Joel Osteen Biography: Age, Net Worth, Spouse, Parents, Siblings, Children, Career, Books, Awards

Joel Osteen is an American pastor, televangelist, businessman, and author based in Houston, Texas. He is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church, which is the largest Protestant church in the United States.

Osteen is known for his prosperity gospel teachings and motivational speaking style. His sermons focus on positivity, self-help, and living your best life. He has authored several bestselling books, and his televised sermons reach millions of viewers worldwide.

Profile

• Full Name: Joel Scott Osteen
• Date of Birth: March 5, 1963
• Age: 61 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of Birth: Houston, Texas, United States
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Pastor, Author, Televangelist
• Height: 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
• Parents: John Osteen and Dolores Pilgrim Osteen
• Siblings: Lisa Osteen, Paul Osteen, Justin Osteen, Tamara Osteen, April Osteen
• Spouse: Victoria Osteen (née Iloff)
• Children: Jonathan Osteen and Alexandra Osteen
• Relationship Status: Married
• Net Worth: $100 million

Early Life and Education

Joel Scott Osteen, currently 61 years old, was born on March 5, 1963, in Houston, Texas, to John and Dolores Osteen. Raised in a devout Christian household, Joel was deeply influenced by his father, who was a well-known Southern Baptist pastor. He has five siblings: Paul, April, Lisa, Justin, and Tamara Osteen.

His father, a former Southern Baptist pastor, established Lakewood Church, where Osteen currently serves as the senior pastor, in a converted feed store.

He completed his education at Humble High School in Humble, Texas in 1981, and later attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he pursued a degree in radio and television communications but did not graduate.

Upon returning to Houston in 1982, he initiated Lakewood’s television program and produced his father’s televised sermons for 17 years until his father’s passing in January 1999 due to a heart attack.

Personal Life

Joel Osteen met his wife, Victoria, while studying at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They got married on April 4, 1987. The couple shares two children, Jonathan and Alexandra. Their marriage has been a central pillar of Joel’s life, providing support and companionship as he navigated his career in ministry.

Career

In 1983, Osteen was ordained through his father’s church and delivered his first sermon on January 17, 1999. By October 3 of the same year, he became the new senior pastor of Lakewood Church.

In 2003, the church acquired the Compaq Center, former home of the NBA Houston Rockets and the AHL Houston Aeros, and underwent renovations. Osteen stated that in 2008, Lakewood Church’s weekly service TV program was watched in over 100 countries.

Osteen prepares his speeches in advance and listens to his previous ones on tape. Some critics have accused his sermons of being self-centered and lacking in a deep understanding of Scripture.

Osteen focuses on emphasizing the goodness of God and living an obedient life rather than dwelling on sin. He aims to teach Biblical principles in a simple manner, emphasizing the power of love and a positive attitude.

When asked about his approach to sin, the devil, and hell, Osteen explained that he prefers to broaden the concept of “the enemy” to include negative thoughts and lack of discipline.

He believes in the concept of hell but chooses to emphasize God’s mercy and the opportunity for redemption rather than condemning his audience.

Awards

• Most Influential Christian Leader (2018, Time Magazine)
• The President’s Call to Service Award (2007)

Net Worth

Joel Osteen’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $100 million, largely attributed to his successful career as a pastor, author, and motivational speaker.

Controversy

Osteen has faced criticism for promoting prosperity theology, which suggests that material gain is God’s will for all devoted Christians. Some critics argue that this teaching contradicts the gospel of Mark, which emphasizes the importance of giving up possessions for the sake of following Jesus.

Additionally, Osteen’s message has been labeled as heresy by some theologians, who argue that it shifts the focus of religion from God to the individual. Despite these criticisms, Osteen’s net worth is estimated to be over $100 million, and his church reportedly brings in millions of dollars in collections each year.

Furthermore, during Hurricane Harvey, Osteen faced backlash for not immediately opening his church as a shelter for those affected by the storm.

Social Media

• Instagram: @joelosteen
• Twitter: @JoelOsteen

Books

• Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential (2004)
• Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day (2007)
• The Power of I Am: Two Words That Will Change Your Life Today (2015)