Joel Osteen

Joel Scott Osteen is an American pastor, televangelist, businessman, and author based in Houston, Texas. He was born on March 5, 1963, in Houston, Texas, and is one of six children of John Osteen and Dolores ('Dodie') Pilgrim. Osteen's father founded Lakewood Church, of which Joel is the current senior pastor. Joel Osteen is known for his weekly televised services and has authored several best-selling books. He is associated with prosperity theology and has been a subject of criticism. Osteen graduated from Humble High School in 1981 and attended Oral Roberts University, studying radio and television communications. He returned to Houston in 1982 and produced his father's televised sermons until his father's sudden death in 1999.