Is Joel Osteen a False Prophet?

I remember vividly the awkward moment that I got to meet Joel Osteen. 

“Hello, Joel.  Umm, Mr. Osteen.” 

Long awkward pause as my hands fiddle in my pockets and I look into Joel’s piercing blue eyes.

His teeth are brilliantly white behind that obnoxious smile of his. 

As Joel stands there saying nothing, just smiling, of course, I am trying desperately to figure out what I should say next.  My wife standing next to me is no help.

Just moments earlier we were standing in a long line of people staring at a blank wall like we were lined up to face a firing squad.  Why had I chosen to put myself into such a weird situation?

We had being driving with our friends for the last two days from Iowa on our way to Texas to depart for a 7 day cruise.  We had decided to stop along the way at Joel Osteen’s church. 

I decided to go along for this adventure as a curious skeptic, not a fan or follower of Joel’s. 

I had read one of Joel’s books and had mixed reactions to it.  On the one hand, I had enjoyed his positive “reach for the sky, with God’s help you can do anything” approach to life.  On the other hand, I was skeptical about the health, wealth, and prosperity gospel.     

I had seen Joel on TV a few times but wasn’t a huge fan of his style. 

I had heard a lot of the criticism towards Joel’s ministry.

“He doesn’t preach the gospel.”

“He doesn’t preach against sin.”

“He is greedy and just in it for the money.”

“He is a false prophet and only wants to draw a crowd.”

So I was interested to experience his church first hand.

As we walked from the parking garage to the massive arena, we were constantly greeted by helpful friendly faces.  When we walked into the arena on a Saturday night it was about 30% full.  An usher greeted us and asked us if it was our first time there.  We explained that we were visiting from Iowa.

The usher said, “Let’s get you a better seat.”  He then ushered us down to sit on the front row!

I happen to sit next to someone who had been attending the church for several years.  He said he preferred the non-televised Saturday night service, because Joel was a little more relaxed and off script. 

He then said something that shocked me, “Did you know that Joel doesn’t receive a salary from the church? His income is from his book sales.” 

So much for the “Joel is greedy and just in it for the money” accusation.

Then the craziest thing happened!  After the worship and as communion was being served I heard Joel give a clear presentation of the Gospel!

So much for the “He doesn’t preach the gospel” accusation.

After we left the service, I had come to the conclusion that maybe I was wrong about Joel’s ministry. 

My purpose in writing this blog is not to sell you on Joel Osteen. 

My purpose is to suggest the thought that maybe we as Christian’s are too quick to judge the character of someone that we don’t even know!

I know that Jesus said “Beware of False Prophets.” But I’m not sure this means call them out on Facebook.     

Nothing could be easier and takes less courage than to take to social media and type away judgmental accusations against everyone we disagree with.  WE CAN EVEN TYPE IN ALL CAPS. We can back it up with scripture references, add angry emoji’s and feel very smug and self-righteous! 

But what good has this accomplished for the kingdom of God?

I am not saying that we blindly and mindlessly follow any teaching that becomes popular.  Followers of Christ have the responsibility to use the brilliant minds God has given them to verify that what they are listening to lines up with what God has already said.

But Jesus dealt quite harshly with the self-appointed doctrine police and fruit inspectors of his day.

Jesus also said “You will know them by their fruit.” 

Unless I have relationship with you, it is extremely difficult for me to be qualified to speak about your spiritual fruit or lack thereof.

The longer I am in the ministry, the more reluctant I am to criticize another minister.  I understand how difficult it is and how easy it is for people at a distance to misunderstand what you are trying to accomplish. 

  

“The Law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

Notice that Grace comes first!