Joel Scott Osteen is a popular American pastor, televangelist, author, and businessman based in Houston, Texas. Best known for his uplifting sermons and weekly televised church services, he leads Lakewood Church, one of the largest congregations in the U.S.
He has written several best-selling books focused on faith, positivity, and personal success. Joel is often linked with prosperity theology and the Word of Faith movement, promoting the idea that faith can lead to blessings and a better life. This article covers everything about his early life, career journey, beliefs, family, and public influence.
Early Life & Family Background
Joel Osteen was born in Houston, Texas, and is one of six children of John Osteen and Dolores “Dodie” Pilgrim. His father, John, was a former Southern Baptist pastor who founded Lakewood Church in the back of an old feed store.
Joel grew up in a religious and close-knit family deeply involved in ministry. He graduated from Humble High School in 1981 and later attended Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma, where he studied radio and television communications but did not complete his degree.
| Full Name | Joel Scott Osteen |
| Nickname | Joel Osteen |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1963 |
| Place of Birth | Houston, Texas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Wife | Victoria Osteen |
| Children | Jonathan Osteen, Alexandra Osteen |
| Siblings | Paul Osteen, Lisa Osteen, April Osteen Simons, Justin Osteen, Tamara Osteen |
| Parents | Mother’s Name: Dodie Osteen,
Father’s Name: John Osteen |
| Net Worth | $100 million |
| Social Media | Instagram – XTwitter |
Net Worth, Religion & Ethnicity
As of 2025, Joel Osteen has an estimated net worth of around $100 million, earned mostly through his best-selling books, public speaking, and media ventures.
He is a Christian and follows the evangelical tradition, preaching messages of hope and prosperity.
Ethnically, Joel is of white American descent. Despite his wealth, he states that he does not take a salary from Lakewood Church and instead relies on his publishing and speaking income.
Personal life & Wife
Joel Osteen married Victoria Osteen on April 4, 1987. She later became the co-pastor of Lakewood Church and often appears alongside him in services and events. The couple has two children together: a son named Jonathan and a daughter named Alexandra.
Both children have occasionally participated in church activities, with Jonathan involved in ministry and music. The family lives in a luxurious 17,000-square-foot mansion in Houston’s River Oaks area, valued at around $10.5 million.
Career and Achievements Details
After leaving Oral Roberts University in 1982, Joel Osteen returned to Houston and launched Lakewood Church’s TV program. He was ordained in 1983 and spent 17 years producing his father’s sermons. After his father passed away in 1999, Joel gave his first sermon and soon became the senior pastor of Lakewood Church. In 2003, he helped the church acquire and renovate the former Compaq Center, turning it into one of the largest church venues in the U.S.
Joel is known for his upbeat preaching style, focusing on God’s love, mercy, and positive living rather than on sin or hell. He believes people already know their faults and prefers to inspire them with hope and encouragement. He memorizes his sermons and reviews past ones to improve his delivery.
Since 2004, Joel and his wife have hosted “Night of Hope” events worldwide, blending Christian music with motivational messages. Notably, in 2018, he collaborated with Kanye West at Lakewood Church and held an Easter service with Mariah Carey and Tyler Perry during COVID-19.
Tragedy struck on February 11, 2024, when a woman with mental health issues opened fire at Lakewood Church, injuring a man and her own 7-year-old son before being shot and killed by police. Her son was critically injured in the crossfire.
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