Joel Osteen is a prominent figure in the Christian ministry. He gained immense popularity for his positive approach to faith and life. Serving as the senior pastor at the Lakewood Church, he has transformed it into one of the largest congregations in the U.S.
Beyond his role as a pastor, Joel is also an accomplished author, having penned numerous best-selling books that inspire millions around the globe. Additionally, he has been the face of several television productions.
With his books, television programs, and live events, he has amassed considerable wealth over the years. If you are interested to find out about his net worth, read the post below.
Early Life
Joel Osteen’s birth name is Joel Scott Osteen. He was born on 5th March 1963, in Houston. He’s one of six kids of Dolores Pilgrim and John Osteen. His father was a Southern Baptist pastor and later joined the Lakewood Church.
Joel finished high school at Humble High School in Humble, Texas. Afterward, he went to Oral Roberts University to study radio and television communications. However, he dropped out before completing the course.
In 1982, he went back to Houston and started Lakewood’s TV program, working alongside his father. For 17 years, he worked in his dad’s televised sermons. Sadly, his father passed away from a heart attack in 1999.
Career
Joel Osteen started preaching after his father’s demise. He took over the Lakewood Church as well as the TV ministry which was previously managed by his father. His sermons resonated well with the audience, contributing to the church’s growth. He then relocated the church to the Compaq Center to accommodate the new members joining.
The grand opening of the Compaq Center was attended by over 56,000 people. In 2006, Joel was named one of Barbara Walters’s “10 Most Fascinating People.” By 2008, Lakewood Church was broadcasting to over 50,000 people across 100 different countries.
He also authored several books, including “Become a Better You” and “Your Best Life Now.” Both the books turned out to be a success, selling over 14 million copies worldwide. Joel also made appearances on popular TV shows like “The Star” and “Words of Art.”
Personal Life
Joel Osteen is a married man. He tied the knot with his wife Victoria Osteen in 1987. His wife later became a co-pastor at the Lakewood Church. They have two kids together – one daughter and one son. Both his kids are now grown up and assist their parents in the ministry full-time. The Osteen family is currently living in a River Oaks mansion, covering an area of 17,000 square feet.
Net Worth
According to Forbes, Joel Osteen’s net worth will be around $180 million in 2024, making him one of the world’s wealthiest pastors. Despite serving as senior pastor in the Lakewood Church, Joel asserts that he doesn’t receive a salary from the church. Instead, he relies on income generated from his book sales. Besides having a massive net worth, he is also the owner of 16 luxurious mansions. In addition to that he owns several high-end cars, each of which is over $500k.
