Table: Joel Osteen’s Personal Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $100 Million |
| Salary | Not Applicable |
| Birthdate | March 5, 1963 (60 years old) |
| Birthplace | Houston |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.82 m) |
| Profession | Writer, Televangelist, Pastor, Author, Evangelist, Preacher |
| Nationality | United States of America |
What is Joel Osteen’s Net Worth?
Joel Osteen, an American preacher, televangelist, and author, has an estimated net worth of $100 million. He gained prominence as the pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. However, Osteen has faced criticism for his personal wealth and advocacy of the “prosperity gospel,” which focuses on individual enrichment. Nonetheless, his messages resonate with a significant number of followers, and his mega-church occupies a 600,000 square-foot former sports stadium with a seating capacity of 17,000.
Highlights
– Joel Osteen’s net worth is $100 million.
– He became the pastor of Lakewood Church after his father’s passing in 1999.
– Osteen’s messages have been both praised and criticized for their focus on personal enrichment.
– Lakewood Church is a 600,000 square-foot former sports stadium with a seating capacity of 17,000.
– Osteen’s income primarily comes from book advances, book royalties, speaking fees, and merchandise sales.
Early Life
Joel Scott Osteen was born on March 5, 1963, in Houston, Texas. He is the son of John Osteen and Dolores Pilgrim and grew up in a large family with six children. Osteen attended Humble High School and later studied radio and television communications at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, although he did not graduate.
Career
Joel Osteen inherited Lakewood Church and its television ministry from his father, a Southern Baptist pastor. He spearheaded the church’s television program and produced his father’s TV sermons for 17 years. Following his father’s death in 1999, Osteen assumed the role of pastor and televangelist, despite having minimal formal religious training.
Under Osteen’s leadership, Lakewood Church acquired the Compaq Center in 2003, spending over $105 million on renovations to transform it into a place of worship. The church’s grand opening was attended by several notable guests, including Governor Rick Perry and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Over the years, Lakewood Church’s TV ministry has expanded globally, reaching millions of viewers in different countries.
Personal Life
Joel Osteen married Victoria IIoff, a co-pastor at Lakewood Church, on April 4, 1987. They have two children together. Osteen generally avoids preaching about controversial and political issues, although he has expressed disapproval of homophobia and shown support for Israel. The Osteens reside in a 17,000 square-foot mansion in the Houston suburbs, which they purchased for $10.5 million in 2010.
Net Worth Over Time
Joel Osteen’s net worth has grown significantly throughout his career, primarily driven by book sales, his radio show, speaking engagements, and church collections. Although specific figures are not available, Osteen’s revenue stream generates an estimated $70 million per year.
Components of Net Worth
Osteen’s net worth stems from various sources, including:
1. Book Sales: Joel Osteen is a prolific author, with more than 20 books to his name. His debut book, “Your Best Life Now,” secured a top spot on the New York Times Best Seller list for a record-breaking 200 weeks. His second book, “Become A Better You,” sold 4 million copies and earned Osteen more than $13 million in advances and royalties.
2. Speaking Engagements: Osteen’s popularity and influential messages have enabled him to speak at sold-out sports arenas worldwide. His motivational speeches attract large crowds, generating substantial income through ticket sales.
3. Church Collections: While Osteen does not receive a salary from Lakewood Church since 2005, the church’s collections contribute to overall revenue. Additionally, the church’s global reach and large congregation result in significant donations.
4. Radio Show: Osteen’s radio show reaches millions of listeners worldwide and serves as another revenue stream.
In conclusion, Joel Osteen’s net worth is primarily derived from book sales, speaking engagements, and his church’s collections. His global influence and popularity have allowed him to accumulate a substantial fortune, which is estimated at $100 million. Despite controversy surrounding his personal wealth, Osteen continues to inspire millions with his positive messages of faith and self-improvement.