Joel Osteen, a prominent figure in American religious circles, leads the Houston megachurch that recently witnessed a tragic shooting.
Tragedy Strikes at Houston Megachurch
A tragic incident unfolded at a well-known Texas megachurch when a woman, accompanied by her 7-year-old son and armed with a long gun, began shooting. The situation escalated until law enforcement officers fatally shot her.
Houston’s Faith Community Shaken
The gunfire resulted in her child being critically injured and another man wounded.
Investigations are now underway at televangelist Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church, located about 6 miles from downtown Houston.
The Charismatic Preacher
Osteen, known for his radiant smile, wavy hair, and popular interpretation of Christianity, regularly addresses around 45,000 attendees in a repurposed basketball arena.
His televised sermons reach millions.
Following Father’s Footsteps
Following in his father’s footsteps, Osteen expanded the congregation significantly. His book, “Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living Your Full Potential,” sold nearly 3 million copies.
A Melting Pot of Faith
His services attract a diverse congregation, comprising whites, Blacks, and Hispanics, a rare sight in most Americanchurches.
Nationwide Appeal
In the mid-2000s, Osteen was America’s most-watched preacher, reaching 95% of households, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Positivity’s Preacher Faces Criticism
Known as the “smiling preacher,” Joel Osteen conveyed to The Associated Press in 2004 his belief that his uplifting messages of hope and encouragement have a wide appeal. However, his relaxed approach to preaching—often prioritizing positivity over traditional, more intense sermons—has faced some criticism.
Prosperity Gospel
Osteen’s teachings align with the Prosperity Gospel, a branch of evangelical Christianity.
This doctrine, as explained by Mark Ward Sr., a University of Houston-Victoria communication professor and evangelical media analyst, suggests that devout followers of God are rewarded materially.
Prosperity for All
Ward summarized this belief to The Associated Press, stating, ”God wants to bless you. And if you have enough faith, he will. You can prosper. And you can live your best life now. And that is a very appealing message to both white and Black evangelical audiences.”
Behind the Tragedy
The recent tragic shooting at Joel Osteen’s Houston megachurch involved Genesse Ivonne Moreno, 36, identified as both the shooter and the mother of the critically injured boy.
Moreno reportedly had a history of mental illness, including a 2016 emergency detention.
Texas’ History of Church Shootings
This incident is not the first involving gunfire in a Texas place of worship. Osteen, addressing his 10 million followers on the social media platform X, expressed his community’s devastation.
In Darkness, Osteen Preaches Faith
He urged faith and resilience, stating, “In the face of such darkness, we must hold onto our faith and remember evil will not prevail. God will guide us through the darkest of times. Together, we will rise above this tragedy and stand firm in our commitment to love and support one another.”
The Reluctant Preacher’s Rise
Osteen, who had no initial preaching aspirations, unexpectedly stepped into this role just before his father’s passing in 1999. His father, John Osteen, founded Lakewood Church in 1959 in a former feed store.
Unlikely Leader of Lakewood
Joel Osteen, now leading the large Lakewood Church, never envisioned himself as a preacher before his father’s death in 1999.
The Divine Call to Preach
His father, John Osteen, founded the church in 1959. Joel, initially a television producer for his father’s ministry after leaving Oral Roberts University, reluctantly preached for the first time when his father was hospitalized.
Following his father’s death, Joel felt a divine calling to continue preaching.
Critics vs. Supporters
While some criticize his “cotton-candy theology” for lacking depth, others, like Rice University professor William Martin, acknowledge Osteen’s sincerity and upbeat, non-confrontational style.
Broadcasting Faith
During a period of significant media changes, including the rise of the internet and media deregulation, Joel Osteen’s father expanded Lakewood Church.
This era allowed televangelists like Osteen to buy airtime on major networks, requiring broadly appealing messages.
Wide Reach
Osteen’s non-political approach and his church’s unique experience, featuring multimedia transcendence instead of traditional religious symbols, has successfully attracted a wide audience.
$75 Million Transformation
The church, housed in the former Houston Rockets arena, underwent a $75 million transformation, excluding traditional symbols but including modern amenities like waterfalls, large screens, and concert-level lighting.
Osteen believes in offering uplifting services, comparing his church’s appeal to that of a ‘good restaurant.’
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