History of Joel Osteen in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 2, 2025

Joel Osteen is an American pastor, televangelist, businessman, and author known for his televised sermons and best-selling books. He is a prominent figure associated with prosperity theology and the Word of Faith movement, emphasizing faith and positive thinking to achieve success and well-being. Osteen's ministry reaches a large audience through television, books, and online platforms.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education

1921: John Osteen's birth

In 1921, John Osteen, Joel Osteen's father, was born. He later founded Lakewood Church.

1933: Dolores Pilgrim's birth

In 1933, Dolores ("Dodie") Pilgrim, Joel Osteen's mother, was born.

March 5, 1963: Joel Osteen Born

On March 5, 1963, Joel Scott Osteen was born. He is now known as an American pastor, televangelist, businessman, and author.

1981: Graduation from Humble High School

In 1981, Joel Osteen graduated from Humble High School in Humble, Texas.

1982: Return to Houston and Founding of Lakewood's Television Program

In 1982, Joel Osteen returned to Houston after leaving Oral Roberts University and founded Lakewood's television program.

1983: Ordination through Father's Church

In 1983, Joel Osteen was ordained through his father's church.

April 4, 1987: Marriage to Victoria Iloff

On April 4, 1987, Joel Osteen married Victoria Iloff, who later became co-pastor of Lakewood Church.

January 1999: Death of John Osteen

In January 1999, Joel Osteen's father, John Osteen, died of a heart attack.

January 17, 1999: First Sermon

On January 17, 1999, Joel Osteen preached his first sermon.

1999: John Osteen's death

In 1999, John Osteen, Joel Osteen's father, passed away.

2002: Siblings involved in full-time ministry

In 2002, some of Joel Osteen's siblings, including Paul, were involved in full-time ministry.

2003: Lakewood Church acquires Compaq Center

In 2003, Lakewood Church acquired the Compaq Center, former home of the NBA Houston Rockets and the AHL Houston Aeros.

2004: Hosting Night of Hope Events

Since 2004, Joel Osteen and his wife have hosted Night of Hope events, as well as their annual stadium event called "America's Night of Hope", both in the U.S. and around the world.

October 14, 2007: 60 Minutes Segment

On October 14, 2007, 60 Minutes ran a segment on Joel Osteen titled "Joel Osteen Answers His Critics," during which Michael Horton criticized Osteen's message as heresy.

2008: Comments on Mormons

In 2008, during a Fox News interview, Joel Osteen indicated that he believed Mormons were Christians and revealed he had not studied the religion.

2011: Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

In 2011, Joel Osteen and Lakewood Church were sued by the band the American Dollar for copyright infringement.

2011: Support for Israel

In 2011, Joel Osteen stated his support for Israel in an interview.

2012: Ruling in Favor of Osteen

In 2012, a judge ruled in favor of Joel Osteen in the copyright infringement lawsuit brought by the band the American Dollar.

August 2017: Criticism During Hurricane Harvey

During August 2017, in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Joel Osteen faced criticism for not immediately opening Lakewood Church as an emergency shelter. The church later stated it was inaccessible due to severe flooding.

August 15, 2018: City of Houston Proclamation

On August 15, 2018, the City of Houston and Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed a day in honor of Lakewood and Joel Osteen's assistance in rebuilding efforts across the Houston area after Hurricane Harvey.

2018: Sunday Service with Kanye West

In 2018, Joel Osteen hosted an event at Lakewood Church in collaboration with rapper Kanye West, called Sunday Service, which was attended by 17,000 people and streamed online.

2021: Loan Repayment

In 2021, Lakewood Church paid back the $4.4 million CARES Act loan it had received.

December 2023: Debt Retirement

In December 2023, Lakewood Church retired their 19-year debt from a $100 million construction loan.

February 11, 2024: Shooting at Lakewood Church

On February 11, 2024, a woman with a history of mental health issues entered Lakewood Church and began firing an AR-15 rifle. She was killed by off-duty police officers, and her son was critically injured. Another man was wounded.