Joel Osteen

On June 7, 1999, Joel Osteen became the senior pastor of Lakewood Church, located in Houston, Texas. Joel succeeded his father, John Osteen, who was the founder of the church. Under Joel's leadership, Lakewood Church grew rapidly, becoming one of the largest and most influential churches in the United States. Osteen is known for his contemporary style and emphasis on positive thinking and prosperity. This transition marked the beginning of Joel's significant influence in American Christianity, as he expanded the church's outreach and media presence.

In 2004, Lakewood Church moved to the new campus at the former Compaq Center, which was previously the home of the Houston Rockets basketball team. The opening service was held on July 16, 2004, and celebrated the transformation of the 16,000-seat stadium into one of the largest church auditoriums in the country. Under Joel Osteen's leadership, this move represented a major milestone in the church's history, allowing Lakewood to reach more people through expanded seating and advanced media technology.

Joel Osteen's book, 'Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential,' became a major bestseller after its release in 2004. By 2006, it had topped various bestseller lists, including The New York Times Best Seller list. The book emphasizes self-help and motivational themes, encouraging readers to be positive and realize their full potential through faith. This publication solidified Joel Osteen's position not just as a pastor, but as a prominent author and motivational speaker. It was praised for its accessibility and inspiration.

Released in 2011, Joel Osteen's book 'Every Day a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week' quickly became a bestseller. The book discusses how people can increase their happiness by focusing on God and allowing their beliefs to influence their mindset. With practical tips and personal anecdotes, Osteen aimed to help his readers achieve a happier, more fulfilling life every day of the week, not just on Fridays. The book was well-received and further established Osteen's influence in the religious self-help genre.

On March 11, 2013, Joel Osteen hosted a 'Night of Hope' event at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. This event was part of a larger series of events aimed at providing encouragement, inspiration, and hope to attendees across the country. With an attendance of thousands, Joel and his wife, Victoria, shared messages of God's love and the power of faith to overcome life's challenges. These events became a staple in Osteen's ministry, showcasing his ability to engage large audiences with messages of positivity and faith.

In August 2017, Joel Osteen and Lakewood Church faced public scrutiny over their initial response to Hurricane Harvey, which devastated Houston. The church was criticized for not immediately opening its doors to evacuees. Osteen responded by clarifying the situation, stating that the church was inaccessible due to flooding and was prepared to open once safe. Despite the controversy, Lakewood Church eventually opened as a shelter and provided aid. This incident sparked widespread media coverage and debate about the responsibilities of large religious organizations during disasters.

On October 22, 2018, Lakewood Church, under the leadership of Joel Osteen, launched its digital app, enhancing its reach to a global audience. The app, available on various platforms, allows users to watch services live, hear motivational messages, and connect with Lakewood Church's ministry. This move into digital platforms represents Osteen's adaptability to changing technological trends and his commitment to spreading his message of hope, positivity, and faith to a wider audience beyond the physical church walls.

In 2019, Joel Osteen expanded his 'Night of Hope' events to Europe, marking a significant international outreach of his ministry. On April 15, Osteen held an event in London, England, which was part of a series of empowering and inspirational gatherings aimed at encouraging individuals with messages of faith and optimism. The European tour demonstrated Osteen's growing international influence and his desire to bring his message to a wider audience. This initiative broadened the geographical scope of his outreach significantly.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Joel Osteen adapted to the restrictions on large gatherings by hosting virtual services from Lakewood Church. On May 2, 2020, he conducted one of the largest online services with celebrity guests including Mariah Carey and Kanye West. This service reached millions of viewers globally, illustrating Osteen's ability to leverage technology to maintain connection with his congregation and broader audience, even during challenging times. His approach highlighted the importance of virtual platforms in modern faith practices.

In August 2021, Lakewood Church announced that it would begin offering free mental health counseling to its members and the local community, addressing the growing concerns about mental health issues exacerbated by the pandemic. This initiative, spearheaded by Joel Osteen, reflects his understanding of the comprehensive needs of the community, as well as his commitment to supporting individuals not just spiritually but holistically. The church partnered with licensed counselors to provide professional services.