Lingk: What was it like growing up as a Pastor's Kid?

Joel: It was very normal. We (my brother and sisters) were just normal kids
and our family seemed very normal. We had lots of friends, some from our
church, and some from school. We played sports at school and got involved
in clubs and things like that. Growing up we all knew that people had a
great deal of respect for our parents and that was a source of pride for all
of us kids.

JCM: In your estimation, is today's church effectively impacting
popular culture?

Joel: I think so. In fact, it seems to me that faith in America is growing and
has been doing so for the last few years. From my perspective, I see so many
people who are on fire for Jesus, yet only a few years ago cared nothing for
the things of God.

JCM: In what ways can today's church make Christianity more palatable
to the average person?

Joel: That is an interesting question, because everyone deserves to hear the
Word, even the un-average person. I think that is why God blesses so many
kinds of ministries. Some people need to hear about the horrors of Hell before
they will pay attention. Others need to understand God’s forgiveness to be
drawn to Him. It is why I do not criticize other pastors whose messages stress
different parts of the Gospel than mine. Each of us has a mission to reach
different people.

JCM: How do you feel about the forging of relationships between the
corporate and entertainment industry with the Christian community?

Joel: I am all for it. Christianity is a part of the fabric of our nation. To a great
degree our faith defines us as a people. I think it is natural for Christianity to
influence the entertainment industry, especially when that entertainment
reflects who we are. I am also not surprised by the newly emerging relation-
ships between churches and American corporations either. After all, many
corporate CEO's and directors are people with Judeo-Christian values. It
seems natural that they would seek relationships with the institutions that
champion those values.

JCM: What are some of the challenges of managing America's largest
mega church and a thriving tv ministry? What are the main differences
in operating the two?

Joel: While I decide the strategic issues for Lakewood Church and I do like to
get involved in special initiatives, I chose not to run the day-to-day operations
of the Church. Instead I rely on a capable and dedicated management staff
to manage the daily matters.

JCM: How has technology impacted your ministerial reach?

Joel: Communications technology is amazing, and it seems that something
new is happening every time you blink. When I think about someone in
Kenya watching our services in real-time on the internet, or 5 million people
a month downloading my messages to their ipods, I really appreciate the
times in which I live. As a minister of the Gospel I get excited at being able
to reach around the globe and touch someone for Christ.

JCM: Your first Larry King interview sparked a great deal of controversy.
In light of subsequent events, would you have done anything differently?

Joel: I was surprised by the controversy since I thought I had clearly professed
my belief in Jesus Christ to Larry King. However, I guess some people felt that
I should have been more forceful about it. Recognizing this and wanting to
make sure everyone was clear on my stance, I went on Larry King again and
was asked the same question. On that occasion I went to great lengths to clearly
state my belief that Jesus is the only way to Salvation.

JCM: I am sure that taking over the ministry after your father's passing
was I am sure a great adjustment. What was the most challenging part
of the transition?

Joel: Realizing that I had my own voice. At first I thought I had to preach like
my father, after all, I was preaching to the congregation that had grown
under his leadership. But one day I realized that my father was perfect for his
generation and his mission. I decided to just be the person God made me to
be and then leave the rest to Him.

JCM: I think it's a nice touch, that each Sunday you start out with some-
thing funny. Where do you get most of your jokes?

Joel: People send jokes to me at the church and I use many of them. But, I’ll
take jokes from anywhere.

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