Most honorable ministers follow the acceptable persentage rule set up by the government* (I believe that is who sets it up) for them. I know there is a scale they should go by. I do not question how much they get, how much is too much? I think the IRS are probably the only ones who know how much they are paid. Oh probably also the people who help run the ministry.

------------------------------- When I drive on the highway I like to hear this guy on the radio. http://www.intouch.org/site/c.dhKHIXPKIu...chives.htm http://www.intouch.org/site/c.dhKHIXPKIu...5/Home.htm

I am a member of Lakewood from John before Joel and enjoy every minute. Wouldn't jump off a clift if told by Joel at all. The most watched and attended church ever. Must be something making people feel better about a failing world.

I might add that even though Joel doesn't support homosexuals, his Church has many homosexual members. I've sat next to them many times. Not turning them away at all. If the bible clearly states in many ways it is not right, why go against it.

Now if it said may many same sex men and same sex women shall lay together in sexual manners then we all should rest in peace. But it doesn't. It's like nuts and bolts, they work together, but can't work without the other. Man & Woman. Sorry

Joel Osteen is a wonderful motivaitonal speaker, but I would never consider him a preacher of the gospel. I have been to his church several times. I have also heard him on TV. He does make people feel good. But that won't get anyone to heaven. I was a member of Maranatha for many years. It is patterned after Lakewood. I'm very familiar with the teachings at Lakewood. I believe that the feel good, prosperity churches are what Paul was talking about in the Bible when he wrote:
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

People don't want preachers who preach the truth and the whole Bible. They want a religion that lines up with the way they want to live, instead of a church that lines up with the word of God. Churches like Lakewood and many others justify people living in sin.

I don't remember who the preacher was, but I heard a preacher saying recently, that Jesus is not the only way to heaven. There are many preachers now saying that. The Bible says in John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Religion and church are subjects that can bind people together for life or tear people apart for life.

IMO, I would rather people be sitting in Joel Osteen's church or watching him on television and come away from his sermon wanting to be a better person (Christian) than to not be acknowledging the Lord at all. We all have our own beliefs of what a great preacher is and that is why there are so many churches and Christian-based religions to chose from. Instead of judging Joel Osteen and his church, we as Christians should be proud that one of our own has been able to reach so many people with the word of God.

I am very familiar with Joel's word as I've read his books and watch him on television quite often and although he doesn't quote the Bible as often as I'm use to (coming from a Southern Baptist childhood), he does use scripture to back the basis for his sermons.

We could argue all day about whether preachers are manipulating verses to validate their sermons but it would get us no where. The fact is, at the end of the day, if we can look ourselves in the mirror and know we have lived that day as a child of God then it doesn't matter which church we do (or don't) attend. Again, JMHO.