But even if we, or an angel from paradise, preach any gospel to you than what we have preached for you, let him be accursed. -- Galatians 1:8
Over the years I have seen, with indignation and issue, the growth of motivational speakers in pulpits. I have observed exactly how many churches and preachers are changing the gospel of Jesus Christ with inspirational speaking. I have viewed how some of these preachers have even developed brilliant churches and empires with this specific make of the “gospel.” But even worse, I have viewed how droves of men and women have now been fooled into believing they are getting given the Bread of Life; i.e. the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ, unsure that they're being offered inspirational speeches on a platter, spiced with scriptures.
But I am never as concerned about these motivational speakers in pulpits, as I am worried about the spiritual wellbeing of the 1000s of persons attending their churches; and the many million worldwide tv audiences whose lives are being impacted by their teachings.
It is this issue for the spiritually powerless that has led me to reveal several of those preachers for who they really are; to advise you, the fans and would-be supporters of those preachers. I write to attentive the Human body of Christ relating to this growth in the Church; the threat of motivational speaking sold whilst the gospel; and to educate you on how to acknowledge a inspirational audio in the pulpit whenever you encounter one; which I say, however, that there are many out there.
So, let's start with distinguishing both major inspirational speakers in pulpits or what I contact, “motivational preachers.” The two leading inspirational preachers of our time are Pastor Joel Osteen of the New Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas and Bishop T.D. Jakes of the Potter's Home, Houston, Texas!
Surprised? Probably! Maybe not! Nevertheless, if you should be amazed to find out that these two are inspirational preachers, possibly it's because they are your favorite preachers. Possibly, it's since you have always believed them to be “E Great Ones.” Or perhaps it's due to their success, popularity, ministry size, followership, etc. as well as due to the excellent they've done in society. For instance, Jakes'Girl Thou Artwork Loosed guide or prison outreach ministry. Or Osteen's guide, Your Most readily useful Living Now.
As humans, we have a tendency to feature worldly success, great works, ministry measurement, acceptance, followership, etc. with godly success. Thus, the larger a church, the very popular or effective a preacher, the more achievement we believe a person or business has. We actually credit these accomplishments to God's blessings. But worldly achievement, great operates, ministry size as well as big followership is definitely not the way of measuring godly success. An individual may have all these, however maybe not be godly. For instance, Oprah Winfrey has all these characteristics, and yet she's not just a preacher; neither can her achievement be looked at godly; because of what she espouses.
Therefore we can not pass by worldly accomplishment, good works, recognition, Stephen Pierce measurement or even followership. In fact, T.D. Jakes in a CNN/TIME article was called “Oprah-in-a-pulpit. However for Winfrey's generic spirituality, Jakes alternatives God.” That is to say that, if Oprah were to be a preacher, she'd possibly have one of many greatest churches on earth! But thankfully, she has enough sense in which to stay her street (at least for now). So, every one of these characteristics have nothing regarding godly success!
But right before we look at why Joel Osteen and T.D. Jakes are motivational preachers, let us first understand what motivational talking is, the advantages of inspirational talking and the danger of presentation motivational speaking because the gospel.
Merely, inspirational speaking is an encouraging, enjoyable presentation; designed to encourage the fans to complete better and be greater in particular regions of their lives. In an expression, the motivational audio is definitely an encourager – i.e. the people's encourage leader. He or she motivates people into action. Motivational speaking is based generally on psychological or individual power and maybe not God's strength. It is what a individual can do in his / her own energy, as opposed to what Lord may do through anyone in His strength.