Joel Osteen is one of the most recognizable Christian voices in the world today, known for his message of hope, faith, and encouragement. Yet, many people are surprised to learn that Joel never planned to become a pastor. He did not attend Bible school to preach, nor did he initially feel qualified to stand behind the pulpit.
His journey into ministry began not with ambition, but with a quiet encounter with God and a reluctant obedience to a divine call.
Joel Osteen’s Early Life and Faith Background
Joel Scott Osteen was born on March 5, 1963, in Houston, Texas, into a Christian home. His father, John Osteen, was the founder and pastor of Lakewood Church, a small Baptist congregation that later grew into a thriving charismatic church.
Although Joel grew up surrounded by church life, he was naturally shy and reserved. Unlike his father, who was bold and outspoken, Joel preferred working behind the scenes. He attended Oral Roberts University, where he studied radio and television communications—but not theology.
At this point in his life, Joel loved God, but he did not see himself as a preacher.
The Quiet Encounter That Changed Everything
Joel Osteen has often shared that his encounter with God was not dramatic or emotional in the traditional sense. Instead, it was a gentle but persistent inner calling.
While working in his father’s ministry, Joel began feeling a deep conviction in his heart—an awareness that God had more planned for him than he was currently doing. He sensed God urging him to step beyond his comfort zone.
Yet, fear held him back.
He struggled with self-doubt, often telling himself:
“I’m not bold enough.”
“I don’t speak like my father.”
“I’m not trained to preach.”
Still, the calling would not leave.
> “God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.”
Serving Behind the Scenes at Lakewood Church
Instead of preaching, Joel chose to serve quietly. In 1982, he founded Lakewood’s television ministry, producing and directing his father’s weekly broadcasts.
For 17 years, Joel remained behind the camera, ensuring the message reached homes across America. During this time, Lakewood Church grew steadily, and Joel learned ministry by observation—watching his father preach, pray, and pastor.
Unknown to him, God was preparing him.
The Defining Moment: Stepping Into the Pulpit
In 1999, tragedy struck. Pastor John Osteen passed away unexpectedly after complications from heart surgery.
In the midst of grief, Joel faced a life-altering decision. Church leaders encouraged him to take over as senior pastor, but fear overwhelmed him. He strongly felt unqualified.
After much prayer, Joel experienced a decisive moment with God. He realized that obedience mattered more than confidence.
He later shared that God impressed this truth on his heart:
> “If you will step out in faith, I will give you the grace.”
Joel said yes.
Joel Osteen’s First Sermon and Early Challenges
Joel preached his first sermon on January 17, 1999. Nervous and unsure, he relied heavily on notes and prayed earnestly for God’s help.
What followed surprised everyone—including Joel himself.
The congregation responded warmly. His gentle, hopeful teaching style resonated deeply with people who felt discouraged, broken, or forgotten. Instead of fiery preaching, Joel spoke about:
God’s love
Healing from pain
Hope for the future
Trusting God in hard seasons
The Growth of Lakewood Church
Under Joel Osteen’s leadership, Lakewood Church experienced unprecedented growth.
Weekly attendance grew from about 6,000 to over 40,000
The church moved into the former Houston Rockets NBA arena
Services began reaching millions globally through television and digital media
Joel’s encounter with God had transformed into a global ministry impacting people from all walks of life.
Joel Osteen’s Message and Ministry Today
Joel Osteen’s ministry focuses on lifting people’s faith and helping them see God as a loving Father. His books have become international bestsellers, translated into dozens of languages.
Despite criticism, Joel remains committed to preaching a message of hope, reminding believers that:
> God is not finished with them yet.
Lessons From Joel Osteen’s Story
Joel Osteen’s journey teaches powerful spiritual truths:
God often calls us quietly, not loudly
Fear does not disqualify a calling
Obedience opens the door to grace
You don’t have to be like anyone else—God uses your uniqueness
> “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord. — Zechariah 4:6
Conclusion
Joel Osteen’s encounter with God was not marked by lightning or visions, but by faithful obedience to a gentle calling. From behind the camera to the global pulpit, his story reminds us that when God calls, He also equips.
If God could use a shy, behind-the-scenes servant to lead one of the world’s largest churches, then He can certainly use anyone willing to say yes.