Joel Osteen

Joel Scott Osteen (born March 5, 1963) is an American Christian minister and televangelist who serves as the senior pastor of Lakewood Church, one of the largest churches in the United States. Born in Houston, Texas, Osteen initially worked in television production for his father's ministry before becoming senior pastor in 1999 following his father's death. His charismatic preaching style and message of prosperity and positive thinking have attracted a massive global audience, with his sermons broadcast to millions weekly across television and digital platforms. Osteen's approach to Christianity emphasizes faith, abundance, and personal blessing, which has made him both wildly popular and controversial among different Christian denominations and critics who question prosperity gospel theology. Despite controversies, his influence on American Christianity is undeniable, and his books have been international bestsellers. Osteen represents a significant figure in contemporary religious media and American evangelical culture.