For those of you wanting more of a detailed report of my visit to Lakewood Church today to see Joel Osteen, here you go:
I arrived for the 8:30 am service, when I said I was visiting, the usher asked me if I would like to sit on the main floor. I thought, “Sure, why not.” So he led me down towards the floor and handed me off to a chain of ushers. Finally, as we approached the front I mentioned that it was OK, I could sit a few rows back (thinking I wanted to survey the goings on), but he ket going and led me to a seat in the third row.
They were streaming inspiring upbeat music and video feeds of good times, sunny road trips, couples and families enjoying life, sunsets etc. The atmosphere was charged with positive vibes, it was like they were pumping oxygen into the space. Then the band entered and the singing started. It was emotional, powerful, loud. I was like: “Bring it on”.
Then Joel and Victoria took to the stage together and welcomed everyone, they were literally right in front of me. Next thing I know, they are making their way to their seats and they sit just two seats away from me, I could touch them (if I wanted to lol).
More worship, then Victoria got up and spoke about marriage, it was a solid, plain talk, easy to grasp, with plenty of direct action points that if applied would be sure to make a positive difference in any relationship. Then more worship and those in need of prayer were invited to the front. Sign me up, I was out there and shared a need for prayer, it was awesome. I found the prayer time helped me re-orient my thinking and connect to some deep issues. More worship, then the noise subsided, the lights changed and Joel was there ready to speak.
His message was about the importance of developing the right relationships for this season of your life. It was part sermon, part motivational message. It had three clear points, each with a scripture and well chosen, relatable illustration from real life. He did not read from notes. He spoke directly to the people, his timing, body language, and phrasing was perfectly tailored to a huge auditorium audience. he spoke in carefully crafted soundbites that flowed like a conversation, you could pick up his words and run with them easily. His focus was on real life application of timeless truth for normal average people. there was something here for everyone, everyone that is, who wanted to get up out of their despair and start to make something of their life with God as their guide.
He closed with a concise summary of the message and a call to invite our friends to join us at worship next time, then followed with an opportunity for those who wished to commit or re-commit their lives to Christ.
Then, a couple more songs and we filed out. He invited visitors to meet him at the visitors reception, I wandered up, but got there too late, the “line was already closed” next reception was at 12:000pm.
So here’s the deal for all you wonderful Facebook friends, my conservative friends who are shocked that I went over to the prosperity gospel and my liberal friends who are anxious that I am becoming non inclusive. You have to take these things at face value. Could I find things to criticize? Did I approve of everything? Did I appreciate Joel’s hair style? Yup, pretty much I did approve. It was clean, positive. Was it over scripted, fake, or impersonal? a little bit, but then it was an arena, this was not your local Bible study, this was stadium style, so in that sense, yes it was appropriate for that.
My take away. I was encouraged to discount negative situations and relationships, to see and pursue the positive, to fight for the good, for the best. To embrace the wonder that is God’s plan for my life, my destiny. To appreciate the amazingness of my wife and children and to see and seek the best for them. To be a better friend and neighbor, To rise up and shake the earth with awesomeness! Yes, I approve this message. Thank you Joel and Victoria.
I arrived for the 8:30 am service, when I said I was visiting, the usher asked me if I would like to sit on the main floor. I thought, “Sure, why not.” So he led me down towards the floor and handed me off to a chain of ushers. Finally, as we approached the front I mentioned that it was OK, I could sit a few rows back (thinking I wanted to survey the goings on), but he ket going and led me to a seat in the third row.
They were streaming inspiring upbeat music and video feeds of good times, sunny road trips, couples and families enjoying life, sunsets etc. The atmosphere was charged with positive vibes, it was like they were pumping oxygen into the space. Then the band entered and the singing started. It was emotional, powerful, loud. I was like: “Bring it on”.
Then Joel and Victoria took to the stage together and welcomed everyone, they were literally right in front of me. Next thing I know, they are making their way to their seats and they sit just two seats away from me, I could touch them (if I wanted to lol).
More worship, then Victoria got up and spoke about marriage, it was a solid, plain talk, easy to grasp, with plenty of direct action points that if applied would be sure to make a positive difference in any relationship. Then more worship and those in need of prayer were invited to the front. Sign me up, I was out there and shared a need for prayer, it was awesome. I found the prayer time helped me re-orient my thinking and connect to some deep issues. More worship, then the noise subsided, the lights changed and Joel was there ready to speak.
His message was about the importance of developing the right relationships for this season of your life. It was part sermon, part motivational message. It had three clear points, each with a scripture and well chosen, relatable illustration from real life. He did not read from notes. He spoke directly to the people, his timing, body language, and phrasing was perfectly tailored to a huge auditorium audience. he spoke in carefully crafted soundbites that flowed like a conversation, you could pick up his words and run with them easily. His focus was on real life application of timeless truth for normal average people. there was something here for everyone, everyone that is, who wanted to get up out of their despair and start to make something of their life with God as their guide.
He closed with a concise summary of the message and a call to invite our friends to join us at worship next time, then followed with an opportunity for those who wished to commit or re-commit their lives to Christ.
Then, a couple more songs and we filed out. He invited visitors to meet him at the visitors reception, I wandered up, but got there too late, the “line was already closed” next reception was at 12:000pm.
So here’s the deal for all you wonderful Facebook friends, my conservative friends who are shocked that I went over to the prosperity gospel and my liberal friends who are anxious that I am becoming non inclusive. You have to take these things at face value. Could I find things to criticize? Did I approve of everything? Did I appreciate Joel’s hair style? Yup, pretty much I did approve. It was clean, positive. Was it over scripted, fake, or impersonal? a little bit, but then it was an arena, this was not your local Bible study, this was stadium style, so in that sense, yes it was appropriate for that.
My take away. I was encouraged to discount negative situations and relationships, to see and pursue the positive, to fight for the good, for the best. To embrace the wonder that is God’s plan for my life, my destiny. To appreciate the amazingness of my wife and children and to see and seek the best for them. To be a better friend and neighbor, To rise up and shake the earth with awesomeness! Yes, I approve this message. Thank you Joel and Victoria.
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