Rev. John Osteen

John Osteen began Lakewood Church in a dusty, abandoned feed store on Mother's Day 1959. Even in those early days amid those humble surroundings, the young pastor and founder of Lakewood Church could best be described with the words, "No Limits." His legendary phrase reaching the unreached and telling the untold was the hallmark of his extraordinary dream to reach the ends of the earth with the message of God's love.

Whether ministering to thousands on television or praying a simple prayer of faith with an individual, John Osteen was driven by an amazing love for people of all ages, races, nationalities and walks of life. During his unforgettable ministry at Lakewood, Pastor Osteen's uplifting message of hope touched the lives of millions of people.

Considered a "pastor's pastor" by thousands of pastors, evangelists and church leaders, John Osteen's honesty, integrity and desire to know God gained him the respect and admiration of Christian leaders worldwide.

The late John Osteen served the Lord Jesus Christ as pastor, evangelist, author, and teacher for sixty years. Ordained as a Southern Baptist, he received the baptism in the Holy Ghost in 1958, an experience which revolutionized his ministry into a worldwide outreach for Jesus Christ. He traveled extensively throughout the world, taking the message of God's love, healing and power to people of all nations.

John Osteen founded Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, widely known as "The Oasis of Love in a Troubled World", where his son Joel Osteen continues to minister to thousands weekly. He hosted the weekly "John Osteen" television program for 16 years, reaching millions in the U.S. and in many other countries with the Gospel. His numerous books, cassettes, and videotapes are widely distributed throughout the Body of Christ.

John Osteen held a Bachelor's Degree from John Brown University, a Master's Degree from Northern Baptist Seminary, a Doctor of Letters from Indiana Christian University, and a Doctor of Divinity from Oral Roberts University.

Dodie Osteen's genuine warmth and compassion is one reason why Lakewood is an "Oasis of Love in a troubled world."
Dodie Osteen ministered side-by-side with her husband, the late John Osteen, since the humble beginnings of Lakewood Church in 1959. Her hands-on experience in worldwide outreach over the years has given her a special place in the hearts of the Lakewood congregation.

After a dramatic and miraculous healing from terminal cancer in 1981, God called Dodie Osteen into a special ministry of prayer. Through that ministry of compassion, she has touched the lives of millions of people both in Houston and throughout the world on television.

Dedicated to the family, Dodie brings a refreshing spirit to Lakewood Church. She is especially instrumental in focusing the vision of Lakewood Church on the needs of the entire body of Christ.

Material taken from the Osteen Ministrie's web site - www.lakewood.cc