I don't listen to Joel Olsteen, and have no frame of reference, but I accept the fact that many believers and many churches have used the Purpose Driven Life to renew the relationship they have to the church family and to Jesus. I am not a fan of mega-churches, but if 10% go and believe in Jesus that is as good as can be found at many places of worship.
I think the most troubling thing about this request from his church is this guy has made millions on his Purpose Driven materials and has lured 300,000 pastors to participate in his “church growth” conferences and use their playbook. He has changed so many churches in what they do these days by creating a watered down, lukewarm church. This has not just affected his church and congregation but congregations all over the world. The Church of Laodicea front and center spreading it to many churches. The impact that the church has had in this nation has been minimal at best these past 10 years and it has a lot to do with Warren’s social gospel he has been spreading.