Joel Osteen is a renowned American televangelist, author, and media personality; best known as the son of late John Osteen the founder of the Lakewood Church situated in Houston, Texas, in the United States. He garnered fame through his televised sermons on Sirius FM, Channel 128. In addition to that, he has authored several New York Times Bestselling books. Learn more about his bio, wife, kids, divorce, and other interesting facts below.
Bio
Born Joel Scott Osteen in Houston, Texas, on March 5, 1963; Joel was born to American parents Dolores Pilgrim (mother) and her husband John Osteen. He received his basic education from the Humble High School, Texas; and also attended Oral Roberts University, Oklahoma where he studied radio and television communications but never graduated. Joel returned to Houston in 1982; after which he founded a television program where he televised his father’s sermon for over fifteen years. The program ended in 1999, following his father’s demise. He died of a heart attack.
Prior to his death; his father had always encouraged him to start preaching but he preferred working behind the scenes. He preached his first sermon on January 17, 1999, and his father died six days later. After his father’s death, he became a regular preacher; thus, stepping into the shoes of his father. He was further installed as the senior pastor of Lakewood church later in the same year. His church acquired the former Houston Rockets stadium in 2003 and transformed it into a worship centre. The grand opening of the centre was held in 2005.
Joel Osteen has been outstanding since he started preaching the gospel, his church services are viewed in over 100 countries. He was named among the 10 Most Fascinating People by Barbara Walters and was described as an inspirational author by former US Presidential candidate John McCain. He was at the White House with his family in 2010 when he honoured President Obama’s invitation for Easter Breakfast. Additionally, Joel has authored several motivational books which include 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day and 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential which are New York Times bestsellers.
Family: What To Know About His Wife (Victoria), Son, and Daughter
Joel is one of the six children born to John Osteen and his wife Dolores Pilgrim. His father was the former pastor of Southern Baptist Church; as well as the founder of the Lakewood Church. He has three older siblings Lisa, Tamara, and Paul, as well as his younger sister April Osteen who are also into full-time ministry. He also has his half-brother Justin who does missionary works in New York City.
While the gifted man of God is doing well in his ministry, he got hitched to the love of his life Victoria-Joel Osteen who was born on March 28, 1961, in Huntsville, Alabama. She is the daughter of Donald IIoff who worked with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Agency (NASA). Victoria grew up in the southern suburb of Houston. After her high school education, she enrolled at the University of Houston where she studied psychology, although she did not graduate.
During her college days, Victoria was combining both her academics and a job in her mother’s jewellery shop situated in Houston. While at the shop, she met her future husband Joel Osteen who came to change his watch battery sometime in 1985. The duo never knew that the meeting was going to change their lives forever. Seeing the connection between them, they began their relationship. They had their first date in the church and after two years of a successful relationship, they decided to seal their love in nuptial bliss. The lovebirds exchanged marital vows on April 4, 1987, and their wedding was well attended by friends and family members.
They were blessed with two children – a son named Jonathan Osteen, born on April 20, 1995; and a daughter named Alexandra Osteen who was born on November 9, 1998. Just like their parents, Jonathan and Alex are also in their family ministry. Jonathan joined the family’s band group as a teenager and he organized several concerts; while his younger sister Alexandra often ends his concert by singing A Night of Hope. Osteen’s children are so talented and amazing; their popularity has been on the increase since they started singing in Lakewood’s televised services. Speculations are already flying around that the duo will fit into their parents’ shoes. Joel Osteen and his family currently reside in their mansion located in River Oaks.
Divorce Rumors
Joel Osteen and his wife have been enjoying a blissful married life for over three decades. They have attributed the secret of their long-standing marriage to keeping their relationship away from the media eye. Although there have been several rumours about them getting a divorce, their love keeps growing stronger. As we all know, there’s no perfect marriage, Joel and his wife may have had a series of issues in their marriage but have never made it open to the media. Besides, the couple is currently focused on their ministry and there is no sign of divorce between them.
