Is Joel Osteen Leaving His Church? Where is Joel Osteen Now?
by Swetha P | Updated Aug 06, 2023
Who is Joel Osteen?
Joel Scott Osteen, born on March 5, 1963, is an American lay preacher, televangelist, businessman, and author based in Houston, Texas. He is widely known for his weekly televised services and several best-selling books. Joel is the current senior pastor of Lakewood Church, which was founded by his father, John Osteen, in Houston.
He grew up in a family deeply involved in ministry, and after attending Oral Roberts University, he returned to Houston to work on Lakewood's television program, producing his father's sermons for many years. In April 1987, Joel married Victoria Osteen, who later became the co-pastor of Lakewood Church alongside him. They have two children.
Joel Osteen's teachings are associated with prosperity theology, which has garnered both praise and criticism. He is estimated to have a significant net worth, primarily from his book sales, and his church has a substantial budget. Despite controversies and scams using his name and likeness to promote products, Joel Osteen continues to be a prominent figure in American evangelical circles.
Is Joel Osteen Leaving His Church?
In June 2023, there was an online article falsely claiming that Joel and Victoria Osteen announced their resignation from Lakewood Church to pursue a skincare product line called Rejuva Derm Skin. However, this news was part of a scam, hosted on a deceptive website, top-magazine-trending.com, known for spreading false information about famous individuals endorsing various products.
The Osteens have not resigned from their church positions, and the scam aimed to mislead readers into believing they were leaving their leadership roles. In reality, the couple remains actively involved in their ministry at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, with Joel as the senior pastor and Victoria as the co-pastor.
Joel Osteen's Net Worth
Joel Osteen's estimated net worth is well over $50 million, making him one of the wealthiest preachers in the world. This significant wealth primarily stems from his successful book sales and various business ventures. As the senior pastor of Lakewood Church, which boasts one of the largest congregations in the United States, Joel has chosen not to draw a salary from the church. Instead, he relies on the income generated from the sales of his best-selling books and other personal endeavors.
Despite being criticized for his association with prosperity theology, Joel Osteen's popularity and financial success cannot be denied. He has amassed substantial wealth through his messages of positivity and self-improvement, resonating with a wide audience across the globe.
Where is Joel Osteen Now?
As of the information obtained, Joel Osteen resides in Houston, Texas, alongside his family. Their residence is an impressive 17,000-square-foot mansion located in the affluent neighborhood of River Oaks, with an estimated value of $10.5 million. Despite their opulent lifestyle, the Osteens continue to play a significant role in leading Lakewood Church.
Joel and his wife, Victoria Osteen, serve as pastors at Lakewood Church, guiding the congregation through their spiritual journey. In addition to their in-person ministry, Joel's weekly televised sermons have gained immense popularity, reaching millions of viewers worldwide. Their impact on their congregation and broader audience is a testament to their enduring influence in the realm of televangelism and spiritual leadership.
Joel Osteen's Impact and Outreach
Joel Osteen's impact as a televangelist and author has been nothing short of extraordinary. Through his uplifting messages and focus on positivity, he has captured the hearts of millions, both within and outside traditional Christian circles. His weekly televised sermons have become a source of inspiration for countless individuals seeking spiritual guidance and encouragement.
While Joel's teachings have garnered widespread praise, they have also faced criticism, particularly from those who challenge the principles of prosperity theology. Some argue that the emphasis on material success in his messages can distract from the core tenets of traditional Christianity.
Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that Joel Osteen's outreach has been remarkable. His books have consistently topped best-seller lists, and his influence continues to extend far beyond the confines of his church. He has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of televangelism, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those who look to him for spiritual guidance and motivation.
The Osteens and Controversies
Throughout their journey, Joel and Victoria Osteen have not been immune to controversies. One significant incident occurred in 2017 during Hurricane Harvey, where the church faced criticism over its initial response to the disaster. Some felt that the church did not provide enough support to those affected, leading to public scrutiny and debate.
Additionally, the Osteens have been targeted by false claims and scams, using their image and likeness without permission to promote unrelated products. This misuse of their identity has been a troubling aspect of their public life, causing disruptions and raising awareness about online scams.
Despite the controversies, Joel and Victoria Osteen remain steadfast in their ministry and commitment to their congregation. They continue to focus on spreading their message of hope and inspiration, navigating the challenges that come with their public prominence, and striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those they reach.
Is Joel Osteen Leaving His Church? - FAQs
Joel Osteen is an American lay preacher, televangelist, businessman, and author known for his weekly televised services and best-selling books.
No, the news claiming Joel Osteen's resignation from his church was a scam, and he continues to serve as the senior pastor of Lakewood Church.
Joel Osteen's net worth is estimated to be over $50 million, primarily from book sales and other ventures.
Joel Osteen lives with his family in a 17,000 square-foot mansion in River Oaks, Houston, Texas.
Joel Osteen's teachings have faced criticism for being associated with prosperity theology, which some see as making religion about personal success rather than God.