Texas Sized Religion: Joel Osteen is Senior Pastor of the largest church in America, 30,000-member Lakewood Church here in Houston. His weekly television show airs on dozens of channels nationwide, and his optimistic message has made him one of the country's most popular preachers.
Lakewood's History: The story of Lakewood Church began in Houston on
Mother's Day, 1959 with John Osteen as pastor.
Its origins were humble. The first meeting of Lakewood Church was held in a converted feed store on the outskirts of Houston. But a caring atmosphere, quality leadership, and community outreach attracted people from all ages, religious backgrounds and walks of life.
Its origins were humble. The first meeting of Lakewood Church was held in a converted feed store on the outskirts of Houston. But a caring atmosphere, quality leadership, and community outreach attracted people from all ages, religious backgrounds and walks of life.
Joel's Inheritance: Since 1999, under the leadership of Pastor Joel Osteen, Lakewood has grown in a variety of ways. Lakewood's commitment to community outreach continues to increase, and its international media broadcast has expanded into over 200 million households in the United States.
The Compaq Center Acquisition: The Lakewood Church family purchased the former Compaq Center, where the Houston Rockets NBA team played their games. The completed $70 million renovation invites 16,000 congregation members into the church at one time.
Services Offered: Lakewood offers service on Saturdays at 6:00pm and 7:00pm, and 4 Sunday services starting at 8:30am. There is also a service in Spanish at 1:30pm on Sunday.
2006-07 Success: Osteen was featured as one of Barbara Walters "10 Most Fascinating People of 2006" and was named "Most Influential Christian in America" in 2006 by churchreport.com. He is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Your Best Life Now. It reached the top of the New York Times bestseller list, and has sold more than four million copies since its release in October 2004. The book is available in 19 languages.
His television ministry is the most watched inspirational program in the United States.
His second book, Become a Better You, was released in October 2007 with a first printing of three million copies.
His television ministry is the most watched inspirational program in the United States.
His second book, Become a Better You, was released in October 2007 with a first printing of three million copies.