Joel Osteen is an American pastor, televangelist, businessman, and author based in Houston, Texas. He is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church, the largest Protestant church in the United States.
Osteen is known for his prosperity gospel teachings and motivational speaking style. His sermons focus on positivity, self-help, and living your best life. He has written several best-selling books, and his televised sermons have attracted millions of viewers around the world.
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- Full name: Joel Scott Osteen
- Date of Birth: March 5, 1963
- Age: 61
- Sex: Male
- Birthplace: Houston, Texas, USA
- Country: United States
- Occupation: Pastor, author, televangelist
- Height: 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
- Parents: John Austin and Dolores Pilgrim Austin
- Siblings: Lisa Austin, Paul Austin, Justin Austin, Tamara Austin, April Austin
- Spouse: Victoria Austin (née Ilov)
- Children: Jonathan Austin and Alexandra Austin
- Marital status: Married
- Net worth: $100 million
Early life and education
Joel Scott Osteen, 61, was born on March 5, 1963, in Houston, Texas, to John and Dolores Osteen. Joel grew up in a devout Christian family, greatly influenced by his father, a well-known Southern Baptist minister. He has five siblings: Paul, April, Lisa, Justin and Tamara Osteen.
His father, a former Southern Baptist minister, founded Lakewood Church in a converted feed store, where Austin currently serves as senior pastor.
He completed his education at Humble High School in Humble, Texas in 1981 and later attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to pursue a degree in Radio and Television Communications but did not graduate.
After returning to Houston in 1982, he founded Lakewood’s television program and produced his father’s televised sermons for 17 years until his father’s death from a heart attack in January 1999.
personal life
Joel Osteen met his wife Victoria while attending Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They were married on April 4, 1987. They have two children, Jonathan and Alexandra. Their marriage has been a pillar of Joel’s life, supporting and accompanying him as he pursues his ministry.
Profession
In 1983, Austin was ordained as a pastor at his father’s church and delivered his first sermon on January 17, 1999. On October 3 of the same year, he became the new senior pastor of Lakewood Church.
In 2003, the church acquired and renovated the Compaq Center, formerly home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets and the AHL’s Houston Aers. In 2008, Lakewood Church’s weekly worship services were broadcast on television in more than 100 countries, Austin said.
Osteen prepares his speeches in advance and listens to recordings of his previous speeches. Some critics accuse him of preaching self-centeredness and lacking a deep understanding of the Bible.
Osteen focuses on emphasizing God’s goodness and living in obedience rather than wallowing in sin. His goal is to teach biblical principles in a simple way that emphasizes the power of love and a positive attitude.
When asked about his attitude toward sin, the devil, and hell, Austin explained that he prefers to expand the concept of “enemy” to include negative thoughts and lack of discipline.
He believed in the concept of hell but chose to emphasize God’s mercy and the opportunity for redemption rather than condemn his audience.
Awards
- Most Influential Christian Leader (2018, Time Magazine)
- Presidential Call to Service Award (2007)
net worth
Joel Osteen’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million, largely due to his successful career as a pastor, author, and motivational speaker.
dispute
Osteen has been criticized for promoting the prosperity theology, which holds that material gain is God’s will for all devout Christians. Some critics argue that this teaching contradicts the Gospel of Mark, which emphasizes the importance of giving up possessions in order to follow Jesus.
Additionally, some theologians consider Austin’s statements to be heretical, arguing that they shift the focus of religion from God to the individual. Despite these criticisms, Austin’s net worth is estimated to be over $100 million, and his church reportedly generates millions of dollars in annual fundraising revenue.
Additionally, during Hurricane Harvey, Austin received backlash for not immediately opening churches to provide shelter for those affected by the storm.
social media
- Instagram: @joelosteen
- Twitter: @JoelOsteen
books
- Live Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Reaching Your Full Potential (year 2004)
- Become a better you: 7 keys to improving your life every day (2007)
- ‘The Power of Me’: Two Words That Will Change Your Life (2015)
