Joel Osteen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joel Osteen |
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Osteen preaching at Lakewood Church in July 2016
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| Religion | Non-denominational Christianity, Charismatic Christianity, Word of Faith |
| School | Humble High School |
| Church | Lakewood Church |
| Alma mater | Oral Roberts University |
| Personal | |
| Born | Joel Scott Osteen March 5, 1963 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents | John Osteen (father) Dolores Pilgrim Osteen (mother) |
| Relatives | Paul Osteen (brother) |
| Religious career | |
| Post | Senior pastor (1999–present) |
Joel Scott Osteen was born on March 5, 1963. He is an American pastor, televangelist, businessman, and author. He lives in Houston, Texas, in the United States. Joel Osteen is well-known for his weekly televised church services. He has also written several books that have become best-sellers. He is a leading figure in what is known as prosperity theology and the Word of Faith movement.
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About Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen was born in Houston. He is one of six children. His parents are John Osteen and Dolores ("Dodie") Pilgrim. His father, John Osteen, was also a pastor. He started Lakewood Church in an old feed store. Joel Osteen is now the senior pastor of this church.
He finished high school at Humble High School in 1981. After that, he went to Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There, he studied radio and television communications. However, he did not finish his degree.
His Work
In 1982, Joel Osteen came back to Houston. He started the television program for Lakewood Church. He became an ordained minister through his father's church in 1983. For 17 years, Osteen produced his father's televised sermons. His father passed away in January 1999. Joel Osteen preached his first sermon on January 17, 1999. By October 3, he became the new senior pastor of Lakewood Church.
In 2003, Lakewood Church bought the Compaq Center. This building used to be a sports arena. It was home to the NBA Houston Rockets basketball team. The church renovated the building for its services.
How He Preaches
Joel Osteen prepares his sermons by memorizing what he wants to say. He also listens to himself on tape. Osteen says he likes to focus on God's goodness. He also teaches about living a good life. He tries to explain ideas from the Bible in a simple way. He often talks about the power of love and having a positive attitude.
Special Events
Since 2004, Joel Osteen and his wife have hosted "Night of Hope" events. They also have an annual stadium event called "America's Night of Hope." These events happen in the U.S. and around the world. They feature contemporary Christian music. They also include inspiring messages. This helps them reach many people in person and online. In 2018, Osteen hosted an event at Lakewood Church. He worked with rapper Kanye West for a "Sunday Service." About 17,000 people attended this event. Many more watched it online. He also held his Easter service during COVID-19. Mariah Carey and Tyler Perry joined him for that service.
Church Incident
On February 11, 2024, an incident occurred at the church. A person entered the building and began firing a rifle. Two police officers who were working security quickly responded. They stopped the person who was firing the rifle. One other person who was present was injured. This person was treated at a local hospital and then released.
His Family Life
On April 4, 1987, Joel Osteen married Victoria Osteen (née Iloff). She later became a co-pastor at Lakewood Church. They have two children together. In 2002, some of his brothers and sisters were also involved in full-time ministry. This included his brother, Paul.
Osteen lives with his family in a large house in River Oaks. It is estimated to be worth about $10.5 million. Joel Osteen says that he does not take a salary from the church. The church has a budget of $70 million each year. Instead, he earns his income from selling his books.
His Views
Joel Osteen believes that everyone is welcome in his church. He has said that the church should not focus too much on just one issue. He wants to welcome all people without judgment.
In 2008, he was asked if he thought Mormons were Christians. Osteen said he believed they were. He also said he had not studied their religion deeply. In 2011, Osteen stated that he supports Israel.
Film and TV Appearances
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Friends of God: A Road Trip with Alexandra Pelosi | Himself | Documentary |
| 2014 | Words of Art | Himself | Documentary |
| 2015 | I Hope You Dance: The Power and Spirit of Song | Himself | Documentary |
| 2017 | The Star | Caspar | Voice role |
Books He Has Written
- Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential (2004) ISBN: 9780446510936
- Daily Readings from Your Best Life Now: 90 Devotions for Living at Your Full Potential (2005)
- Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day (2007) ISBN: 9780743296922
- Your Best Life Begins Each Morning: Devotions to Start Every New Day of the Year (2008)
- It's Your Time : Activate Your Faith, Achieve Your Dreams, and Increase in God's Favor (2009)
- It's Your Time: Finding Favor, Restoration, and Abundance in Your Life Every Day (2009)
- Everyday a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week (2011)
- I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life (2012)
- Break Out!: 5 Keys to Go Beyond Your Barriers and Live an Extraordinary Life (2013)
- You Can You Will: 8 Undeniable Qualities of a Winner (2014)
- Fresh Start: the New You Begins Today (2015)
- The Power of I Am: Two Words That Will Change Your Life Today (2015)
- Think Better, Live Better: A Victorious Life Begins in Your Mind (2016)
- Blessed in the Darkness: How All Things Are Working for Your Good (2017)
- Empty Out the Negative (2017)
- Next Level Thinking: 10 Powerful Thoughts for a Successful and Abundant Life (2018)
- The Power of Favor: The Force That Will Take You Where You Can't Go on Your Own (2019)
- The Abundance Mind-Set: Success Starts Here (2020)
- Peaceful on Purpose: The Power to Remain Calm, Strong, and Confident in Every Season (2021)
- You Are Stronger than You Think: Unleash the Power to Go Bigger, Go Bold, and Go Beyond What Limits You (2021)
- Rule Your Day: 6 Keys to Maximizing Your Success and Accelerating Your Dreams (2022)
- Your Greater is Coming: Discover the Path to Your Bigger, Better, and Brighter Future (2022)
- 15 Ways to Live Longer and Healthier: Life-Changing Strategies for Greater Energy, a More Focused Mind, and a Calmer Soul (2023)
- Psalms and Proverbs for Everyday Life: 100 Daily Devotions (2023)
- Believe: Hope Has Your Name on It (2023)
- Speak the Blessing: Send Your Words in the Direction You Want Your Life to Go (2024)
See also
In Spanish: Joel Osteen para niños
- Christianity in Houston
- Charismatic movement
- Gospel of success
