Heartbreaking New: Joel Osteen Announces shocking and devasteting news…..
Joel Osteen is a prominent figure in American religious circles.
The pastor of the Houston megachurch, where a 5-year-old boy was critically injured in a shooting incident that also affected a man, is recognized for his radiant smile, distinctive wavy hair, and his widely embraced interpretation of Christianity. The shooter was subsequently killed by off-duty police officers who were providing security at the event.
At the age of 60, Osteen delivers sermons to approximately 45,000 attendees each week in a converted basketball arena, and he reaches millions more through his televised broadcasts.
He succeeded his father in this ministry and has significantly expanded the congregation, increasing its size nearly five-fold. His book, “Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living Your Full Potential,” has sold close to 3 million copies. In the mid-2000s, Osteen was the most viewed preacher in the United States, reaching 95 percent of all households, as reported by Nielsen Media Research.
His services over the years have attracted a nearly equal representation of white, Black, and Hispanic attendees, showcasing a level of diversity that is uncommon in many churches throughout the country.
Known as the “smiling preacher,” Osteen conveyed to The Associated Press in 2004 that his message of hope and encouragement “resonates with people.”
However, his relaxed preaching style has faced criticism for prioritizing uplifting messages over more passionate sermons.
Osteen adheres to a branch of evangelical Christianity known as the Prosperity Gospel, which posits that devotion to God yields rewards for believers, as explained by Mark Ward Sr., a communication professor at the University of Houston-Victoria who studies evangelical mass media.
“Essentially, God wants to bless you. And if you have enough faith, he will,” Ward stated to The Associated Press on Monday. “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.”
