Joel Scott Osteen is a world reknowned preacher, televangelist, and author. You must have come across his sermons or books at some point, or maybe you are already a huge fan of him.
Joel Osteen was born on 5, March 1963 in Houston, Texas. His parents were Dolores Pilgrim and John Osteen. His father, a former Southern Baptist pastor, was the founder of the Lakewood Church, which is now headed by Joel Osteen.
Joel Osteen went to Humble High School. He later attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to study radio and television communications. However, he never graduated or got a degree from a divinity school.
He returned to Houston in 1982 and began producing his father's televised sermons. He produced the Lakewood television program for 17 years until his father died in January 1999. Prior to his father's death, John Osteen had always encouraged him to preach but he declined.
When his father was too unwell to preach, Joel Osteen tried his first sermon which was also his father's last sermon to listen to. He became the senior pastor of Lakewood Church in October 1999. The church hosts a weekly service TV program which is viewed in more than 100 countries.
Lakewood has been ranked previously as America's largest megachurch with an average weekly attendance of 43,000 people. Osteen made it to Barbara Walter's list of 10 Most Fascinating People. He is married to Victoria Osteen, who is a co-pastor of Lakewood Church.
The couple has a son and a daughter. They live in a 17,000 square foot mansion in River Oaks. Osteen has said that he doesn't get any salary from his church but instead earns money from his book sales. He is the author of seven number 1 New York bestsellers, and more under his belt. Here are fascinating Joel Osteen quotes!