Osteens: People Using Faith In Tough Times

(CBS)  Nearly 40-thousand people pack the Lakewood Church in Houston every weekend to hear the message of hope preached by pastor Joel Osteen and his wife and co-pastor, Victoria.

But in these tough economic times, hope can be in short supply, and Saturday night, the Osteens were to bring their message to the brand new Yankee Stadium, for what they're calling an "historic night of hope."

It will be the first non-baseball event in the new ballpark -- and it's a sellout.

The Osteens sat down with co-anchors Chris Wragge and Erica Hill on The Early Show Saturday Edition ahead of the big event.

"We just feel very blessed to be here, very humbled and just rewarded," Joel observed. "The Yankees have been good to us, and it seems like it's a time in our nation that we need hope more than ever. So we feel just blessed to be here.

"When we first were invited to come by the Yankees, my first thought was, 'Why do they want a minister from Texas? This is not the Bible Belt. It's amazing how the people of New York and this area have been very responsive and very open. I almost think, sometimes, they get a bad rap here being called not religious or not spiritual, but we found just the opposite. Walking down the streets, the people are warm. I mean, they're filling up stadiums. It's really a neat time." And important, he added, to bring their message to the Northeast - though people are coming from many parts of the country to attend.

"It feels very historic for us that they choose a ministry to be the first non-baseball (event). They could have chosen anybody. But to me, it's an act of faith. I don't want to over-spiritualize it. but in these times we're living in, I think they realize that people need hope."

And when Hill referred to debate in the public arena about whether people turn to faith when times get tough - as times certainly have for many in this economy - and asked the Osteens what they're seeing, Victoria said it's no contest.

"Our churches are growing. Our church's attendance is up. I just think people want to find something other than themselves to depend on, so they do turn to their faith."

"They want to know how to help themselves. You know, it's like anything. When you help someone, you don't -- children don't even do well in a critical environment. When we're encouraged and nurtured, we all do better. So that message has resonated with people."

Asked by Hill about people who get discouraged and frustrated when they don't see material gains even though they're trying their best, Joel replied, "You know ... prosperity is being blessed in your health, in uour relationships, and of course, in your finances, too. We have to have money. But we encourage people that, no matter what comes your way, God's gonna give you strength to make it through. So don't get negative. Don't get bitter. Don't start blaming people, blaming your employer and things. We just have to take what life deals us with an attitude of faith. And we believe that, if you keep doing your best and keep believing, God will open up new doors."

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Details: The Osteens' "Night of Hope" at Yankee Stadium

Excerpt: "Hope for Today Bible," by Joel Osteen

"Hope for Today Bible" is published by Free Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster which, like CBSNews.com, is part of the CBS Corporation.

Excerpt: "Love Your Life: Living Happy, Healthy, and Whole," by Victoria Osteen

"Love Your Life: Living Happy, Healthy, and Whole" is published by Free Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster which, like CBSNews.com, is part of the CBS Corporation.

[rehabRN]

The Historic Night of Hope was AWESOME! I have learned how to better handle anxiety, depression, grief, and pain from watching Joel Osteen preach. The gifts the family receive from GOD are earned. In the Holy Bible, there are many examples of rich kings although there were others less fortunate and they are considered great leaders and men. We Christians will someday all live surrounded by precious metals and in luxury. I now live in more peace and harmony with God and men by learning his messages well spoken with humble truth, and I appreciate the opportunity to watch television and grow.

[wdh3007]

All who posted negative comments don't hate appreciate your life is what you make it....

[longtree-2009]

wonder how many millions they collect in tithes? wonder what they do with the money? wonder if they publish, at least to their followers, their financial statement including their take, income, from the tithes. wonder what they would do if people stopped donating money to them? watched many of his sermons on TV, because i was curious about this latest christian money draw, and his sermons are all about positive thinking, which is nothing new. eventually, found his sermons boring. got to hand it to him, he has a large cult following. but still wonder, what does he do with all the money collected? wonder how many in his family tree work in the organization? something isn't right about him or his wife, something.

[revbates]

Nobody knows the measure of faith that another person has, nor do they know the inner struggles that caused that person to arrive at their faith. Other than his view that only Christians can go to heaven, I believe that Osteen is doing a terrific job in lifting up the spirits of so many people.

[zeitmin77]

Joel is a better inspirational speaker than Barack Obama.

[mariannpepit]

These are tough times because the majority of people are in debt over their head not knowing which way to turn. Biting off more than you can chew will do it. Buying property with no money down then losing it is another issue. That is not the fault of the president its the fault of the banks and mortgage lending companies. Pricing on Cars, homes, condos, food and clothing is out of control. We need to go back to the days when the salary was bigger than the cost of living then maybe people won't have to worry about putting food on their table plus having money left over.

[mariannpepit]

How do you know what Jesus would approve? AIG CEO's are sticking millions in their pockets compared to Osteen. Who are you kidding. And their employees are working for peanuts. I would like to count the money the CEO's steal from AIG every year.

[mariannpepit]

I think your wrong. Joel Osteen and his wife are full christens and dedicate themselves to God. Maybe this generation of college students should try to change their life around instead of all the booze and drugs their taking as the media states. Guys and girls sleeping in the same dorms. What was the college thinking. Osteen is a sell out and it does take money to run a church. How about the congressman and senators that sit on their butt doing nothing but collecting big salaries. Obama's administration should be in name only because their either at home or out of tow. Do they work. NO!!

[BeckieBest]

Praise the Lord and pass the collection plate!

[kobbleur]

"Osteens: People (Making Money) Using Faith In Tough Times"

America must have a collective head injury. When times are tough, when times are good, you always follow the snake oil salesmen. So called "religious leaders" have not, are not and will never be the answer to ANYTHING. Keep passing the collection plate - oh and don't think. Keep fearing socialism, you should, since the average American is a billionaire with a private hospital on their estate.