Joel Osteen is an American pastor, televangelist and author.
He was born on March 5, 1963, in Houston, Texas, and is the son of John Osteen, a former Southern Baptist pastor and founder of Lakewood Church.
After his fatherās death, Osteen took over as senior pastor of Lakewood Church, which has since become one of the largest churches in the United States.
Osteen is known for his positive and uplifting messages, which he delivers through his sermons, books, and television broadcasts.
He has authored several best-selling books, including Your Best Life Now and The Power of I Am, which have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Osteenās sermons are broadcast on television and radio stations around the world, and he has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and TIME magazine.
Despite his popularity, he has also faced criticism from some who accuse him of promoting a prosperity gospel that emphasizes material wealth and success.
Osteen has denied these claims, stating that his message is focused on helping people find hope and inspiration in their lives.

Who is Joel Osteen married to?
Osteenās wife is Victoria Osteen, born on March 28, 1961, in Huntsville, Alabama, and grew up in Houston, Texas.
She is a co-pastor at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, alongside her husband.
Victoria is also an author, speaker and philanthropist.
She has written several books, including Love Your Life: Living Happy, Healthy and Whole and Exceptional You!: 7 Ways to Live Encouraged, Empowered and Intentional.
She is known for her positive and uplifting messages, which focus on the power of faith, gratitude and personal growth.
In addition to her work at Lakewood Church, Victoria is involved in various charitable organizations.
She is a board member of the Feed the Children organization and has also worked with organizations such as the Houston Food Bank and the Texas Childrenās Hospital.
How did Joel and Victoria Osteen meet?
Osteen and Victoria met in 1985 at a jewelry store in Houston, Texas.
At the time, Osteen was working for his father, John Osteen, who was known as the original founder of Lakewood Church.
Victoria was shopping for a watch for her motherās birthday and Osteen was the salesperson who helped her.
They struck up a conversation and Osteen asked Victoria if she would like to attend church with him to which she agreed and they began dating soon after.
The two got married on April 4, 1987, at the Lakewood Church.
Today, they are both pastors at the church and have become well-known for their inspirational messages and bestselling books.
They have been married for over 35 years and have two children together; their marriage has been a source of inspiration for many people around the world.

Divorce rumours
There have been persistent rumors about Osteen and his wife getting divorced, but there is no evidence to substantiate these claims, and both Osteen and Victoria have denied them publicly.
The rumors about their divorce have been gaining momentum due to various factors, including controversies and constant public criticism.
However, the truth is that Osteen and Victoria are not divorcing or on the verge of divorce.
They have celebrated 34 years of marriage without any visible signs of marital strife.
The rumors about their divorce started due to the scrutiny that comes with their celebrity status and the public eye they are frequently in.
Joel Osteen career
Osteenās career began in 1999 when he took over as the senior pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, which was founded by his father, John Osteen.
Under his leadership, the church grew rapidly, and it is now one of the largest congregations in the United States, with over 50,000 weekly attendees.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Osteen is also a prolific author, having written numerous best-selling books on topics such as faith, positivity, and personal growth.
He is also a highly sought-after speaker and has delivered keynote addresses at events such as the Global Leadership Summit and the Hillsong Conference.
Osteen has also appeared on numerous television programs, including Larry King Live, The Today Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Despite his success, he has faced criticism from some quarters for his emphasis on prosperity theology, which suggests that material wealth is a sign of Godās favor.
However, Osteen has defended his message, stating that he believes in the power of positive thinking and that his teachings are intended to inspire and uplift his followers.