Lakewood Church: Performance - Production - Personality

On our recent trip south, I visited Lakewood Church in Houston. Joel Osteen is the minister and his wife Victoria also plays a prominent role. I had watched the services on television and was intrigued by the response and popularity of this ministry. Hence, being in Houston was an opportunity to seize the moment and experience this worship-ministry phenomenon. Also, I have always been interested in the question of what it means to be the Church? Lakewood is a "Church".

From the freeway, Lakewood Church looks like a modern business facility. Flat roof, rectangular shape, brownish facade with windows near the top. On one corner are the words LAKEWOOD CHURCH. 90 degrees away is the name: JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES with a logo that looks like a flame inside a circle.

Parking was an experience. Policemen and parking directors were everywhere. The church rents parking ramps from local businesses as well as having their own. After parking, people stream towards the church from blocks away, like blood through veins and arteries.

While walking towards the church, I was engaged by a young, single African-American woman who asked me if this was my first time at church? I said yes, that I had watched the service on television and my wife and I were traveling and happened to be in Houston, so I seized the opportunity to experience Lakewood. I asked her how long she had been attending and she said since 2006. I asked her why she kept coming back? She said she felt welcome, there was a feeling of family, and no expectations. You could find your own way. I asked her if the pastors talked about social issues, justice issues in worship. She said "No, they let you make your own decisions about that."

Entering the worship center was like entering an athletic fieldhouse which could easily be re-fitted for basketball, hockey, or football. Comfortable green theatre seating, but no cup holders made for a relaxing time. I asked the young woman if I could join her for worship. She smiled. By 8:30, the crowd filled about half of the center which holds about 18,000. The attendees were diverse, about 35% African-American, 45% White, and 20% Hispanic. Their service days are Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, and one service in Spanish. After worship you can meet with Joel and Victoria for a meet and greet.

There was no cross. Anywhere! Only a flame and circle logo on the lecturn. Only a huge golden globe adorned the front. No altar. No mention of Holy Communion. Water baptism takes place every Saturday evening. Children must be at least five years old to participate.

Bible study is segmented according to age, situation, and gender, every Saturday and Sunday evenings. The theme is: "Get direction for your life".

Music and singing filled 70% of the 1:35 minute service. No organ. There was a worship choir numbering over 100 and a worship band consisting of piano, trumpets, trombone, drums and a few other instruments. Song leaders were multi-racial. All musicians were VERY TALENTED! Songs were primarily up-beat with some gentle songs mixed in to fit the flow of the service. Call it a revival! Come to Jesus! Praise and glory! People standing, raising their arms in praise, clapping, stomping their feet! There were no worship bulletins, only two huge screens filled with announcements, visuals, and words to songs.

Joel and Victoria each spoke. I would characterize Victoria's talk as "fluff and glory", and Joel's more thoughtful. Both used Biblical references. The focus was on personal empowerment, God will change your life, make you a new person, and fill your life with blessings. There was no talk about social concerns, racism, economic justice, environmental issues, other than references to being unemployed or divorced.

A portion of the service was called "Prayer Partners", when people could come forward and have a member of the congregation pray with you. Joel and Victoria were prayer partners. Many came forward to share their prayer concerns. The partners placed their hands on the people or hugged them during the prayers. Visitors were asked to raise their hands. Immediately, ushers came over to give you information on a post worship gathering and to give you business-like cards with the words "Be Our Guest" and a color picture of Joel and Victoria, which you were asked to hand out to other people you meet during the week. Joel said, if you are here seeking to change your life, give Lakewood a year of your life and you will be a new person and will be blessed.

I picked up a four-color bulletin filled with happenings: "Married Life Date Night", CPR Certification and Training, Kids Life Team Celebration, Big Game Party, Generation Hope Project-Washington D.C. (Meet special needs, clean-up parks, feed the homeless, promote literacy), Men's Outreach Encounter (Take a 24 hour time away to deepen your walk with Chrirst), An Evening with Lisa Comes when she will talk about her new book, YOU WERE MADE FOR MORE, Celebrate Recovery Inventory, Friendship "Red Hat" Fellowship, Women's Encounter Retreat, From Stressed to Blessed (Dealing with finances), Honduras Mission Trip, and Prayer Life.

My thoughts? I felt welcome. I was impressed by the inclusive diversity. The upbeat style and contemporary music leadership, along with vocal leadership was warmingly inspirational. It was performance worship at the highest level! The timing of the various elements, Joel and Victoria's entrances, musical and prayerful sections were impeccably timed. No times of silence. Keep it moving. The lighting effects were professionally arranged and timed. Joel and Victoria were well dressed for success and smooth in their delivery. Show time!

Was Jesus present? Apparently yes. Was there reference to the Bible? Yes. Were the songs gospel? Yes. Was there a feeling of family and community? Yes.

But it was all about ME. Lakewood is a "church" based upon "presentation, personality, and performance", focused on ME. I ask: Where is the cross? What kind of Christ is presented? Kiwanis and country club schmooze. This is consumer church. Performance but not prophetic. "Jack me up!" It was "half a loaf" Christianity, with focus on personal, feel good transformation and receiving personal blessings with zero call to discipleship, of entering the suffering of the world. There was not a hint of addressing anything structural or justice oriented. It was all "Jesus will bless you" with no call to lay down your life. No demands, just a comfortable seat, up beat revivalism, and banal enthusiasm. Jesus was dressed for success, complete with golf shirt, a deep tan, and martini in hand.

There are no risks being taken to address or stand against culture, economic greed, a bloated militarism, structural poverty, threats against our democracy, unjust division of wealth, or racism. Just come and receive a blessing so you can get your share of the American pie, or, figure out yourself what you can do to address societal issues. This is church without cross, without demand, without discipleship, without edge, without confession. Success, feel goodism, performance, personality, production, fluff, are its gods.

NEXT WEEK: Bonhoeffer and the meaning of church.

Peace!
Ron