Over the years I've observed, with indignation and problem, the expansion of inspirational speakers in pulpits. I've seen how many churches and preachers are exchanging the gospel of Jesus Christ with inspirational speaking. I've seen how many of these preachers have even built huge churches and empires with this particular model of the “gospel.” But even worse, I've watched how droves of men and women have been fooled into thinking that they're getting provided the Bread of Life; i.e. the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ, being unsure of that they're being served inspirational speeches on a platter, spiced with scriptures.
But I am never as concerned with these motivational speakers in pulpits, as I am worried about the spiritual wellness of the tens and thousands of people joining their churches; and the a few million worldwide television audiences whose lives are being impacted by their teachings.
It's that matter for the spiritually dependent that's led me to present some of these preachers for who they are really; to advise you, the fans and would-be fans of these preachers. I write to alert the Human body of Christ concerning this proliferation in the Church; the danger of motivational talking sold while the gospel; and to teach you how to identify a inspirational audio in the pulpit when you come across one; which I state, sadly, that there are many out there.
So, let's begin by distinguishing both major motivational speakers in pulpits or what I call, “inspirational preachers.” Both leading motivational 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, Texas, Texas!
Amazed? Probably! Maybe not! Nevertheless, if you are astonished to discover that those two are motivational preachers, probably it's because they are your favorite preachers. Probably, it's because you've generally believed them to be “O Great Ones.” Or maybe it's for their accomplishment, reputation, ministry size, followership, etc. as well as because of the good they have done in society. For example, Jakes'Person Thou Art Loosed guide or jail outreach ministry. Or Osteen's guide, Your Most useful Life Now.
As individuals, we tend to feature worldly accomplishment, good operates, ministry size, recognition, followership, etc. with godly success. Thus, the bigger a church, the very popular or successful a preacher, the more accomplishment we think an individual or company has. We actually credit these accomplishments to God's blessings. But worldly accomplishment, great works, ministry measurement as well as large followership is certainly not the measure of godly success. A person might have every one of these, however maybe not be godly. As an example, Oprah Winfrey has each one of these attributes, yet somehow she is not just a preacher; neither can her success be viewed godly; as a result of what she espouses.
So we cannot pass by worldly success, great operates, acceptance, ministry size as well as followership. Actually, T.D. Jakes in a CNN/TIME article was referred to as “Oprah-in-a-pulpit. But for Winfrey's generic spirituality, Jakes substitutes God.” That's to state that, if Oprah were to be a preacher, she'd possibly have one of many largest churches on the planet! But thankfully, she's enough feeling to stay in her street (at least for now). Therefore, every one of these characteristics have nothing regarding godly Stephen Pierce!
But just before we look at why Joel Osteen and T.D. Jakes are motivational preachers, let us first understand what motivational speaking is, the benefits of inspirational talking and the danger of packaging motivational speaking since the gospel.
Simply, motivational talking is definitely an encouraging, positive speech; designed to stimulate the fans to do better and be greater in particular aspects of their lives. In an expression, the motivational audio is an encourager – i.e. the people's encourage leader. He or she motivates people in to action. Inspirational talking is situated largely on psychological or individual energy and maybe not God's strength. It's just what a individual may do in his or her own energy, as opposed to what Lord may do through the individual in His strength.
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