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Joel Osteen of nearby Lakewood Church has a new book, "Become a Better You", and he has been a recent guest on several TV programs being interviewed about the new book and his ministry. I have seen some of the current criticisms of Joel's interview with Chris Wallace, but the critics have generally ignored what was said at the end of the Wallace interview.

Why Do You Like Joel Osteen? (Image: Wenn)

WALLACE: And beyond that, is there a message you would like to give our viewers before they watch your show, as they're watching our show, a message this Christmas?

OSTEEN: Oh, my message is that — you know, that God is a good God, and that he's on our side, and that he has great things in store and, you know, I believe that as we receive the forgiveness that Christ came and was born and died to give us, then we can live a great life.


It seems that critics will often look for something they can criticize and will ignore the foregoing type of comment.

Sometimes I have been asked about Joel -- if I like him and why -- so I thought I would share a few of my reasons for liking him. I have been an observer of Joel and Lakewood Church ever since Joel became pastor a few years ago. At the time, they were located just across the Houston Ship Channel from my store, and several members were my customers. One of the members does all of the store's electrical repairs. I have also read both of Joel's books, heard numerous sermons on TV, and have heard most, if not all, of his TV interviews about which he has been criticized by some critics. I have formed my own opinion about Joel, the critics notwithstanding. I only wish they were doing a tenth as much good in the Kingdom of God as Joel is doing.

1. Joel impresses me as being completely honest, humble, and one who is content to simply "be himself," and does not attempt to put on the "airs" of a know-it-all, theological scholar, political expert, a "healer," an "apologist," or anything else of a high-falutin sort. He's not a hot-dogger or show-off.

2. Joel impresses me that in his ministry he is focused upon emphasizing the positive biblical principles for daily living, seeking to help and encourage those who face the various challenges of life. He's not hung-up, for instance, on ostensibly "equipping believers" to deal with all the heresies and cults, but with putting their lives in better order by getting right with God through applying the principles of Scripture, thinking on the things of virtue and praise (Philippians 4:8).

3. Joel impresses me that he is not wedded to what is called "expository" preaching, or to what the alleged scholars say, or to what "the Greek says," or other forms of peripheral embellishing palabber which characterizes some preachers.

4. Joel impresses me that he does not complicate the Gospel or any other major doctrine of the Bible. He keeps things on a level that children can understand them in contrast to bogging them down with some of the boggling theological controversy and terminology which characterize some other preachers.

5. Joel impresses me that he is not given to emphasis upon what passes today as "apologetics," trying to "prove" or "defend" something. He seems content to simply believe the Bible and propagate its teachings. He gives the impression that he believes the Bible can stand on its own two feet, that the Bible says it, and that settles it.

6. Joel impresses me that he is not a "prooftext" type of preacher, yet it would difficult to find him teaching something for which there are not several Scriptures which support it.

7. Joel impresses me that he does not claim some type of peculiar or extraordinary "anointing" or "gift" which sets him upon a unique pedestal of alleged "power" of some description. He is not into modern "charismaticism" nor "contemporary" pulpit attire such as clergy robes, T-shirts, or casual wear.

8. Joel impresses me that he is rather independent in his associations. He does not appear to be "thick" with a denomination, theological "camp," other ministers, ministries, politicians, movements, etc. which would presumably embellish his own work. He and his church stand or fall on their own faith and practice, and are not looking around for "crutches."

9. Joel impresses me in how he responds to critics. He simply ignores their yelps, and keeps on doing what he believes God has called him to do.

10. Joel impresses me in his family life. I know of no public figure who is demonstrating a better example of a Christian family than Joel.


In closing, let me once again give an example of Joel's message:

"I believe there is a void in every person that only a relationship with God can fill. I'm not talking about religion or joining a particular church. I'm talking about developing a relationship with your heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus Christ. I believe that knowing Him is the source of true peace and fulfillment in life" (Become A Better You, page 377).