Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen is an American preacher, author, and televangelist who has gained a large following from his weekly televised services and best-selling books. Born on March 5, 1963, he has achieved remarkable success in sharing his religious message and encouraging others to follow their dreams. His net worth is estimated to be over $110 million. Osteen first preached his sermon on January 17, 1999 at Lakewood Church which he later became the senior pastor of in 1999. In 2003, Lakewood Church acquired the Compaq Center, the former home of the NBA Houston Rockets, and the AHL Houston Aeros which was subsequently renovated by Osteen and his team. By 2008, Lakewood Church's weekly service TV program was viewed in more than 100 countries with millions tuning in every week. In 2006, Barbara Walters listed Osteen as one of her 10 Most Fascinating People of the Year while John McCain declared him to be his favorite inspirational author. The Osteen family even attended an Easter breakfast hosted by President Barack Obama at the White House in 2010. With millions of followers worldwide and several best-selling books, Joel Osteen has become one of the most prominent figures associated with prosperity theology and a focus of its critics.