Origins & Early Life

Joel Scott Osteen ( OH-steen; born March 5, 1963) is an American pastor, televangelist, businessman, and author based in Houston, Texas, United States. Known for his weekly televised services and several best-selling books, Osteen is one of the more prominent figures associated with prosperity theology and the Word of Faith movement. Osteen was born in Houston, Texas, and is one of six children of John Osteen and Dolores ("Dodie") Pilgrim. His father, a former Southern Baptist pastor, founded Lakewood Church (of which Osteen is the current senior pastor) in the back of an old feed store.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Osteen graduated from Humble High School in Humble, Texas, in 1981. He attended Oral Roberts University for one year as a radio and television communications student before dropping out. Osteen does not hold a divinity school degree. In 1982, Osteen returned to Houston after leaving Oral Roberts University. He founded Lakewood's television program, later becoming ordained through his father's church in 1983.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Osteen produced his father's televised sermons for 17 years until January 1999, when his father died of a heart attack. He would preach his first sermon on January...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aldous Huxley — Contemporary (Died in 1963) (1963): English writer and philosopher known for social satire and mystical explorations.
• Brad Pitt — Contemporary (Born in 1963) (1963): Esteemed American actor and producer with a career spanning over three decades.
• C. S. Lewis — Contemporary (Died in 1963) (1963): Influential British author, theologian, and scholar known for Narnia and Christian apologetics.
• Alessandro Volta — Shared historical date (03-05 · Died) (1827): Pioneering Italian physicist, credited with the electric battery and electrochemistry.
• Anna Akhmatova — Shared historical date (03-05 · Died) (1966): A seminal Russian poet whose work chronicled the trauma of the Soviet era.
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• Cho Jeong-sik — Historical peer (Born in 1963) (1963): South Korean politician and current Speaker of the National Assembly.
• Abigail Spencer — Historical peer (Born in 1981) (1981): American actress, producer, and writer known for roles in soap operas and dramas.
• Alicia Keys — Historical peer (Born in 1981) (1981): Award-winning pianist and vocalist known for her soulful R&B sound.
• 1982 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament — Historical peer (Born in 1982) (1982): The 44th annual NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
• 1963 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1963
• March 5 (03-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 5