Who Owns Lakewood Church? A Deep Dive (or Shallow Puddle)
So, you wanna know who owns Lakewood Church? Let’s get this straight: it’s not like it’s a mystery novel. There’s no secret society guarding the keys to the kingdom (or the church, in this case). But hey, let’s have some fun with it, shall we?
The Osteen Dynasty: It’s a Family Affair
If you’ve ever turned on a TV, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the Osteen family. They’re like the Kardashians, but with better hair and a lot more talk about Jesus. At the helm of Lakewood Church is none other than the charismatic Joel Osteen, and his trusty sidekick (and wife), Victoria.
Now, before you start thinking this is some sort of religious monarchy, let’s be clear: Lakewood Church is a non-profit organization. But the Osteens are definitely the power couple in charge. It’s like they're the CEO and COO of a really big, really spiritual company.
From Feed Store to Mega-Church: A Humble Beginning (Sort Of)
You might be surprised to learn that Lakewood Church didn’t start out as a giant, air-conditioned worship space. Nope, it began life as a humble feed store. Talk about a transformation! John Osteen, Joel’s dad, had the vision to turn this dusty old building into a place of worship. And boy, did it ever take off!
Fast forward a few decades, and we have the Lakewood Church we know and love today. It’s like the ultimate glow-up story, but with more sermons and less makeup.
So, Who Really Calls the Shots?
To sum it up: Lakewood Church is owned by a non-profit organization, but the Osteen family is the driving force behind it. They’re the pastors, the visionaries, and the faces of the church. It’s a family business, but with a slightly larger clientele than your average mom-and-pop shop.
Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty.
How To... Lakewood Church Edition
- How to attend a Lakewood service: Just show up! They have multiple services every week, so you're bound to find a time that works for you.
- How to watch Lakewood online: Head over to their website or check them out on your favorite streaming platform.
- How to get involved at Lakewood: They offer a ton of volunteer opportunities, so find something you're passionate about and get involved.
- How to donate to Lakewood: You can donate online, by mail, or in person. Every little bit helps!
- How to understand the prosperity gospel: This one's a bit tricky. There's a lot of debate about it, so do your own research and form your own opinion.