Dear Pastor Osteen,
Since I have not had cable for four of the last four and a half years, Sunday nights provide little entertainment. More often than not, I am left to veg in front of an infomercial for the Cookie Diet, the movie, Liar Liar (in Spanish), or your TV program.
I must embarrassingly confess that in the last five years, we have intentionally tuned in (and affectionately named you “Smiley Pastor”) to do nothing more than to criticize you and the feel-good messages you have become so well known for.
(I also admittedly enjoy your Texas accent, as I do miss my home state, but I digress.)
People in my generation like to poke fun at things that are different than we are. And we tend to do this more in groups, egging each other on. I’d like to say I’ve done this out of a “fun and games” mindset but when I dig deep, I realize I’ve done it because of pride.
Trolls on the internet do not have the authority to hold you accountable. Even if they believe what you are teaching is false, aside from God, only the people in your life…who know you…have the scriptural “go ahead” to make sure you are not leading others astray.
This Sunday was not unlike others. I flipped through the six or seven channels and landed again on your broadcast.
And all of the sudden I realized that I have been a really petty person.
This world is so negative. Even in our christian circles, there seems to be a spirit of cynicism and defeat. You are different. The joy I was making fun of is something I so desperately needed to experience. And I thank you for that.
I don’t know you personally, Pastor Joel, and likely never will. And I’ve been in the church my entire life so I also understand that there are many dimensions to people God places on platforms. But in that moment I was entirely ashamed for the way I had talked about you, even in jest, or the times I’ve rolled my eyes at your books in Walmart or in airports or when someone talks about how your influence has impacted their life.
So, Pastor Osteen…chances are you’ll never read this apology, but I pray that if you do, you’ll accept it. I ask for your forgiveness for my immaturity and pride.
Yours,
Anne Jackson
Comments
60 responses to “my apology to pastor joel osteen”
That’s so weird Anne. I was thinking about the same things on my drive into work today. It is so easy to get caught up in that trap and it doesn’t look a bit like Jesus.
I’ve done my share of criticizing Pastor Osteen as well, which I am not proud of doing.
I visited Lakewood while in Houston a year or so ago just to see for myself what it’s all about. There’s a lot more Jesus in the room on Sunday than comes thru on the TV show.
Church in a stadium is not my cup of tea, but I have respect for the level of exellence shown in their services, and understand that different churches reach different people.
And I was having such a good day.
I really love Joel Osteen; but I didn’t always. But I’ve come to appreciate his optimistic outlook. We need to be reminded of how good God is and how much we have to smile about. Joel gives a good reminder!
gerr you Anne Jackson. gerr you
hmm….
This reminds me of an email I had to send to a guy named Craig Groschel. Feels so good to face the Truth.
you can sign my name at the bottom of that letter too…
It sounds like someone was focusing on the neg-a-tive….
This reminds me of a story.
There was a little boy who went to the grocery store with his grandmother. As they entered the cereal section, the little boy said “grandma, I want to have the raisin bran”. The grandma said “when I was young, we didn’t have raisin bran”. So the little boy kicked grandma in the shin because she was a glass-half-empty kind of person. The grandma called the police because the little boy was a kick-grandma-in-the-shin kind of person. The grocery store banned them for life because of the potential liability.
Now read one of the Psalms. Can’t remember which.
Seriously, the issue I have with Osteen is the fact that sat there and would not preach the Gospel on Larry King. Larry always point blank asks Christians if they think Jesus is the only way (parphrased).
Osteen just hmmm’d and haw’d and avoided what appeared to be an uncomfortable question (and shouldn’t have been).
That’s a big problem for a pastor to so many people.
Mike,
Have you happened upon his apology?
Dear Friend,
Many of you have called, written or e-mailed regarding my recent appearance on Larry King Live. I appreciate your comments and value your words of correction and encouragement.
It was never my desire or intention to leave any doubt as to what I believe and Whom I serve. I believe with all my heart that it is only through Christ that we have hope in eternal life. I regret and sincerely apologize that I was unclear on the very thing in which I have dedicated my life.
Jesus declared in John 14; I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me. I believe that Jesus Christ alone is the only way to salvation. However, it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to review the transcript of the interview that I realize I had not clearly stated that having a personal relationship with Jesus is the only way to heaven. It’s about the individual’s choice to follow Him.
God has given me a platform to present the Gospel to a very diverse audience. In my desire not to alienate the people that Jesus came to save, I did not clearly communicate the convictions that I hold so precious.
I will use this as a learning experience and believe that God will ultimately use it for my good and His glory. I am comforted by the fact that He sees my heart and knows my intentions. I am so thankful that I have friends, like you, who are willing to share their concerns with me.
Thank you again to those who have written. I hope that you accept my deepest apology and see it in your heart to extend to me grace and forgiveness.
As always, I covet your prayers and I am believing for God’s best in your life,
Joel Osteen
Pastor – Lakewood Church
Proud of you Anne.
You are making it tough for a brother…
…have my share of apology letters to write!
Anne..nice letter. You never know he may just read it. I’ve watched Joel a few times but, since my views were different I quit. Have you ever seen Ed young jr. and him on you tube…now that was funny…I’ll find the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX-8wjlogMQ
Here it is…Ed Young Jr. and Joel Osteen. So funny!
Ah…interesting…no I had not seen that. And I try to stay up to date on such things.
Apologies are good, and I have to believe he’s sincere. But I find his communication to be consistently inconsistent about basic issues like this.
It seems like he’s afraid he’s going to ruffle feathers or something. And while the Gospel is not about “steppin’ on toes” as some like to think, it’s not about…um…not steppin’ on toes either.
I’m not going to generally criticize him or his ministry, because I’ve never been to his church or met him or his team.
However I am exposed to at least the same level of communication from his ministry as the typical non-believer. I do think they need to revamp their message to be more consistent with the message Jesus himself gave.
When you have that huge level of resource, you better bring an A-game.
Kudos for being so transparent. I love this letter, because I need to write a few myself…
ummm…so i was thinking that the other day too.
My husband loves Joel, and i never really got into him. But i think i may need to sign my name to that letter too.
Thanks Anne.
Mike… go back on YouTube and watch the Larry King interview again. I just did, and I don’t understand why people are so hard on him about that interview. He is simply stating that it is his not his place to judge whether people are going to heaven or hell, and it’s not… it’s not yours either… and not mine.
You’re a good woman, Anne.
Anne,
I am thankful you did this. I am a member of Crosspoint church, and am so thankful that my pastor is not “all smiles”, BUT…… it was during a very painful divorce in 1999 that I stumbled upon Pastor Smiley, and it was his message on that day that brought me to my knees. I immediately joined a church (my first) where Pete Wilson soon became the associate pastor, and then I joined Crosspoint when Pete planted it. I have heard many people criticize Joel Osteen and it always hurts my heart, because my heart found Jesus because of Joel…and I’m quite sure I’m not the only one. He shouldn’t be discounted and neither should his message……so I am very grateful to read your apology to him. It means a lot to me…..thank you thank you thank you.
Anne, that is so well written. I’m just as (if not more so) guilty of poking fun of tv preachers like Joel. I really need to get rid of my lousy attitude. Thank you for writing this.
I used to criticize Joel.
But if I was completely honest with myself, my teaching and preaching would be more like Osteen’s then any other pastor I have ever heard.
thanks for letting us into this, anne. :)
i’ll admit that i don’t align well with joel’s presentation of the Gospel. still, i wholeheartedly concur that theological/doctrinal differences are not the same as taking personal jabs. Christ really leaves no room for that sort of mean-spiritedness, huh?
thanks for the reminder!
thanks Anne for writing this. flowerdust.net is like a box of chocolates….
well said.
I may be off base here, but it seems to me that the point here is not if Joel Osteen is right or wrong. The point is that Anne very graciously – and courageously – allowed us to view God at work in her life. For that, Anne, I thank you. Good for you! Pete Wilson’s post the other day (withoutwax.tv – it’s got to stop) has made me think about this alot. Perhaps it’s made some of you think as well. The point is that God does not hold us accountable for OTHERS actions but our response to them is our own to deal with. Someone being wrong, or a jerk even, is not an excuse for us to sin in response. We like to think it does (can you say “justified sin”, but God still calls us to a holy, loving attitude towards others, and to deal with and own our own junk. Anne, I am proud of you! It’s hard to acknowledge the conviction of God in our lives in a public forum. You will grow more like our Savior as a result of your own obedience and honesty about your self, something we all need more of! Thank you again.
I also used to be very critical of Joel. I still am not comfortable with his presentation. But over the past few years I have encountered a number of people in my ministry who have been genuinely ministered to through his ministry, including coming to a personal relationship with the Lord.
I am learning to view my spiritual snobbery as a red flag needing examination with the help of the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:4
At least he’s funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw6DTOhGgrU
Good words dirty flower
Love this, Anne. I have become a harsh critisizer of Pastor Smiley too. Esp the blonde jokes at the expense of, well, blondes (incl his wife). Anyway, guess I should compose my own letter.
somewhere in New Mexico…….a woman doubles over as she receives a gut check from Anne’s open appology to Pastor Osteen.
I never laughed at him but dep inside I thought he was a fake, now I feel bad thinking that when I dont know the guy. sorry Pastor Osteen!
open apology to the endless entertainment and fun poked at pastors and guests on TBN…..but it is funny.
Anne~ I just posted a blog last week entitled “Stop Hatin’ on Joel Osteen” and there was some pretty heated discussions. Well Done Anne!
You can check out my post here:
http://bigisthenewsmall.com/?p=374
oh… just to redeem myself real good I signed up for his “e-votionals” so I too can “live like a champion”. I am not being sarcastic this time, I think youre right. Sometimes we as christians focus so much on brokenness, warfare and things like that that we tend to forget to live in Victory. It doesnt mean that I agree with a lot of what he writes because I have been given hi books for gifts etc. But I do believe that he has a gift of encouragement and I had a co worker who became a christian after reading his book…
Anyway, I look forward to his daily encouragement now that Im on the “evotional” list :) Thanks Anne, you are awesome
I would rather these verses not be in the Bible…dang it!!
Mark 9:38-40 (New International Version)
38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”
39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us.
Although he’s not what I personally *need* in a pastor and have been in on my share of criticizing discussions, the guy gets Christianity out there. I bet he does more for Jesus in a day than I’ve done this year and he’s not the only one… just another example of why I shouldn’t cast the first stone.
Anne –
Confession is not just good for the soul. It is a sign of true humility and growth. I so appreciate your honest approach to living for Jesus, encouraging others and letting people get in on the conversation.
I too have felt and said those things about Joel Osteen, yet I also have to admit the difference he is making for the kingdom is real and important.
Thank you and please keep us digging in the flowerdust….
MICHAEL
I buy cheap dog food so I can afford cable tv and not be forced to watch TV preachers, except the big haired ones on TBN.
I could probably take him a bit more serious if he had some real ‘ugly’ (read normal looking) people on stage or in his audience. However since everyone is so “pretty” & happy I think they have translated their pretty-ness into God’s blessings. I don’t think that one correlates with the other.
God blessed the crap out of me before I had sinus cancer and had 1/2 my face cut-up. After that experience I was able to separate my psuedo-blessings and experience the real nature of God and appreciate those in my life, especially my husband & kid. I just don’t think that we should say it’s God’s blessings when we speak of our nice cars, big houses, big salaries, etc. Does God allow those things to happen – YES. But certainly everyone who has the complete package hasn’t been rained on by God. My .02cents. And I’m a pretty happy person.
Now – I did get saved watching a big-haired women preach Jesus in the early 1980s. Her name…tammy faye baker. Ok – pick yourself up off the floor.
We must be tolerant of the person, but not of their bad theology.
Love the sinner but condemn the sin.
Mike
AWESOME!!! Now, if we could do that all the time… huh… that would be almost like what Jesus was talking about huh? Maybe it would be easier if Joel had a tatoo? tee hee…
Anne: I pray you hear from him. Your letter is well written. I find his books to be a tremendous source of encouragement. Becoming a better person in the world is what he writes about, the simple points he gives builds confidence (& he gives full credit to God)…oh they truly uplift my spirit; I thrive on the positive, uplifting admonishments he gives. …and the smile is very contageous….Victoria’s fabulous enthusiasm is contageous also! ’nuff said….when my kids ask me what I want for Christmas, I say “A Become a Better You by Joel Osteen” – next year I’ll be saying “Mad Church Disease by Anne Jackson!” Yay!!!!
Very thought provoking. You struck a chord when you talked about negativity among Christians…yes, there is. A lot. Time to recalibrate my own attitude–thanks for the inspiration/provocation…
I used to watch Joel on TV all the time an think to myself, “What in the world is going on over there? He preaches the same message every week, and people just keep coming by the droves.” Then when he came to Jacksonville to do a night at the arena here, our church gathered together with some others to serve at the event. What I experienced that night was really an awesome manifestation of the love of God. It was a very tangible thing. I heard from some of my friends who used to attend his church before moving to Jax that his Sunday services are like that — just really full of the loving presence of God. Also, as with any ministry, there is so much more than what you see on Sunday morning. There is so much genuine care for the people in the life of the church. We have since had the chance to meet Joel and Victoria and their team personally, and they are incredibly sincere in their love for God and His church. Very humble people.
Wow….. that took real Christian maturity…I pray Joel will see this letter!
awesome post! I love it. I to had to come to grips with this same reality as it relates to JO…not OJ
Hi Anne, i really appreciate your honesty. Being from Ireland, I too find Pastor Joel`s style quite different, but his heart does shine through. I pastor a small church and feel unable to adequately comment in light of his success. keep up the great blog – Pastor Joel and you seem to have a lot in common!
Anne – I’m not a regular here anymore but stopped by through Heather’s weblog – I’m so proud for you to make a public apology. Cheap shots at varous denominations and leaders are just that – cheap shots – we know several foreign pastors who are amazed at how nasty the American church can be toward one another. So your apology is very cool – I realize you didn’t make it to BE cool. One reason I quit visiting a lot of the blogs of younger Christian leaders was the consistent current of being tacky about other churches, other ways of worship – even hairdos and looks. Grateful the Lord sees the inside – wish we could all be a good deal kinder to one another. I’m older so maybe that is why it hurts me to see the sniping – or maybe it is the Texas in me – lots of bighaired, tight bluedjeaned, heavy makeup GODLY women in my life. Bless you Anne – keep on growing – you are doing a good job and honesty is definitely beautiful.
i love it. humility at its best. always strikes me as odd how much negativity there is in and around the church. hate to say that as a blanket statement but you know what i mean. lots of petty complaining, etc.
we’re making a no complaining rule video for churches like the versions here: http://www.nocomplainingrule.com (click video tab)
This is sort of on topic….
I don’t really follow any popular speakers like some people do. I know a lot of gals who follow Joyce Meyer closely – go to her conferences, TIVO her programs, etc. Whether it’s Joel Osteen or Joyce Meyer, I see people who hang on every new idea and every new “word” a popular speaker has, as if that speaker has some special “in-road” to God. It seems like people are looking for the next “magic formula” a speaker might come up with to live a happy and successful Christian life. It seems to me that we could discover the same things all by ourselves if we read our Bible and talked to God.
Is it just me or does it seem like Christians are addicted to popularized speakers? It’s like people are running off to hear the next latest and greatest talk, or read the latest book by some famous Christian personality, instead of reading The Word for themselves and hearing what God has to say. I mean, it’s great to learn from good teachers, but man, after awhile it’s time to crack open the Bible for ourselves, dontcha think?!
Thank for letting me step up on my soapbox for a moment….
I know I commented once, but, Jodi, you are one billion percent correct!! Crack it open??…I suggested the Bible to read to a lady and she picked it up and threw it across the room….. the truth is what sets us free….the Bible!!!! it seems like everyone is too angry to see the truth!!! (Thus, starts “Mad Church Disease,” Anne’s book for 02/09)
na – Jesus wasn’t a popular speaker I guess
well said, Jodi…
anne, Much appreciated this post. Olsteen is an easy target, because he’s so doggone successful. I just appreciate someone (anyone!) on TV not ranting and raving, smiling, even. I saw Olsteen on a 60 minutes interview and he acquitted himself quite well. Many in the evangelical tribe give him a hard time, but one always wonders how much pure envy contributes to the criticism. In Vineyard, I notice some of our most successful pastors often have to put up with a lot of picky-uny criticism from pastors of small churches. We can’t rule out envy as a motive–the success Jesus had with large crowds
evoked plenty of it. Great post.
I think you’re right when it coms to making fun of the guy. Guilty. Me. Guilty.
But, he’s still wrong. Life isn’t always flowers and puppies. God doesn’t just give you what you want or ask for (mostly He doesn’t and thank goodness). He doesn’t preach the Gospel because you cannot preach Gospel without the Law. You cannot know the Gospel without the Law and most people have no idea how they’ve broken the Law.
And sure, he apologized for not preaching Christ on Larry King. But did he offer the apology on Larry King for all to hear. No, so far as I know, the apology was really only to believers. We already know who Christ is. Preach Him to the nations, man.
That’s a pastor’s job: to bring the reality of life, and break it on the back of Christ. I’m so down on this guy. I know I mess up, I know I’m not perfect. But Osteen is in the limelight. It’s his job to bring people to Christ and he has chosen to do it on an international level. No one forced him to do that. And because he’s chosen that, he absolutely is responsible for what he preaches to every single person who may hear it.
But, like you, I’m going to try to cut out the personality attacks.
Wow. That one really hits close to home.
GREAT blog post.
Anne,
GREAT post, and great points. It was convicting to me, because I am often pretty critical of preachers. It is a mixed blessing- I have high standards, and low tolerance for preachers who muddle or dumb down the bible or have “bad” theology, but it often makes me prideful and arrogant. God can use anyone, can’t he?
I do think, though, that it is important that we be wise about whose words we choose to fill our minds with. This can be done graciously and without pride. I do not agree with a lot of Joel’s theology- it is too “wealth and health” gospel for me, and not enough Christ, and DEFINATELY not enough scripture- he has even stated that he doesn’t like to use scripture until the very end, and even then, not much of it- this is scary, because if he isn’t using scripture, whose ideas is he really preaching? just a thought….
So, I think that we need to find a good balance of being wise and gentle. Wise in recognizing the “holes” in someones theology- this means you can still listen to them and be encouraged, but they shouldn’t be your main place for encouragement, and should be careful not to base all of your theology off of them! And gentle in the way we speak and think about them.
THank you,
Juju
You know, for the last 20 years maybe, I’ve seen the Church “get real” by going against the “I found Jesus and I’m never sad now” message. Yes it is true that sometimes its hard to do the right things, following Christ is not insulation against bad things. And about 5-10 years ago, I began to crave “victory in Jesus”. Bad things may happen but putting my trust in Jesus makes recovery feasible. I haven’t really followed Joel all that much. But I don’t have a problem with preaching there is joy in Jesus. There can be peace in the midst of grief, perspective in the midst of pain. I think a lot of Christians would do well to live well in Christ and stop creating their own suffering to show “what good Christians they are.” How unattractive to a watching world. There IS hope and to live in hope I believe is the best way to live.
Well said Joni. I don’t understand when people say Joel doesn’t preach Christ. He invites people to accept Christ at the end of every sermon, which is seen by millions around the world. (Lewis he DID explain himself on Larry King as well.) And, he uses scripture all the time. I think some people that criticize him have never actually watched him. Plus, all the principals he talks about are from the bible, so maybe he’s assuming people read their bibles.
And, what is wrong with “health and wealth”? I pray for health (especially for loved ones) and financial blessings all the time. I don’t think God wants us to be poor and sick.
I was so hoping to find a reply by Joel himself on this post.
When I first started watching Joel, I did not even know his name. However, my heart was so touched by his sincerity, I found myself looking for his show every week. His words of encouragement have brought me to tears and to my knees. I will always be grateful to the God who brings people into our lives to lift us up. We already feel bad enough most of the time and I have ALWAYS heard Joel Osteen say “put God in first place.” I have NEVER heard him condone “sin” or “unholy living”. So, I guess the critics will continue to go after him like ravenous wolves, but Joel just seems to become more and more humble, the more these people attack him. God bless you Joel, from the millions of us you have helped.
Nice post, Anne. I hesitated to read it because of the propensity of Christians to criticize, denounce, and defame “successful” preachers like Osteen, but I was impressed with your spirit of humility and had to admit I have my own letters to write, as well! May the same grace you have afforded to Joel Osteen someday be afforded back to you as you continue to serve Jesus!
Blessings.