Joel Osteen is a well-known figure in American religion.
The leader of the Houston megachurch, where a woman opened fire on Sunday, is recognized for his charming smile, stylish wavy hair, and the widespread appeal of his Christian teachings.
Joel Osteen, who is 60 years old, delivers his weekly sermons to approximately 45,000 individuals in a converted basketball arena. Additionally, his television sermons have reached millions of people worldwide.
Joel Osteen’s calling was passed down to him from his father, and he managed to expand the size of the congregation by almost five times. His bestselling book, “Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living Your Full Potential,” gained immense popularity, selling nearly 3 million copies. During the mid-2000s, Osteen achieved unprecedented reach, becoming the most-watched preacher in the United States, with his message reaching 95 percent of all households, as reported by Nielsen Media Research.
Over the years, people from various racial backgrounds, including whites, Blacks, and Hispanics, have been drawn to his services. This diversity is quite uncommon in most churches across the nation.
Known as the “smiling preacher,” Osteen explained to The Associated Press in 2004 that his message of hope and encouragement strikes a chord with individuals.
However, some people have criticized his laid-back preaching style, arguing that it prioritizes feel-good messaging over fiery sermons.
In a heartfelt message shared on X, the popular social media platform, Osteen expressed his deep sorrow and shared that his church community was left in a state of devastation.
“In times of darkness, it is crucial to cling to our faith and remain steadfast in our belief that evil will not triumph,” Osteen emphasized. “We can find solace in the knowledge that God will lead us through even the bleakest of circumstances. By coming together, we will overcome this tragedy and remain resolute in our dedication to love and uplift one another.”
Years ago, Osteen admitted that he never envisioned himself becoming a preacher or leading such a vast congregation.
Joel Osteen, the renowned pastor, had never delivered a sermon before. In fact, he had never even harbored a desire to do so. However, everything changed on the Sunday prior to his father’s passing in 1999. John Osteen, the founder of the vibrant Lakewood Church, had established the charismatic Christian congregation back in 1959, starting with a humble feed store.
Joel Osteen revealed in a 2004 interview with The Associated Press that he chose to stay out of the spotlight as his father’s church expanded. In 1982, he made the decision to leave his studies at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla., to join his father’s staff as a television producer.
Reluctantly, the preacher’s son took to the pulpit when his father, the elder Osteen, was hospitalized. From his hospital bed, his dad listened to the sermon over the telephone.
In 2004, Osteen reminisced about the nurses’ observation of his father’s happiness and pride. They had never seen him like that before. However, just five days later, John Osteen passed away. Despite the loss, Joel Osteen had a strong conviction deep within him that God had a calling for him to preach.
Critics have criticized Osteen for minimizing the inherent sinful nature of humanity and the importance of repentance. However, Dodie Osteen, Osteen’s mother, expressed in a 2005 interview with the AP that their approach to preaching the gospel is not one of sadness, but of joy.
Osteen guides his congregation in the iconic former home of the Houston Rockets, where the NBA team secured two championships in the 1990s, alongside the Houston Comets of the WNBA, who clinched an impressive four titles.
Osteen’s first date with his future wife, Victoria, took place at this very site. They decided to go watch a Houston Rockets basketball game together.
It took approximately 15 months and a total cost of $75 million to transform the former arena into a church. Upon its completion in 2005, the renovated space boasted impressive features including two waterfalls, three massive television screens, and a state-of-the-art lighting system comparable to those seen at rock concerts.
The church featured two choir lofts adorned with 12 rows of elegant purple pews, situated amidst the cascading waterfalls. The beautiful setting was further enhanced by the presence of lush live foliage.
Joel Osteen, in an interview with The AP in 2005, mentioned that he continued the tradition of his father by not displaying traditional religious symbols like the cross or images of God and Jesus Christ. Instead, he speaks in front of a large golden-colored globe that rotates slowly.
The addition not only includes classrooms but also features a chapel, a dedicated baptismal area, meeting space for young adults, and an entire floor that is solely dedicated to the church’s television broadcast efforts.
In 2004, Osteen explained to the AP that he was offering something that resonated with people’s desires.
According to the speaker, a good restaurant is similar to providing good services. Just like how people are attracted to a restaurant with good food, people will be drawn to services that uplift them. The goal is for people to leave feeling better than before.
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