Joel Osteen : a critical analysis of sermonic methodology
Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston Texas, pastors the largest and fastest-growing church in America. A complaint has arisen; however, that Osteen, does not teach the Bible, but instead, "tickles the ears" of his listeners by telling stories mixed with pop psychology. This study determined to find if Osteen: (1) utilizes the Bible in his sermons, (2) utilizes a exegetical method in his sermon preparation, and (3) if Osteen should be considered a biblical preacher. A content analysis was done on several of Osteen's sermons. They were compared to a biblical exegesis and to other biblical preachers. In addition, an online survey was conducted to determine some initial beliefs and methods of biblical preachers. The study revealed that Osteen does use the Bible; albeit improperly. Rather than a biblical preacher, he might best be classified as a speaker who chooses to use the Bible
Thesis, Dissertation, English, 2009