Joel Osteen is a prominent American televangelist, pastor, and bestselling author, known for his uplifting and positive message of faith and hope. Born on March 5, 1963, in Houston, Texas, Osteen inherited the role of senior pastor of Lakewood Church from his father, John Osteen, in 1999, following his father’s passing.
Under Joel Osteen’s leadership, Lakewood Church has experienced remarkable growth, becoming one of the largest megachurches in the United States. The church, originally founded in 1959, moved to the Compaq Center, a former sports arena, to accommodate its large congregation. Osteen’s charismatic preaching style and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life have been instrumental in attracting thousands of worshippers.
In addition to his preaching, Osteen is also a prolific author, having written several bestselling books, including “Your Best Life Now,” “Become a Better You,” and “The Power of I Am.” His books offer practical advice on achieving personal success and spiritual fulfillment, drawing upon biblical principles and Osteen’s own experiences.
It has been known that Joel Osteen, leading America’s biggest megachurch, thinks that being gay is a sin. This caused rage amongst the LGBTQ community. This made people speculate about Osteen’s own sexuality. Is Joel Osteen gay? Read this article to find out about his personal life and real sexuality.
VOTE: What is Joel Osteen’s Sexuality?
Joel Osteen’s Relationships
Joel Osteen’s relationships have been a subject of interest and speculation among his followers and the public. He is married to Victoria Osteen, whom he met in 1985. Victoria serves as co-pastor alongside Joel at Lakewood Church and is actively involved in their ministry.
Joel and Victoria Osteen have been married for over three decades and have two children together, Jonathan and Alexandra. Their marriage has been portrayed as a strong partnership and a testament to their faith. They often speak about the importance of maintaining a healthy and loving relationship, and their marriage is seen as an example by many of their followers.
The Osteens have faced their share of challenges, including criticism and controversies surrounding their ministry. However, they have consistently presented a united front and have stood by each other in the face of adversity. Their relationship has been seen as a source of strength and support for both Joel and Victoria.
While the Osteens maintain a public presence, they also strive to protect their privacy and keep their personal lives away from the public eye. They prioritize their family and their marriage, and their commitment to each other is evident in their actions and public statements.
Joel Osteen’s Take On LGBTQ+ Community
Joel Osteen’s views on LGBTQ individuals and related issues have been a subject of discussion and debate. As a prominent religious figure, his stance on LGBTQ rights and inclusion within the church has attracted attention and scrutiny.
The LGBTQ community was anxious when Osteen said that being gay is a sin and suggested that they can somehow change their sexuality.
I believe that it’s a process. But I believe that God can give us grace to change. We’ve seen people break addictions, and do other things as well.”
he said to Piers Morgan in an interview in 2011
Joel Osteen has not been explicit or outspoken about his views on homosexuality and LGBTQ rights. He has generally avoided discussing contentious social and political topics, preferring to focus on delivering positive and uplifting messages of faith, hope, and personal growth.
I believe that scripture says that [homosexuality] a sin, but I always follow that up by saying you know what, we’re not against anybody.”
There’s a lot of things, Larry, that I don’t understand, so I just don’t want to preach on it, preach about it. It only comes up during the interviews.”
he said in an interview with Larry King in 2014
Lakewood Church, under Osteen’s leadership, has been described as a non-denominational Christian church that aims to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment to all individuals. However, the church has been known to hold traditional conservative values on issues such as marriage and sexuality.
Some critics argue that Osteen’s avoidance of addressing LGBTQ issues is indicative of a conservative stance, while others believe that his silence implies a more accepting and tolerant position. It is worth noting that silence or lack of explicit statements can lead to varying interpretations and speculation.
Is Joel Osteen Gay?
No, Joel Osteen is not gay. He is known to be against the LGBTQ community, which frustrates queer folks. He has been married to his wife Victoria Osteen since 1987 and has two children.