Joel Osteen, a native Houstonian, has committed his life to serving and helping every person, regardless of background and economic status, to achieve their fullest potential. Having started Lakewood's television ministry, Joel worked side-by-side with his father, Pastor John Osteen, for 17 years, and took Lakewood's positive message of hope to over 100 million households throughout the United States. Under Pastor Joel and Victoria's leadership, Lakewood Church has grown in every area of ministry and has become the largest, fastest growing and most diverse congregations in America today with over 38,000 attending weekly services (Forbes.com and Outreach Magazine).

On July 16, 2005 Lakewood Church moved to its new 16,000 seat worship facility which was the former Compaq Center - home of the NBA World Champion Houston Rockets. Joel and Victoria have transformed this arena that once crowned champions in the world of sports into a beacon of hope and inspiration that are helping people of all ages and backgrounds become Champions in Life.

In addition to its local attendance growth, Joel's television broadcast quickly became the most watched inspirational program in America. Lakewood's weekly television program can now be seen in nearly 200 million households in the US and in over 100 nations around the world including major network coverage in Canada, Australia, India, Korea, Africa and throughout Europe. Visit the author's website at: www.joelosteen.com.