Joel Osteen

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Joel Scott Osteen (born March 5, 1963, in Houston, Texas) is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, North America’s largest and fastest growing church congregation,[1] averaging approximately 35,000 adult attendees every week in 2005. He is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Your Best Life Now.

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[edit] Biography

Joel's father, John Osteen, a former Southern Baptist pastor who became Charismatic in the late 1950s, founded Lakewood Church on Mother's Day, 1959.[1] Osteen's father developed Lakewood into a body of approximately 6,000 members with an active television ministry, crusades, conferences, missionary support and food distribution. He died of a heart attack in 1999. Joel had previously attended Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma for a semester but chose to return to Houston to continue working at the church. Having produced his father's television program for years, Joel Osteen--despite having preached only one time in his life, the week before John Osteen's death--succeeded him on October 3, 1999.

Joel Osteen's book, Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential, has become a runaway success. Soon after publication, it was ranked at the top of New York Times Bestsellers list, and continues to be among the top 10 best selling books (as of May 28, 2006). According to one of the book's reviewers, Larry Trivieri Jr, "At the heart of the Osteen's message is that achieving a successful, prosperous life of fulfillment can only occur when we stop worrying about the past or future to make the most of each present moment by using our God-given strengths and talents to achieve our goals. The key to doing so are the seven steps Osteen outlines: (1) Enlarge Your Vision, (2) Develop a Healthy Self-Image, (3) Discover the Power of Your Thoughts and Words, (4) Let go of the Past, (5) Find Strength Through Adversity, (6) Live to Give, and (7) Choose to Be Happy. Mixing biblical teachings with his own personal experiences, Osteen explains each of these seven steps in an encouraging, optimistic manner that makes them accessible to anyone interested in principles of personal growth. Although written with a Christian slant, the seven steps Osteen shares will have value to anyone wanting to know more about practical steps of self-betterment, regardless of their denomination."

Joel Osteen Ministries and some of the Lakewood Church team members tour the country selling out stadiums to millions of fans who go to hear Joel's sermons on faith and day-to-day life. His wife and children go with him, and they may sometimes be seen at the stadiums in the center front row.

Pastor Joel was also selected by Barbara Walters as one of her "Ten Most Fascinating People of 2006" and her show, with interviews, is scheduled Tuesday, December 12.

[edit] Criticism

Joel Osteen is considered to part of the Word of Faith movement, which has drawn criticism from many in the Christian community including John Macarthur. On a broadcast of Larry King Live, Joel Osteen refused to say that Jesus Christ was the only way to get to Heaven.[2] Joel also says he does not like to talk about sin, but about the goodness of God. [3] This decision has upset the Christian community, since repentance of sin is a key factor in being born again.

[edit] Victoria Osteen and the Osteen Family

Joel is married to Victoria Iloff Osteen (born March 29, 1962). Victoria, often called co-pastor, occasionally gives the sermon at the church, which holds four services each weekend. Victoria and Joel have two children, Jonathan and Alexandra.

Victoria leads the Women's ministry at Lakewood. There are special programs presented each week with occasional guest speakers. She is a strong supporter of her husband and family, as evidenced by her references to them during the services and seminars, and through personal examples. (www.lakewood.cc, Saturday night and Sunday mornings.)

The Greater Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce has named Victoria Osteen a Community Impact Award winner in 2006. Her activities include hosting a Wednesday radio program on KSBJ-FM regarding women and family issues; and supporting the organizations Feed the Children and The Bridge, a shelter for battered women.

Victoria and Joel were the featured cover story of the May/June 2006 issue of Texas Family magazine. She was also on the cover of Houston Pet Talk magazine, October 2006.

Joel and Victoria met when he came into her family's jewelry store to have his watch battery replaced. She sold him a watch. Later, for the first date, he invited her to a Rockets game in the Compaq Center, and they sat way up in the top section of the east side. Little did they know that the future would have them remodeling the building for their new church home.


[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Christ Notes, Joel Osteen Books and Ministry
  2. ^ Osteen on Larry King
  3. ^ Fox News on Osteen

[edit] External links

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