History of Joel Osteen in Timeline

"Joel Scott Osteen is a renowned American pastor, televangelist, author, and businessman based in Houston, Texas. He gained significant recognition for his televised weekly services and numerous best-selling books, making him a leading figure in prosperity theology and the Word of Faith movement."

March 5, 1963: Joel Osteen's Birth

On March 5, 1963, Joel Scott Osteen, an American pastor, televangelist, businessman, and author, was born in Houston, Texas.

1981: High School Graduation

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

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

Joel Osteen returned to Houston in 1982. He founded Lakewood Church's television program and produced his father's televised sermons for 17 years.

1983: Ordination

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

April 4, 1987: Marriage to Victoria Osteen

On April 4, 1987, Osteen married Victoria Osteen, who would later become co-pastor of Lakewood Church.

January 1999: Joel Osteen's Father Passes Away

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

January 17, 1999: First Sermon as Pastor

After being ordained through his father's church in 1983, Joel Osteen preached his first sermon on January 17, 1999.

2002: Osteen's Siblings Join Ministry

By 2002, some of Osteen's siblings, including his brother Paul, were involved in full-time ministry.

2003: Lakewood Acquires Compaq Center

Lakewood Church acquired the Compaq Center, the former home of the NBA Houston Rockets and the AHL Houston Aeros, in 2003. The church then renovated it.

October 2004: Release of "Your Best Life Now"

In October 2004, Osteen's first book, "Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential," was released and became a number 1 New York Times Best Seller.

2004: Night of Hope Events Begin

Beginning in 2004, Osteen and his wife started hosting Night of Hope events, including an annual stadium event called "America's Night of Hope."

October 14, 2007: 60 Minutes Segment and Criticism from Michael Horton

On October 14, 2007, 60 Minutes aired a segment on Osteen titled "Joel Osteen Answers His Critics." During the segment, Reformed theologian Michael Horton called Osteen's message "heresy."

October 2007: Release of "Become a Better You"

Osteen's second book, "Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day," was released in October 2007. It topped The New York Times Best Seller list and had an initial printing of three million copies.

2008: Lakewood's Weekly Service Goes International

By 2008, Lakewood Church's weekly service TV program was being viewed in over 100 countries.

2008: Osteen States Mormons are Christian

During an interview on Fox News in 2008, Osteen said he believed Mormons were Christians.

2011: Osteen Voices Support for Israel

In 2011, Osteen expressed his support for Israel.

2011: Copyright Lawsuit Filed Against Osteen

In 2011, the band the American Dollar filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Osteen and Lakewood Church.

2012: Judge Rules in Favor of Osteen

A judge ruled in favor of Osteen in the copyright case in 2012.

March 2017: Lakewood's Finances Reported

In the year ending March 2017, Lakewood Church reported an income of $89 million. More than 90% of the income came from church followers, and less than 1% went to charitable causes, according to the Houston Chronicle.

August 2017: Hurricane Harvey and Criticism Towards Osteen

During the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in August 2017, Osteen faced criticism for not immediately opening Lakewood Church as an emergency shelter for those displaced by the storm. The church maintained it was inaccessible due to flooding at the time.

August 15, 2018: City of Houston Recognizes Lakewood's Rebuilding Efforts

The City of Houston and Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed August 15, 2018, a day to honor Lakewood and Osteen for their assistance in rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Harvey.

2018: Sunday Service with Kanye West

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

February 11, 2024: Shooting at Lakewood Church

On February 11, 2024, a woman with a history of mental health issues entered Lakewood Church between services and began firing an AR-15 rifle. Two off-duty police officers working security returned fire and killed her. Her son, who was with her, was critically injured during the exchange.