The Rise Of Lakewood Church And Joel Osteen

He was the most unlikely of protégés—a young man with no college or seminary degree and virtually no preaching experience. Yet, Joel Osteen was handed the reins of his father’s lifelong ministry when John Osteen died suddenly in 1999. Here are the behind-the-scenes details of the miraculous rise of Lakewood Church from humble beginnings in a Texas feed store to becoming the largest church in America. Learn the inside story that catapulted Joel Osteen to prominence as one of the most influential Christian voices of our generation. From the life and times of John and Joel Osteen, you will learn the power of vision, humility, integrity, faith, and much more. You will be inspired and encouraged, and never again will you doubt what God can do with those who are fully devoted to Him!

Joel Osteen, the smiling preacher, has quickly emerged as one of the most recognizable Protestant leaders in the country. His megachurch, the Houston based Lakewood Church, hosts an average of over 40,000 worshipers each week. Osteen is the best-selling author of numerous books, and his sermons and inspirational talks appear regularly on mainstream cable and satellite radio. How did Joel Osteen become Joel Osteen? How did Lakewood become the largest megachurch in the U. S.? Salvation with a Smile, the first book devoted to Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen, offers a critical history of the congregation by linking its origins to post-World War II neopentecostalism, and connecting it to the exceptionally popular prosperity gospel movement and the enduring attraction of televangelism. In this richly documented book, historian Phillip Luke Sinitiere carefully excavates the life and times of Lakewood’s founder, John Osteen, to explain how his son Joel expanded his legacy and fashioned the congregation into America’s largest megachurch. As a popular preacher, Joel Osteen’s ministry has been a source of existential strength for many, but also the routine target of religious critics who vociferously contend that his teachings are theologically suspect and spiritually shallow. Sinitiere’s keen analysis shows how Osteen’s rebuttals have expressed a piety of resistance that demonstrates evangelicalism’s fractured, but persistent presence. Salvation with a Smile situates Lakewood Church in the context of American religious history and illuminates how Osteen has parlayed an understanding of American religious and political culture into vast popularity and success.

A best-selling motivational reference by the top-selling author of Your Best Life Now counsels readers on how to apply seven action steps to discover individual purpose and destiny, in a guide complemented by biblical principles, devotions, and personal testimonies. Reprint

Change your life through two simple words with this compact book based on The Power of I Am by #1 New York Times bestselling author and Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen. In his bestselling book The Power of I Am, Joel Osteen taught that whatever follows the words "I am" will always come looking for you. Now, with this compact digest edition, perfect for on-the-go reading or as a gift, Joel emphasizes that if you stop criticizing yourself, you can instead discover your inner strengths, natural talents, and unique abilities and live the life of joy and power God intended for you. Rise to a new level and invite God's goodness by focusing on I AM!

Experience the joy of God's message and begin each day with a positive outlook with these words of wisdom from Lakewood Church pastor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen. Research that shows people are happiest on Fridays. Now, learn how you can generate this level of contentment and joy every day of the week. As a man who maintains a constant positive outlook in spite of circumstances, Osteen has described this message as a core theme of his ministry. With personal experiences, scriptural insights, and principles for true happiness, he'll show you how to find the same opportunities for pure joy that you experience at five o'clock on Friday.

Rise above your greatest trials and discover the power of God's greatness with five simple strategies -- and step into the blessings of your life. We were not created to live average, unrewarding, or unfulfilling lives. God created us to leave our marks on our generations. Every person has seeds of greatness planted within by the Creator. When life weighs upon us, pushes us down, and limits our thinking, we have what it takes to overcome and rise above into the fullness of our destinies. In this dynamic, inspiring and faith-building new book, New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen provides practical steps and encouragement for creating a life without limitations. This book will help you break out and break free so that you can increase your productivity, improve your relationships, and believe in bigger dreams. Here's how you can move beyond barriers: Dare to believe that the best will happen Adopt an irrepressible "break out" attitude Make room for increase Pray bold prayers Follow God's plan beyond your circumstances Filled with faith and inspiration, Break Out! will challenge you to build a new perspective, let nothing hold you back, and reject any limiting labels. Pastor Osteen will inspire you to see that a life-changing attitude begins in your own mind: "When you break through in your mind, believing you can rise higher and overcome obstacles, then God will unleash the power within that will enable you to go beyond the ordinary into the extraordinary life you were designed to live."

#1 New York Times bestselling author and Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen teaches readers to keep their days full of faith, praise, and victory. You would like to savor each moment, grow into your best life, engage in productive relationships, and see your dreams come to pass. But distractions, delays, and disappointments relentlessly hijack your plans and undermine your good intentions. While you can't control everything that comes your way, you can control how life's unexpected setbacks affect your attitude, emotions, thoughts, and actions. In his latest work, #1New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen shows you how to be intentional and Rule Your Day. With his trademark wisdom and unwavering positivity, Joel reveals six keys for claiming control over each new day. He teaches you how to identify faulty thinking, recast your vision for the future, rise above your circumstances, guard your heart and mind against negativity, and transcend distractions to focus on what matters most. When you work with the tools God has given you and take control of your time, you can bounce back from disappointments, prevent poisonous thoughts from entering your atmosphere, and fully enjoy the bright future that's ahead of you. Don't settle for surviving when you could be thriving--Rule Your Day!

It's Your Timeoffers a potent and inspiring message about the power that God has to help you change your life. Bestselling author Joel Osteen issues a call to readers to rise up and seize the opportunities that are available to them every day. He uses compelling examples drawn from the Bible and popular culture to show how everyone has the God given ability to achieve great things. Filled with strong Christian principles, the book is structured around four main concepts-Favor (Faith), Restoration, Belief in Yourself and Lifting Others. Pastor Osteen offers a bigger, bolder message than any of his previous works: God has given you everything you need to change your life, and you must use that power to strive beyond your limits. In Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day, Joel Osteen inspires and motivates readers to live with more joy, hope, and peace. Osteen reveals seven simple yet profound principles that when taken to heart will help everyone become all that God has created them to be. In a straightforward, easy-to-understand style, Osteen explains key biblical values; the text is laced with personal testimonies to enlighten and uplift. Become a Better Youwill encourage each reader to reach his or her unique God-given potential, and will help him enjoy every day of your life, even in the face of challenging circumstances.