Guide Note

Joel Osteen is the senior pastor of the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Many of his sermons are posted on internet sites and the Lakewood Church has its own video streaming service.¹

Fast Facts

1. Born: March 5, 1963
2. Birth place: Houston, Texas
3. Father is Pastor John Osteen
4. Married to Victoria Osteen, who is his co-pastor
5. Nickname: The Smiling Preacher
6. Never graduated seminary school
7. Joel Osteen authored the #1 New York Times Bestseller, Your Best Life Now
8. Lakewood Church averages 38,000 attendees at weekly services
9. Lakewood Church is located at the 16,000 seat Compaq Center
10. His television ministry is the most watched inspirational program in the United States
11. TV show broadcasts in over 100 nations

Belief of the Church

The Lakewood Church led by Joel Osteen believes that there is one God who exists as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and that the entire Bible was inspired by God. The church believes in the crucifixion, that baptism is a symbol of cleansing, and that communion is an act of remembering. The belief is that every Christian should grow with Jesus and as children of God, are capable of overcoming darkness and experiencing light.²