Politics: Joel Osteen vs. the UMC

[Speculative]

This doesn't generally go over well in UMC circles, but I am a fan of Joel Osteen.

This week, I listened to the Saturday night service, the Sunday morning service and am now listening to the Sunday evening service. There has not been ONE WORD about the previous week's election, and in two of the services, there was an honoring of veterans.

I went to our UMC church this morning, heard all kinds of disparaging words about Trump, and talk of the election as if the world were coming to an end. There was no mention at all of the fact that this was the Sunday after veterans day.
As a moderate-Republican, veteran, Methodist that voted for Gary Johnson, I feel like there are more Open Minds, Open Hearts, and Open Doors at Lakewood Church (Joel Osteen's) than in my UMC church.

Pastors and church leaders: remember, when you choose to discuss partisan politics in your sermon and in official church service, you are almost always going to alienate someone.

 

[Isaiah4031]

I went to a Methodist Church this morning where the election wasn't mentioned once. The pastor asked us to pray before voting, the only mention to the election to my knowlege.

 

[-57]

disparaging words about Trump

..or Clinton should not be part of a worship service. Worship should be about Jesus.

 

[Kenny'sID]

..or Clinton should not be part of a worship service. Worship should be about Jesus.

I agree, and nor should Osteen, but I'll leave that at that since the OP is partial, and my intention is other than to be mean or make trouble.

 

[-57]

Can we talk about Joel and the name it and claim it theology...or is that off topic?

 

[Speculative]

I'm personally not interested in engaging in a discussion of Osteen's theology here. I'm fully aware that this forum will be hostile toward him. I only wanted to share that I am sick of partisan politics being discussed in church and at least on this one issue Osteen's church did it right, and my church did it wrong, and I'm a bit depressed about that.

 

[-57]

I'm personally not interested in engaging in a discussion of Osteen's theology here. I'm fully aware that this forum will be hostile toward him. I only wanted to share that I am sick of partisan politics being discussed in church and at least on this one issue Osteen's church did it right, and my church did it wrong, and I'm a bit depressed about that.

I have to agree. Neither did my church present a political opinion.

 

[Isaiah4031]

Honestly we are all sinners trying our best to get it right.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Honestly we are all sinners trying our best to get it right.

Up here there is an in some ways similar roulette on choice at election time; but those who love and trust the Lord Jesus need to keep looking to Him (Hebrews 12.2).

Good to see you on the forums!

 

[-57]

Doesn't God set up the boundaries and kingdoms? I thought I once read something from the bible that says that.

 

[Isaiah4031]

Thank you, feeling blessed to have found this place, lonely old lady in need of good like minded conversation.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Thank you, feeling blessed to have found this place, lonely old lady in need of good like minded conversation.

I clicked 'agree'; (except that I don't agree that you're old! you are younger than my wife and myself!)

 

[Isaiah4031]

Thank you!

 

[JCFantasy23]

My church has avoided the topic of politics completely. Thankfully as it can cause friction, I guess.

I'm not against pastors speaking on political issues, but full endorsement of one candidate can cause too much division. Have no idea who my pastor voted for.