With all the hubbub last week over Joel Osteen’s Mormonism comments, I thought I’d visit Lakewood Church this past weekend as I was in Houston on a songwriting trip.
Lakewood had been leasing the Compaq Center arena since 2001, investing 75 million in renovations. Then, in March 2010, Lakewood announced it would purchase the arena from the city of Houston for 7.5 million. It’s the largest church in the country with 43,500 in weekly attendance.
It’s as impressive as you would imagine. You drive downtown to the ginormous building, park in a garage and trek to the church. Once inside the back entrance you’re greeted by a statue of Joel Osteen’s mother and father – the founders of Lakewood.
Riding the escalators to the main level you’re overwhelmed by the size of just the lobby which wraps around the main auditorium as most arena lobbies do.
That overwhelmed feeling is then doubled as you enter the sanctuary which seats a whopping 16,800 people. Right before the service begins the band rises up on a motorized orchestra pit in the back. Waterfalls and choirs flank the main stage. The band starts, 9 vocalists take the stage and the service begins. I recognized a few songs like Tomlin’s “Our God.” The music is led by one of the 3 worship leaders taking turns (one man and two women) with six BGVs also on stage along with the choir.
The music lasted 50 minutes with a few words of welcome from one of the Osteen clan. John Maxwell spoke as Joel and his co-pastor wife Victoria were in Washington for the Night of Hope.
During the service I posted a pic of the auditorium on my Facebook page which generated a barrage of nasty comments (and only a single nice one.) Joel Osteen and the church are certainly controversial – and with good reason.
However, I have to admit something – I genuinely felt a spirit of worship there. And it’s been a long time since I’ve experienced worship in a megachurch.
I’ve experienced great music in megachurches, but generally not that prescence-of-God feeling. In fact, a “worship” leader at one of those megachurches told me they actually discourage a worship environment since the focus of their service is the message. I know it’s all subjective, but I definitely was moved by the music. During one point in the service people were even encouraged to come forward and pray with counselors.
Walking into the Lakewood arena I noticed a small circle of ushers in a corner holding hands in prayer. If that goes on with the ushers I’d imagine it goes on backstage. If you ask God to show up, He just might.
Yep, Lakewood and Joel Osteen have their problems, but the place sure can worship. My heart was touched and after that experience I’m frankly quite fed up with the whole megachurch worshipless vibe. If God isn’t the center of your service, why bother?
Take a virtual tour of Lakewood at the WorshipIdeas Facebook Page:
Church Trip: Lakewood Church
5 Responses to “Church Trip: Lakewood”
May 2, 2012
Marshall MabryHey Don!
I haven’t spoke with you since 2004. I have been following your website blog since. Thank you for what you do!
Concerning your statement about Megachurch’s lack of worship – is music even necessary in a church service. Jim Cymbala writes that some of the most powerful worship at Brooklyn Tabernacle are at prayer meetings?
I was recently at the Exponential Conference in Orlando and found myself, a worship leader, very critical of the worship. Later, to find myself in repentance for becoming what I loathe. It reminded me that worship is a personal heart-with-God’s- heart state that develops out of prayer, thankfulness, and joy.
After 15 years of leading worship at small, medium, and large churches it really comes down to personal “Obedience.” “If you love Me you will obey My commands.”
Be blessed to day in Christ!
Marshall
May 2, 2012
Laura Smith“Yep, Lakewood and Joel Osteen have their problems, but the place sure can worship. My heart was touched and after that experience I’m frankly quite fed up with the whole megachurch worshipless vibe. If God isn’t the center of your service, why bother?”
AMEN!
May 2, 2012
Scott BradleyDon
I am so in agreement with you about worship. Big or small, if there is not a spirit of worship, etc. It is pointless. Recently, I’ve come across some pastors that are not providing music. They have just got fed up with dealing with people who are more concerning about things aside from feeling the spirit.
I’ve been to churches that have a great sound but you feel nothing (it seems like performance only) and I’ve gone to a church with just a single guitar or piano and could feel God strongly.
We go to church to be fed spiritually and worship God. Not just to be entertained. Keep up the great work!!!
May 2, 2012
LINDA DILLARDI love watching the service! I ALWAYS AM LEFT FEELING SPIRTUALLY LIFTED!
May 2, 2012
Stephen CanfieldI really enjoy your church profiles…I would even be interested in hearing your thoughts on the message when you go as well. Either way, keep up the great work!