Televangelist Joel Osteen is the Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church, an enormous 16,000 seat “Megachurch” in Houston, Texas. His televised sermons are seen by over 7 million viewers weekly and over 20 million monthly in over 100 countries.
The pastor is a celebrity in Houston and a very, very wealthy man. Osteen believes in and preaches the “Prosperity Gospel,” which is effectively the belief that if you do good things, you will get material blessings from God. And it certainly works for Osteen, who lives in a $10.5 million mansion in Houston.
His followers were surprised that Osteen hasn’t opened up his megachurch, that was converted from an arena that seats over 16,000, to the thousands of people that have been displaced by flooding following Hurricane Harvey.
Osteen has , saying, “Victoria & I are praying for everyone affected by Hurricane Harvey. Please join us as we pray for the safety of our Texas friends & family.” But his followers were not happy.
Osteen did cancel services on Sunday, saying that there was “flooding” at the church. But thus far, there has been no proof of that.
Ok, so the feds should start looking into his wealth and where his wealth came from. Maybe, there are some stadiums and theaters they could help shelter families along with high schools or colleges.
Joel is as phony as that creepy attempt at a smile. His megachurch and home are a far cry from teaching the Word of a Man/God born in a stable in Bethlehem, and never owned a home. Joel, you are a hypocritical weenie.
I totally agree with you. “Spreading” thé gospel of love and kindness…well, he doesn’t want people in his church that don’t contribute to his enormous wealth…he is no better than the social “Elite” in Houston, “raising” money with their $1000 plates at functions, so they can be seen and be given accolades for their “donations”…they wouldn’t give a quarter to a homeless person…and yes, those dinners are tax deductible…Joel and his fake smile, fake wife reminds me of past preachers with their own tv station all over the world, promising a life in heaven…of course depending how much you contribute…Scams at the ultimate level.
And how many people have you taken into your home? Hypocrite!
I have sheltered others during disasters. Despite the fact that I don’t have a $10 million house and a 16,000 seat “church”. And shouldn’t you expect more from a so-called “man of God” than you would a layperson?
Hypocrisy and Greed comes from even those who love to Preach Christian Values. What WOULD CHRIST say today ?????
Big difference when someone proclaims to be a man of God and takes money to do Gods work. Anyone who takes money. In the name of Hod, needs to be held accountable. And if he/ is on the up and up, great, if not they deserve all the questioning and repercussions they get
It seems to me there are many of these Evangelists that live high on the proverbial hog off others money. He doesn’t live by the word of God he lives by his own words. Yes…he is a hypocrit and egotistical.
Amen!!! Remember Jim Bakker and Oral Roberts…..he’ll be on the list of religious scammers sooner than he thinks. Fake as f*ck. I feel sorry for the sheeple that believe everything that comes out of his lying mouth.
His wealth came from the sales of millions of best-selling books, which is still legal in America. If you’re going to investigate Osteen, might as well investigate T.D. Jakes, Rick Warren and a host of other successful authors.
That is actually a very good idea!
Oh Bill, you are truly missing the point if that is what you believe and this story is true…. Houston needs help and he is in a place where he might be able to help his fellow Houstons…
You are right. His and so many other elite preachers have made a fortune through their “This book/DVD will change your life”, sales. They prey on the hurt, down trodden, addicted, hopeless, broken hearted people. And it works. Very seldom does JO mention God in his church. These books are written from what the Holy Bible says. And from that, their own interpretation. What these people don’t seem to grasp is that the Only book they need to change their lives is the Bible. God himself will do the interpretating to them. Joel proved himself a fraud and a hypocrite when he said that Jesus is not the only way to the Father. Being a good guy just sends you to hell.
I bet most of his money came from his book sales. He has written a couple that did very well in sales. I am not a fan of him as a pastor (I have one that would run circles around o’steen and his “teachings”) and do not understand his success as a pastor. I always put him in the category of a motivational speaker.
yes, and motivational speakers and life coaches aren’t limited by religion so they reach a broader group and can sell more books and his show is televised all over the world. the fact your pastor could run circles around him as you phrased, means nothing financially. Joel is a celebrity. he lives in a 10 million dollar mansion to prove it-where does you great pastor live? why won’t your god reward him as he has joel?
Of course, you could ask those concluding questions about Jesus Christ. But I doubt that you will.
Are you insane or just pretending?
Your kidding, right? Hoping you see the light! God doesn’t do finance….or wealth. He does spiritual growth, for heavenly rewards.
How many have you taken in Amber Rose
Yes Mark Smith. He does live in a 10 mil. Dollar mansion. I don’t care where he got his money–book sales or preaching the Gospel. But if I’m not mistaken he started out preaching the word of God. Where is his heart though. He is making all his money from the people. Period. Don’t you think he would have compassion for people in need or do you think he should be a selfish uncbristian person with no compassion for his fellow human beings. The reward for those not having anything even remotely close to what he has is that most of them are christians and live from payday to payday and live a life that God wants them to and they will be going to heaven to meet their maker our God in the end. Where will you be Mark
You think God has rewarded him? You can bet that Joel doesn’t speak about God telling us NOT TO lay up riches in this life for if we do, we have received our reward, from man. We are to pick up our cross and follow Jesus. His example. Does God want to prosper us? Yes. But we are to stay HUMBLE also. It is a false facade that his money portrays. And yes, many will follow the false prophets. Wide is the way to destruction and narrow is the way to God.
So this is what they mean by fake news. How about a picture of the Southwest Freeway side of the church…say around the Buffalo Speedway underpass.
He is a fake as a pastor if he doesn’t open the doors because the house of the lord always has its doors open for everyone but he doesn’t know that because he is to busy worrying about how much money he is making but when his day comes let’s see if God open his doors up for him for turn down the good Lord’s children in a time like this
Gosh, the poor might track mud all over the new carpeting. WWJD, Joel?
What a really companionate pastor. I guess if they don’t donate money to him & his church he isn’t interested in helping them. Pretty heartless.
Never have cared that much for Joel Osteen, but in his defense, the river runs on the back side of the church, not the front. There is a very good possibility that the flooding is where you’re not being shown, the back side of the church.
Just checked FEMA web site and Joel Osteen’s church is absolutely in the flood zone. So this is FAKE NEWS.
Fake news is a stupid comment. The fact that his church is not open is factual. The reasons for not opening are not discussed in the article. The speculation on the reason why is in the comments. Reading comprehension is really important. When you holler fake news, you ought to at least use the term accurately so as not to make yourself look ignorant. . .
TeeTard!
Actually it’s not flooded. Check your sources. TRUE NEWS!
So “supposedly” the church is flooded, cannot be accessed, but yet they have been requesting people to donate items to the church for the last few days (way before they announced opening their doors to the public)? How is that possible? Maybe because the church and surrounding areas were never flooded like labeled to be. He didn’t open his doors until people publicly called him out.
Jesus would sit down, fashion a whip and drive the Devil out of you. And how many people have you taken into your home? Hypocrite!
There it is WWJD…. He has lost sight of his calling. God does not like ugly!
Because he’s a FAKE,…. Money Grubber!!!!
And how many people have you taken into your home? Hypocrite!
As a matter of fact, I’ve taken 1 person and 1 dog into my home, a friend from Galvaston.
Shouldn’t you let them answer your question before you call them a Hypocrite? And PTL, because God came to save the hypocrites and sinners, if and only if they repent and accept Jesus Christ as their savior. This is not a message that Joel Osteen speaks and yes I have listen to him for myself.
BTW, in case you ask me the same question: I’m single foster mother and I work with women in recovery. Not that my works matter because, “it is BY FAITH that you are saved, not by works lest any man boost.”
Not a Christian!!!!!!!!!! What would Jesus do???????
He is a Christian. A perfect example of the Lord at work fleecing the flock. And they all buy it
He CLAIMS he is a Christian. As the Bible says, “By their fruits you shall recognize them. (Matthew 7:20)”
Jesus never fleeced any flock you fool. Jesus was selfless and poor. Jesus said beware of false prophets. Matthew 7:15. Joel Osteen is not a sincere disciple of Jesus Christ.
And how many people have you taken into your home? Hypocrite!
Absolutely incorrect. He’s a perfect example of what a Christian is NOT. Why do people like you always crawl out of the woodwork every time you think you see an opportunity to bash Christians?
He is a charlatan. But there are thousands of dumb sheep who think he is great. He exploits them and sells them snake oil and they buy it in their ignorance and gullibility and weakness.
Just like those that voted for our current president.
What an ignorant, hateful, spiteful, and utterly stupid comment. We voted for our president because we knew that both Democrat candidates were completely incompetent for the job and most of the Republican candidates couldn’t match Trump when it came to addressing the economy. Sit down.
Rob – you still think rump is doing fine? He and his cronies have just pushed through the Senate a tax bill that gives the rich big tax breaks. Of course, sick and hungry kids and their families are thrown to the side because “they don’t have the money”. And you and I are going to have higher taxes.
Not to mention rump has his finger on the atomic bomb button. Feel safe?
I understand why he won’t open the church. Many People (not all) would go in there and trash and loot the church. Sorry, it is a shame, but a lot of people just don’t care for other peoples property.
There are always great reasons to not help the poor, marginalized, displaced, and downtrodden. And then there was Jesus. Are you honestly going to argue that if Jesus owned that building, he would have to say “no” because he didn’t want the church to get sullied in the process?
A rich selfish man has as much hope of getting into heaven as a camel has of passing thru the eye of a needle… Lots of Luck, Joel !
EXACTLY! What WOULD Jesus do …
Exactly Michael, Jesus would not worry about the building, buildings can be replaced, but his people are special to him, this is sad
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh, just not in my house, I have nice carpets, you slobs.”
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh, but just not at my house, I have nice carpet, you stinking, thieving slobs.”
Wow! So many have lost everything they worked hard to own, and you are worried they might destroy a multi-millionaire con-man’s property? Shame on you……….
And how many people have you taken into your home? Hypocrite!
Amber Rose, I would but I am not in Houston. However, as an example, the church I was a member of, (when it was between the old family Christ-Like church style, and what it has become like this guys church) when there was a massive fire near the church, volunteers from all over this major city drove across town in the middle of the night to open our church up to victims of the fire, the church did not have a dress code at the door… We did not stop and worry about our literally BRAND New church campus from becoming dirty, or damaged… (About 18 years ago) We (the church) used the 2 massive (TV/projector) screens in the walls to play movies, and help our new neighbors… Sadly this church turned into another “Joel Osteen” style of social club… I left in 2005 because of the church becoming a for profit political joke… So before calling people Hypocrites, first please do it on an equal basis, your argument of private people opening their homes to victims, does not hold up to opening a church that is SUPPOSED to be GOD’S HOUSE… Had people complained that the dip didn’t open his multi-million dollar home to victims, your argument of hypocrisy would work…. Not that it matters, but did you open YOUR home to victims?
Yes, so there you go, property before life. That’s exactly why I would not invest one dime in church.
It’s supposedly ‘GOD”s” House..A lot of people ‘just don’t care’ about the afflicted.Do they,Marilyn Strong..
If your a christian, that the risk you take. WWJD. Never did like him and always thought he was a fake, period.
My 10,000 member church opened its doors to flood victims during the Colorado floods and had no difficulties because church volunteers and staff were always around to comfort and assist the victims. Don’t assume victims wouldn’t be extremely grateful and be respectful.
I live in Louisiana and let me tell you the liability it would be . The super dome in New Orleans opened for victims of Katrina, there were countless rapes that happened. In facilitating such a big facility is no easy feat.
I see Joel is showing his true colors!
This man is a false prophet he’s all about money you don’t give a fuck about you
Lakewood opened the sanctuary to people affected by Allison in 2001 when Lakewood was located in Northeast Houston. It was one of the few locations that would take humans and pets.
At the new location (since 2005) 90% of the parking is underground, which is part of an office complex that uses the surrounding buildings Monday through Friday.
The freeways to access the current location are flooded, so it would be an empty gesture to say “Come on over, we’ll take you in if you can get here.”
After Ike in 2008, Lakewood was used as a collection and distribution center.
They can get there by boat: http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/article163349603.html
I am saddened that people fall for such pathetic assholes.The man is a greedy individual living a lifestyle that many of his poor followers could never enjoy. Fuck you Joel Olsteen.
Pathetic Hypocrite and charmer to steal money from millions of people.
Fuck you, Arthur MedicineEagle-Sonier
Osteen is a FRAUD!!!
To hell with your church you hypocrite. Open your fat ass wallet . Man of God? Bull tacos.
Of course Joel Osteen is a Christian and precious, loving man. I consider him more to be a “positive-thinking” preacher. From what I read elsewhere, the highways around his building have been flooded and so has some of the basement of the building. Joel may have offered his facility and may have been denied by the authorities for “whatever” reason … let’s wait to hear the particulars before we jump to conclusions …..
Facts have to matter guys. He opened it in 2001 when it was needed. This time however the church itself is flooded. Pictures at the bottom. http://buzz.blog.ajc.com/2017/08/28/people-are-criticizing-and-defending-joel-osteen-amid-houston-deluge/
Joel Osteen is allegedly known as the cotton candy preacher. He’s allegedly using church as a business to profit and further his suspected secret agenda: just to make money and preach prosperity, such as his allegedly partner in crime “Bishop T.D. Jakes a.k.a. T.D. Steaks.”
He’s the same one that Said Jesus was not the Only way to God on The Larry King show.
Where in this article, besides the inflammatory headline, does it say that Osteen “refused” to open the church? It quotes what he said, which had nothing to do with “refusing” to open the church.
Joel Olsten is not my favorite pastor here in Houston but this super fake news is getting on my nerves. If you actually live in Houston like I do, you understand that MOST highways are closed. Its also very easy to be flooded on one side of the building and not the other. I live in Houston and its not flooded in my actual neighborhood but the street into it is completely flooded. Why would he open the church and compromise the safety of people trying to get to an area that is almost completely flooded? You trolls just want something negative to say. I bet there are not many ACTUAL Houstonians saying things like this because WE ACTUAL are living this and know and understand.
The roads are clear by the church so…
I cannot believe how eager people are to condemn this man without knowing the facts…
If the building is in fact flooded, that’s understandable, but if not, that’s a Damn shame that a supposed man of God would turn his back on his fellow man during this horrible occurrence. But, I’m not going to condemn someone until I know the facts.
It’s simple; prayer doesn’t work. Harvey wasn’t affected by prayer. Check out the famous Templeton study on heart patients. Prayer had no efficacy…Is it because no one’s there?
He is a fake money hungry false phrophet of God. He should live in a shack. Not get any money for his service. He is the main reason I shun churches. I am a Mormon now and non of the ministry get paid…. No one!!! We serve out of love …… We help were help is needed…. Not For-profit
Everybody needs to grow up…and stop judging…. If you can’t say nice things stfu…besides I don’t hear anyone on here offering to take in people and most of you are probably well off GROW up people
Joel is an author..he has sold a LOT of books. so he isn’t spending money people have given to the church…he doesn’t need to – he is Rich from being an author. as far as putting people in his church…that isn’t his job- that’s the government job.
Nice way of thinking .. Just let people die ..with 16,000 ppl space avaliable.. its government jobs
(by the way public pressure made in open the doors)
His wife looks like a tranny, it was foggy, but. Just saying
Not taking sides but whomever wrote this didn’t do basic research.
Place is flooded. Didn’t we learn this lesson from Katrina?
Matthew 25:42-46
“For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
~~~Jesus~~~
Matthew 10:8
“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons: freely you have received, freely give.”
~~~Jesus~~~
Mark 10:21
“Sell EVERYTHING you have and give it to the poor.”
~~~Jesus~~~
Maybe he saw pictures of the New Orleans super dome after Katrina victims left it.
judge not and ye shall not be judged ! Keep true to yourself and your own life ……. GOD will take care of the rest. Do not condemn others without examining yourselves first.
Beating down other Christians seems the Christian thing to do. Often wondered why God would let someone like King David have anything after all the ‘questionable decisions’ he made in his life.
You might do some research before writing your articles: http://www.faithwire.com/2017/08/29/here-is-the-complete-story-behind-the-attacks-on-joel-osteens-lakewood-church/
God remembers those who suffer; he does not forget their cry, and he punishes those who wrong them. (Psalm 9:12 GNT) Bible, God, jesus, lord,
It’s always the preaching types to be the first to disappoint isn’t it? I bet you a liberal atheist or a biker with tattoos would open their doors sooner than any televangelist
What would be the difference if the Church had flooded and ruined and had to be restored, or all these people came in and made a mess? I take it as a sign from God that it’s available to shelter God’s people. I understand Olsteen doesn’t want a repeat of New Orleans colliseum tragedy, but his faith should open those doors or he needs to be done preaching.
fake Christian.
He’s a phony prick!!!!! Would Billy Graham ever do that, leave people to suffer????/ NO WAY!!!! Joel, rot in hell!
This one is simple! GOOD! Two scriptures in the Bible, “What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world but lose his own soul?” The second being, “Store up your treasures in HEAVEN”………Enough said…….God knows the rest and will reward accordingly.