Lakewood Church is a non-denominational Christian megachurch located in Houston, Texas, United States. As of 2007, it is the largest megachurch in the United States [1] with more than 40,000 weekly attendees during its English and Spanish language services. [2] Lakewood Church now occupies the arena previously home to the Houston Rockets. [3]

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Leadership

Joel Osteen, the youngest son of church founder John Osteen, is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church. Joel's wife, Victoria Osteen, serves as co-pastor.

History

Lakewood Church was founded by John Osteen and his wife, Dodie, on Mother's Day of 1959 inside an abandoned feed store in northeast Houston. John and Dodie created and hosted Lakewood's weekly television program, which could be seen in 100 countries worldwide. Upon his death in 1999, his youngest son, Joel, became pastor. thumb at Lakewood Church, December 8, 2007 Under the leadership of Joel Osteen, Lakewood's congregation increased almost five-fold. ^[4] Because of this large increase in attendance, church officials began searching for a new facility.

In late 2003, the church signed a long-term lease with the city of Houston to acquire the Compaq Center, a 29-year-old former sports arena. ^[5]. Before being acquired by Lakewood, tenants to the arena, once called The Summit, included the Houston Rockets, the Houston Aeros, and the Houston Comets.

Renovations to create the new Lakewood Church are estimated at $75 million. ^[4] The church was required to pay $11.8 million in rent in advance for the first 30 years of the lease. ^[7]

On July 16, 2005, Lakewood Church relocated from its old building in northeast Houston into its new home, the newly renovated 16,000-seat facility southwest of downtown Houston along U.S. Highway 59.

Television

In 2007, Lakewood reported spending nearly $30 million every year on its television ministry. ^[8]

The church's weekly television program can be seen by nearly 200 million households in the United States. Services are broadcast on Trinity Broadcasting Network and Daystar Television Network, as well as local channels in most major markets. Lakewood also appears on several secular networks, such as Black Entertainment Television, Lifetime Television, ABC Family, and USA Network during paid advertising hours.

Notes

1. 100 Largest US Churches - 2007
2. Megachurch Megatech
3. USATODAY.com - America's largest church opens in former arena
4. Nation’s largest church opens in stadium
5. A Sports Arena Gets Religion
6. Nation’s largest church opens in stadium
7. A Sports Arena Gets Religion
8. Interview: Joel Osteen on the Future of America's Churches and Him Pastoring One