Trivia

In 1958, his father John Osteen received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and started Lakewood Church in an old feed store on the poor east side of Houston. John and his wife, Dodie Osteen, grew the church and filled all of the 234 seats.

Associated, as did his late father John Osteen, with the controversial "Word of Faith" movement, known for its "prosperity gospel".

Host of television program Lakewood Church; which can be seen in 92 percent of American households.

Friends with Kelly Wright.

Release of his book, "Become A Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day". (October 2007)

Son: Jonathan, b. 1995 & daughter: Alexandra, b. 1999

July 16 & 17, 2005 Lakewood Church moved into their new church which was known as the old home of the Houston Rockets.

Joel is best friends with T.D. Jakes and Robert A. Schuller.

Joel Osteen took over Lakewood Church, after John Osteen died from a heart attack in 1999.

Release of his book, "It's Your Time: Activate Your Faith, Achieve Your Dreams and Increase in God's Favor". (November 2009)

Release of his book, "Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential". (2004)

A very popular pastor and televangelist, even though he has no theological education. His education was in television production.

In 1981, he quit college at Oral Roberts University to set up his father's television ministry and worked side by side with him as the editor of their local Houston television ministry show.

Release of his book, "Daily Readings from Become a Better You: 90 Devotions for Improving Your Life Every Day". (2008)

His mentor is the late Billy Graham.

Popular evangelist Billy Graham took him under Graham's wing, when he was 22. The friendship lasted 33 years, until Graham's death, early in 2018.

Credits Billy Graham as his favorite preaching mentor/best friend.

Has highly praised Billy Graham for his stardom in preaching.

As a televangelist, he was highly influenced by Billy Graham.