithful said, ‘‘I’ll never do this again in the dictionary, ‘theology’ is the pastor-teacher will illuminate these my life.’’ Well, that was the last study of God, His nature, at- topics so that the flock under his care Sunday of my dad’s life.’’’22 tributes and His relationship is receiving a balanced spiritual diet That was the beginning of his pub- with man and the universe. Con- and is able to walk in the full light of lic ministry: he just got up and ‘‘told sidering the above definition, God’s Word, and not in the shadows. stories.’’ Joel Osteen has been telling what is the message coming from 26 Joel Osteen’s ascent to the pulpit of stories that have been tickling the ears his pulpit at Lakewood?’’ this large congregation was an un- of the multitudes ever since. Consider ‘‘His ‘relevant’ sermons are all usual one. He did not take a tradi- these descriptions of his preaching about individualism and con- tional path to pastoral work, but style: sumption. The implication is, ‘If I perhaps his training was ideal for just do the right things or pray modern, media-oriented Christendom: ‘‘Everyone agrees Osteen’s preaching is a key ingredient. the right way, God will give me ‘‘Meanwhile, son Joel, one of six Descriptors of his style include happiness — especially as it re- children, was learning the busi- ‘simple,’ ‘down-to-earth,’ ‘practi- lates to finances.’’’27 ness of television ... ‘Growing up, cal,’ ‘relatable,’ ‘easy,’ ‘folksy,’ ‘‘I just finished reading about I knew what I wanted to do. I 23 ‘humble.’’’ Joel Osteen and Lakewood wanted to be involved in TV Church. I am more convinced production,’ he says. ‘That was ‘‘The appealing style of Osteen’s than ever that pragmatism domi- just my passion.’ In 1981 he came personality in the pulpit is un- nates the church of Jesus Christ. home from Oral Roberts Univer- mistakable. It is part of the rea- Lakewood and pastor Osteen sity (ORU) to start the Lakewood son for Lakewood’s current level 24 clearly embrace a Word-Faith TV ministry. ‘I did that for 17 of success.’’ theology that is not based on years, working behind the ‘‘It’s 10 a.m. when he begins his scenes,’ Osteen says. ‘My dad, he sound doctrine but rather repre- sermon. The theme is practical as sents the spirit of this age.’’28 always wanted me to preach. It he gives example after example just wasn’t in my heart.’’’19 of the importance of following LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU God’s timing rather than one’s Thus, for 17 years, Joel Osteen was It should also concern the discern- own. He keeps the tone cheerful, behind the scenes, handling all the ing Christian when a pastor can make optimistic. ‘God doesn’t want television and marketing aspects of the statement that God does not want anybody walking out of here his father’s ministry. The Charisma anybody walking out of here ‘‘heavy- today heavy-hearted and down- article further reveals the impact of hearted.’’ In contrast, Scripture de- cast,’ Osteen says.’’25 the abilities of this father-son team: clares, ‘‘godly sorrow worketh repen- ‘‘The younger Osteen’s televi- Some may object and say, ‘‘Well, tance’’ (2 Corinthians 7:10). At times, sion-marketing talents and his Jesus told stories.’’ Yes, He did. How- God may well want us to walk out of dad’s preaching skills resulted ever, the notable distinction is that a service ‘‘heavy-hearted’’ if we have eventually in the church’s ser- Jesus told stories to teach doctrine been sinning. We should allow the vices being aired on stations na- and theology. Word, when properly expounded, tionwide and in more than 100 Indeed, Joel Osteen is charismatic in and the Spirit, when genuinely 20 countries.’’ his personality. His delivery is as present, to break us and to convict us of sinful attitudes and practices. James No doubt, the combined talents of non-threatening as the positive mes- concurs and states that, at times, we this dynamic-duo of folksy preaching- sages he delivers. Considering an teaching and television-marketing agglomeration of Joel Osteen’s state- must humble ourselves and even was a chief cause for the growth of ments — with his emphasis on being weep and mourn (James 4:7-10). Lakewood Church into megachurch ‘‘practical’’ — it is a logical conclusion However, if all one hears is ‘‘up- status.21 that perhaps he believes teaching beat,’’ ‘‘cheerful,’’ and ‘‘optimistic’’ TELLING TALES theology is somehow ‘‘impractical.’’ messages, there is little opportunity His words to Charisma, ‘‘I find today for the Holy Spirit to work conviction As John Osteen lay sick and dying people are not looking for theology,’’ in the hearts of the hearers. This in the hospital, he asked his son to loudly resonate. In reality, ‘‘practical’’ folksy, down-home, non-confronta- preach for him on Sunday. Initially, means he tells story after story, uses tional type of message also goes a Joel Osteen said, ‘‘No.’’ He then numerous anecdotes, and then tries to long way in explaining the large use a proof text to bolster his point. relented and described for Charisma’s crowds that gather to be entertained. readers his preaching efforts that day: Surprisingly, some of Charisma’s Read the Old Testament prophets. ‘‘‘I spoke for him that Sunday for readers picked up on and negatively They thundered, but did not tickle the first time in my life,’ he says. responded to these issues: ears. They did not entertain.

October-December 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 17 Lakewood Church’s music is an ‘‘Amazing Grace,’’ contemporary ‘‘Oh, that’s my brother Justin. important factor in drawing crowds. songs and choruses rule the day. He’s real smart. He’s president of Once Joel Osteen took command after Sadly, the Charismatic movement’s Justin Osteen and Associates, Inc. the death of his father, he began to brand of music has infiltrated many They’re the guys who set the expand the musical talent as well: evangelical congregations, leading to ‘independent reasonable com- an abandonment of the use of the ‘‘Four years ago, when Cindy pensation’ limits for many of historic hymns. It could be that Cruse-Ratcliff — former member today’s top televangelists and hymns are, in fact, rhymed theology. of the Dove Award-winning preachers. I don’t really under- It is not uncommon for seeker-sensi- Cruse Family gospel group — stand it myself, but it has to do tive churches to utilize songs and became Lakewood’s minister of with tax stuff. For instance, I choruses that originated from the music, the church had only one know he got the IRS to approve Toronto Revival or the Vineyard Sunday morning service. ... Soon an annual compensation package movement, which are two examples of $1.75 million for Archbishop after Cruse-Ratcliff arrived, Lake- of some of the wildest expressions of wood expanded when two Sun- Robert Tilton and his current extremism within the Charismatic wife, even though Mr. Tilton day morning services were renewal movement. added and, eight months later, a doesn’t really do anything but sit Saturday night worship service. Musically speaking, there is a around Miami eating stone crabs, ... ‘The growth was extremely method to the madness at Lakewood re-running his old programs and rapid,’ says Cruse-Ratcliff, who and other megachurches. They work mining his mailing list. He 32 still serves on the 200-member hard to cut all ties with traditional doesn’t even have a church!’’ Lakewood staff.’’29 Christianity. The classic, highly theo- Even though the interview was logical hymns and hymnals virtually ‘‘Star power’’ brings people to fictitious, The Door’s publisher, Ole scream out the dreaded word ‘‘tradi- Anthony, told PFO that the informa- churches as well, especially musical 31 stars, and Joel Osteen, with his televi- tional.’’ tion regarding the company operated sion-marketing training, is not igno- THE KEY TO SUCCESS? by Justin Osteen was factual. The rant of this fact. Ms. Cruse-Ratcliff magazine’s lampoon was based on knows people in the contemporary Joel Osteen is probably the leading actual interviews and documented music scene and, as Lakewood’s min- example of a Word Faith adherent fact. who has combined the successful ister of music, she no doubt helps add Of further concern is that one hears marketing techniques of the seeker- to the musical strength of this mega- little, if any, Law and Gospel pro- sensitive megachurches with a posi- church by bringing in some more claimed at Lakewood Church. The tive confession, health and wealth musical talent. According to Charisma: reality is that 30,000 people are not message. The blend becomes a potent ‘‘Helping to spice up that mix are being fed a biblically balanced spiri- hybrid that appeals to both sign-gift two of the most prominent tual diet which will promote true believers (sort of ‘‘Charismatic lite’’) names in worship music. Marcos growth in their lives. What one hears and baby-boomer seekers. Witt, who fills stadiums in Latin is a synthesis of Word Faith concepts America for worship concerts, The message that God wants to wrapped up in a seeker-friendly envi- was tapped in 2002 to pastor bless His children with complete ronment by a young man with a Lakewood’s 3,000-member His- physical health, give them great finan- winsome smile. One can preach grace, panic congregation. Also adding cial wealth, and demands little of but if only grace is preached, it diversity to the Lakewood staff is them in return regarding their spiri- becomes something else, as Jude 4 Israel Houghton, whose soulful tual life is a highly appealing mes- indicates. worship anthems are sung sage. Also combining popular Gospel 30 IF YOU BUILD IT, around the world.’’ singers with highly orchestrated praise THEY WILL COME The music at Lakewood is exces- and worship teams creates a decid- sively contemporary. They have musi- edly non-church atmosphere which Lastly, we cannot lose sight of the cal stars who appeal to Hispanic appeals to an even wider audience. fact that a certain synergy builds with (Witt), African-American (Houghton), Additionally, marketing strategies any church when it begins to reach and Caucasian members (Cruse-Rat- and their successes seem to run in the such a size. People who have no solid cliff). The musical team writes many Osteen family. Smuggled within the doctrinal foundation will want to of their own songs, yet the Charisma confines of a recent parody of Joel attend the place where ‘‘something’’ is happening. So adding a coffee bar, article never mentions hymns. Osteen in the satirical The Door Maga- marketplace, and gym to the church This is not surprising when one zine, was the revelation of a firm facility will be a dynamic for such a considers that the rule among Word operated by Joel’s brother, Justin. The bustling fellowship. Charisma reports: Faith and seeker-sensitive congrega- publication, in its spoof-interview of tions is the absence of hymnals. Apart Joel Osteen and his feel-good gospel ‘‘Lakewood’s new International from the occasional singing of message, disclosed: Center allows the church to ex-

18 · The Quarterly Journal October-December 2004 pand its ministries even more. • His father’s legacy and an already 14. John Osteen, The ABC’s of Faith. An ice rink and a basketball gym existing megachurch. Houston: A John Osteen Publication, 1981, are available for use by families pp. 31-32, bold and upper case in original. 15. John Osteen, The 6th Sense ...Faith. and city sports leagues. The • His own honed marketing abili- ties. Houston: A John Osteen Publication, 1972, church hosts concerts, sporting pp. 14-15. events, family conferences, con- • A biblically errant, but hugely 16. The Greek word, prosecho (‘‘beware’’), ventions, business workshops, re- popular message which appeals to is defined ‘‘to be in a continuous state of ceptions and seminars. Plans for the masses seeking to have their readiness to learn of any future danger, the future include a fitness cen- ears tickled and experience a ‘‘good need, or error, and to respond appropri- ter, and a dining and retail ately - ‘to pay attention to, to keep on the time’’ in church. lookout for, to be alert for, to be on one’s plaza.’’33 Please pray for Joel Osteen. He has guard against’’’ (Johannes P. Louw and Eugene A. Nida, editors, Greek-English In America, bigger is better. After a tremendous impact on many people. Lexicon of the New Testament based on all, many presume, if Joel Osteen was Pray the Lord opens his eyes to not being used of the Lord, then why Semantic Domains, from Bible Windows 5.0. biblical truth and that he may take as Cedar Hill, Texas: Silver Mountain Soft- would God allow all these people to bold a stand to expose error — ware, 1997, version 5.0). come to Lakewood Church? The rub whether his father’s or others. Paul 17. The term sign-gift has been used in is that the same logic could be applied instructed to ‘‘purge out the old place of Charismatic, because all Christians to the Latter-day Saint (Mormon) leaven’’ (1 Corinthians 5:7). It is our are ‘‘charismatic’’ believers in that each church, Islam (with its more than a one of us have been gifted with some gift prayer that the leaven of Lakewood or gifts from the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corin- billion adherents), or any other fast- will be exposed and done away with. growing cult. The previously cited thians 12:7). It should also be noted that Endnotes: most ‘‘seeker-sensitive churches’’ are led Charisma reader hit the nail on the by individuals who are seminary edu- head with his comment, ‘‘I am more 1. ‘‘A Tribute to Pastor John Osteen.’’ cated. convinced than ever that pragmatism Document available at: www.lakewood.cc 18. ‘‘How a BIG Church Grew Bigger,’’ dominates the church of Jesus Christ.’’ /john_osteen_tribute.htm. op. cit., pp. 44-45, emphasis added, brack- 2. John Osteen, How to Release the Power of ets in original. In reality, could this, in fact, be a God. Houston: A John Osteen Publication, 19. Ibid., pg. 44. sign of God’s judgment on His people 1968, pp. 44-45. 20. Ibid. who have forsaken His ways? We 3. ‘‘A Tribute to Pastor John Osteen,’’ op. 21. Yet, the discerning reader has to often think of God’s judgment as cit. wonder if Charismatic preachers stretch some divine catastrophe. Yet repeat- 4. Ernest Herndon, ‘‘How a BIG Church reports of membership figures purposely. edly — and just as catastrophic — is Grew Bigger,’’ Charisma, June 2004, pg. 44. Lakewood Church, as earlier noted in Elsewhere in the article, a figure of 8,000 when He simply allows people to endnote 4, reported figures ranging from members for 1999 is given. It is of further 6,000 members and 8,000 members (both have their own way. God gave the interest to note that in 1985, Charisma in 1999), to attendance of 12,000 (in 1985), Israelites their desire, but sent lean- reported that ‘‘more than 12,000 people to membership of 20,000 (in 1988). ness to their souls (Psalm 106:15). The attend [Lakewood Church] each Sunday’’ 22. ‘‘How a BIG Church Grew Bigger,’’ words of the Old Testament prophet (see Charisma, August 1985, pg. 132). Also, op. cit., pg. 44, emphasis added. Jeremiah are applicable to many in the 1988 edition of the Dictionary of 23. Ibid., pg. 45. the Church today: Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements, cit- 24. Ibid., pg. 46. ing the 1985 Charisma magazine as its 25. Ibid., pg. 50, emphasis added. ‘‘‘Be astonished, O heavens, at source, claimed ‘‘a membership of 20,000’’ 26. ‘‘Letters,’’ Charisma, August 2004, pg. this, And be horribly afraid; Be for Lakewood Church (pg. 656). 8. very desolate,’ says the LORD. 5. John Osteen, There is a Miracle in Your 27. Ibid. ‘For My people have committed Mouth. Houston: A John Osteen Publica- 28. Ibid. tion, 1972, pp. 6-7, upper case in original. two evils: They have forsaken 29. ‘‘How a BIG Church Grew Bigger,’’ 6. Ibid., pp. 17-18, upper case in original. op. cit., pg. 44. Me, the fountain of living waters, 7. ‘‘How a BIG Church Grew Bigger,’’ op. 30. ‘‘A Little Piece of Heaven,’’ Charisma, And hewn themselves cisterns; cit., pg. 44. June 2004, pg. 46. broken cisterns that can hold no 8. Document sent to ‘‘Lakewood Church 31. It is interesting that as hard as mega- water’’’ (Jeremiah 2:12-13). E-List’’ from Renee Branson (Pastor’s Sec- churches have tried to distance themselves retary), Monday, January 18, 1999, under from established ‘‘traditional’’ forms of A pastor who was into gimmicky the subject heading of ‘‘Prayer request for Christian worship, they have created their church-growth philosophy once pro- Pastor John Osteen.’’ Copy on file. own liturgies of a sort. Many have ban- posed, ‘‘If you can run a McDonald’s, 9. Ibid. ners which are marched around, and/or you can grow a church — it is not 10. Ibid. have praise dancers. They have altar calls, much different than hamburgers.’’ As 11. Ibid. and other aspects which have become much as Joel Osteen believes the 12. Ibid. standard practices, and thus traditions. 13. Document sent to ‘‘Lakewood Church growth they’ve experienced is due to 32. Chris Whitehead, ‘‘If You’re Happy E-List,’’ dated Sunday, January 24, 1999, and You Know It...,’’ The Door Magazine, the blessing of God, it really boils and sent Monday, January 25, 1999, under July/August 2004, pg. 37. down to three simple things, which the subject heading of ‘‘Pastor Osteen’s 33. ‘‘How a BIG Church Grew Bigger,’’ have nothing at all to do with God: Memorial service.’’ Copy on file. op. cit., pg. 50. g October-December 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 19