K. Gurley: On Lakewood, Osteen in Houston

[SDG]

Rev. Ken Gurley, Pastor of the First Church of Pearland, in Pearland Texas, writes a blog for the Houston Chronicle. His blog, A Pentecostal Perspective, Seeing life through the Spirit, deals with social issues from a Apostolic view point. Gurley is also the District Secretary for the South Texas District.

This is his blog for Friday, July 18th ...

What’s it like to pastor in the same city as Joel Osteen?

When I travel across America, that’s the question other pastors often ask me. Our nation’s largest church not only intrigues Houstonians, its success attracts a lot of attention afar.

Curiosity is natural when it comes to Lakewood. What other church claims a former professional basketball arena as its sanctuary? The telegenic Joel and Victoria Osteen, the immense crowds, fabulous music, and the high-profile ministry beckon to all.
And, of course, each minister has to try out his Joel Osteen imitation on me. It ought to be a punishable offense to hear a non-Houstonian attempt a Texas twang.

I don’t sense jealousy from other pastors, only incredulity. How can a man who has never pastored literally step into his father’s shoes and succeed so wildly? Some are critical, questioning Osteen’s lack of theological preaching, his failure to address crucial issues, and his somewhat vague answers to intense questioning from figures (See YouTube videos, ad infinitum).


I try to fill in the blanks and catch these pastors up on the amazing story of Lakewood. The late John Osteen and his wife, Dodie, began a charismatic church in a feed store in east Houston. Gracious, generous, and devoted, the Osteen family extended its ministry to all of Houston and the surrounding areas. By the mid 1980s, Lakewood (“An Oasis of Love”) was a regional church quickly working its way toward a national one. Since 1999, when Joel assumed the leadership of the church, the church has grown to stratospheric proportions. Services are now broadcast to over 200 million people.
Pastors are intrigued to find that the Osteens are well-loved in Houston even by those who may disagree with their doctrine. The integrity of Lakewood’s leaders along with the immense compassion shown to area ministries are worthy of anyone’s respect.
So, how does it feel pastoring so close to Lakewood?

Lakewood, to me, is an anomaly – a “perfect storm” of history, personnel, strategy and resources. The church seems more a reflection of the changing face of Christianity-at-large than a model for other churches to follow.


A sizeable crowd chooses Lakewood each weekend, but most Houstonians still prefer churches that are less-crowded and more intimate. In the shadow of Lakewood, most Houston pastors remain content to stay focused on the mission before them.


http://www.chron.com/channel/houston...e-c76ee2b16994
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Your thoughts on Gurley's observations.


Fair? Unfair?

What compliments does he pay Osteen and Lakewood?
Any swipes?

Agree or disagree w/ his assessment?

I thought that Joel's parents were Baptists ... not charismatics ... but apparently they moved up a notch in the 1950's ... at least that's what some sources say.