CR Blog: Inside churches, inside ministries, inside politics—if it’s happening, it’s here

Was anyone else shocked that Hugo Chavez, the same Venezuelan socialist dictator who called the President "the devil" on Wednesday at the United Nations, delivered a lengthy address at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in New York yesterday?

That this place of worship would give Chavez, a man who jails people who do not share his opinions, who has starving people in his country and a place where death squads are a real fear, this stage, is appalling. The fact that this church would be lured by the idea of cheap heating oil prices is sad. This was nothing more than a PR ploy and the fine God-fearing people of Mt. Olivet were taken advantage of and the church leadership failed in extending this invitation.

In the last month several churches across our country have hurt the credibility of the good work that all churches do every day, even when those good things never make the evening news. From Chicago's Methodist church harboring an illegal immigrant to Mt. Olivet inviting a socialist dictator yesterday, isn't time that someone puts the brakes on these very suspect churches?

Not more than a few days ago, I made the comment about the Pope and the lack of news coming from the Vatican recently. Needless to say, this is no longer an issue.

Last week, this Pope, Pope Benedict, quoted a 14th century passage about Islam and incited calls for his death from all over the world. While he has remarked that those were not his words, he did choose to use them. Pope Benedict was using someone else's words to only point out the obvious- threats, violence and terrorism are not the roots of any religion.

While critics will say the Pope John Paul was a better stateman and took time to visit 23 Muslim countries during his papacy, I think Pope Benedict left no doubt in anyone's mind that he is solid on the finer points of theology (as Pope John Paul's former theology watch dog) but is a bit of a bull in a china shop in terms of diplomacy. Critics would also have you believe that this rhetoric between the Vatican and Muslim leaders is a return to the Crusades. While the circumstances and the culture are completely different, I would suggest this is just a dramatic statement meant to invoke a larger conversation about a war of religions. This is not a war of religions, rather, this is a war on terrorists lead by islamo-fascists.

It is refreshing to find a leader other than President Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair, especially a religious leader, come to the conclusion that terrorism and sectarian violence are simply not acceptable. Not acceptable in the United States, not acceptable in Great Britain and not acceptable at the Vatican either.

As the week wraps up, here are some ramblings and thoughts for your weekend:

1. Kudos to the Pope for doing what Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) is unable to say: Radical Islam is terrorism and yes, Senator, it is fascism. The Pope, who rationally stated that no religion that rules by the sword is legitimate, has a apparently drawn the ire of the Pakistani Parliament who is said to be voting to condemn the Pope.

2. Rosie O'Donell is getting off to a rocky start on the View, after comparing Christianity to terrorism the other day on the air. Rosie, no one cares about your views on politics or religion as you know nothing about either. Your lifestyle is deplorable and your lack of respect for religion is remarkable.

3. TIME magazine did a poor job in a recent article on the prosperity gospel. Word on the street is that Rick Warren is none too happy. Let's just call this what it is, the liberal media taking a swipe at the Christians again. Adding insult to injury was the cover of this week's issue that features a Rolls Royce with a cross for the hood ornament.

Food for thought, or time for a rolaids, you be the judge.

This coming Saturday is a very special day for someone who has been an integral part of The Church Report. On Saturday, Dr. Robert H. Schuller, of The Crystal Cathedral, will celebrate his 80th birthday. I will be over in California this weekend to celebrate with him and his family. I always look forward to my trips to visit with Dr. Schuller as I always learn something new, see a different perspective and come away with new ideas.

In January, you can have that same experience! January 22-24 is the next Robert Schuller Institute for Possibility Thinking. Dr. Schuller has put together a strong list of speakers and I will be there offering my thoughts for a presentation as well.

If you have a moment, drop Dr. Schuller a birthday wish. He is a visionary and a leader that I am pleased to have on The Church Report team!

Last Friday, I spent my day and evening with Joel Osteen and others from Lakewood Church Houston. Being friends of the magazine of the magazine for some time, I had the unusual privledge of tailing Joel around for the entire day. In between screaming fans, sound checks, media requests and even a reception with the Governor on Friday night, after Joel's event, we even had time to chat about a bevy topics.

What is most apparent about the Lakewood operation is their strong sense of team. The Lakewood team understands what it takes to be successful and does their part to make sure that whether they are in Phoenix, AZ or Houston, TX, that the "Lakewood experience" is one you will never forget.

Many thanks to Joel and Victoria for the unique behind the scenes look. Thanks also to Don Iloff for making it all happen.

You will find a fascinating behind the scenes look into a Day in the Life of Joel Osteen coming in November!

Today, a friend of The Church Report has come to Phoenix for a special event. I will be spending the day and evening with Pastor Joel Osteen. Joel and his wife have been friends of the magazine for some time. When I realized they would be in Phoenix, I thought I would begin a new department for the magazine- a day in the life type piece. So, check beck soon for the first installment featuring a day in the life with the first installment that will featured Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church.

Next Friday, I will be spending the day with Paula White, a dynamic spirit and ministry leader.

As we approach the 5th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks on America, our country will have numerous events to mark this tragedy. Last week, I wanted to get a closer look at our first responders- the first line of help when we need it.
I was hosted last week by Father Carl Carlozzi, the chaplain of the Phoenix Fire Department and a man who was front and center for 9/11.

The Phoenix Fire Department has long had a reputation of being one of the leading fire fighting organization in the country. Father Carlozzi, a veteran of many years of the organization planned a day for me I will not soon forget.

After speaking with him and understanding his role, it was on to the 911 call center. On this day, it seemed like call after came from people needing help- right now. The calm 011 operator efficiently assured each and every called that was on the way. From the call center to Station 17 we went. After a quick lunch with the men of Station 17 it became clear to me that these men did not come to work for the money, or to get on TV at a fire. They came to work because they wanted to help people. They wanted to help people when they were at their very worst: when their house was on fire, when they were in a car accident, when a loved-one had a heart attack and many other such major problems.

In further converation with Father Carl, I wanted to share with all of my pastor friend how difficult his job was. Just in the week leading up to my visit, Father Carl has ministered to a young man at a construction accident whgo had lost his legs, a suicide of middle-aged man in his backyard, several fires and several other fatalities. Imagine making this being your job description!

As we approach the 9/11 anniversary, it is important to remember men like Father Carl and the men of Station 17 as well as all of the first responders. When we are at our worst moment, they will always be there to help and they will be there not because of money or because they have to, but rather, because all they want to do is help.

I attended the immigration rally in Phoenix on Monday- how odd it was to attend a Labor Day event where illegal immigrants were protesting their rights- rights to what?

While the organizers of the event were suprised by the less than expected turnout, they made it clear that the event was organized to promote voter registration. This, too, was odd given the fact that in Arizona is one of a few states where proof of citizenship is required prior to voting.

While We Are America did manage to keep the Mexican flags to a minimum, I did notice many American flags. Unfortunately, We Are America should consider giving seminar on proper use and care of the flag. I witnessed flags being used as clothing, attached to stroller and dragged down the street and a host of other abuses.

The attendance for this rally, as I said was significantly less than the hundreds of thousands that marched in the Spring. Perhaps, the immigrants have realized that voter registration for an illegal immigrant is just not going to work.