Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen, born in Houston in 1963, is an American pastor, televangelist, businessman, and author. He is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church, which was founded by his father, John Osteen. Osteen, a graduate of Humble High School, attended Oral Roberts University but did not complete his degree. He took over leadership of Lakewood Church after his father's death in 1999. His ministry is widely recognized through televised services and numerous best-selling books, positioning him as a prominent figure within the Word of Faith movement and prosperity theology.

Osteen's preaching style emphasizes a positive attitude, the goodness of God, and living an obedient life, often focusing on mercy rather than detailed discussions of sin and hell. He prepares his sermons by memorizing remarks and reviewing recordings. He and his wife, Victoria, host large-scale inspirational events like "Night of Hope." Osteen has faced criticism regarding his interpretation of scripture and the focus of his message, particularly concerning prosperity theology. He generally avoids discussing controversial social and political issues, though he has stated that homosexuals are welcome in his church.

Lakewood Church, under Osteen's leadership, acquired and renovated the former Compaq Center. The church has also been involved in significant public events, including collaborations with other artists. In recent years, Lakewood Church faced scrutiny over its response to Hurricane Harvey and received federal aid during the pandemic, which was later repaid. Osteen's personal life includes his marriage to Victoria and two children, and he resides in a mansion in River Oaks.

Joel Osteen leads Lakewood Church in Houston, a ministry founded by his father. He became senior pastor in 1999 following his father's passing. Osteen is known for his weekly televised sermons and his role as a best-selling author. His approach to preaching is characterized by a focus on God's goodness, mercy, and the power of positive thinking and obedience, rather than dwelling on sin or damnation. He prepares his sermons meticulously, memorizing his messages and listening to past recordings. Osteen is associated with the Word of Faith movement and prosperity theology, beliefs that suggest material blessings are a sign of divine favor. Critics have sometimes questioned his biblical interpretations and the emphasis on personal gain within his teachings.

Beyond his pastoral duties, Osteen is a prolific author of inspirational books. He and his wife, Victoria, host large-scale events such as "Night of Hope" and "America's Night of Hope," which combine Christian music with motivational messages, reaching audiences both in person and online. These events have sometimes included collaborations with prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Lakewood Church itself underwent a significant expansion, acquiring and renovating the former Compaq Center. Osteen's public engagement extends to various media platforms, solidifying his position as a widely recognized televangelist.

Osteen's public statements generally steer clear of divisive political and social issues. While he has stated that homosexuality is contrary to his understanding of scripture, he emphasizes that gay individuals are welcomed at his church without judgment. His association with prosperity theology has drawn criticism, with some theologians arguing that his message prioritizes material success over spiritual devotion and misrepresents biblical teachings. Lakewood Church also faced public criticism for its initial response during Hurricane Harvey, with questions raised about why the large facility was not immediately opened as a shelter. The church later clarified its position and opened its doors. Additionally, the church received federal pandemic relief funds, which it subsequently repaid.

“When I grew up, the devil was a reason why I had a headache or the devil was the reason I got mad today. I think today when I say the enemy, I like to make it broader. Sometimes the enemy can be our own thoughts. We've trained ourselves the wrong way. Or the enemy can be our own lack of discipline. Some people preach about hell like you're already going there, and to me the Gospel means "Good News." I'd rather say God is a God of mercy. So I think the people already know what they're doing wrong, and I certainly believe in hell. But to me, when I see thousands of people before me, it just doesn't come out of me to say, "You guys are terrible, and you're going to hell." I'd rather say that God is a God of mercy. You've got to live an obedient life, but for every mistake you've made, there's mercy there, and I believe we can do better.”

“the church has been open from the beginning”

“We've always been open ... How this notion got started, that we're not a shelter and we're not taking people in is a false narrative.”