Lakewood church is one of the most popular Evangelical non-denominational church located in Houston Texas. it was formally called Lakewood Baptist church. Lakewood church was founded in May 10 1959 (on a mother’s day) by John Osteen and his second wife Dolores (Dodie).
It is one of the largest congregations in the United States, averaging about 52,000 attendees per week.
John Osteen (father of Joel Osteen and the founder of Lakewood church)was a Southern Baptist minister, However, after experiencing baptism in the Holy Spirit, he founded Lakewood as a church for charismatic Baptists.
The church soon dropped “Baptist” from its name and became non-denominational. By 1979, attendance was over five thousand, and the church was becoming prominent among Pentecostals and Charismatics.
John and Dodie created and hosted Lakewood’s weekly television program, which could be seen in 100 countries worldwide. Upon John Osteen’s death on January 23, 1999, his youngest son, Joel Osteen, assumed the position of the lead pastor of Lakewood church.
LAKEWOOD CHURCH BELIEF
Lakewood Church believes that the entire Bible is inspired by God, and this forms the basis of the entire church teachings. Lakewood church also believes in the Trinity, the death and the resurrection of Christ.
As a result of Lakewood church belief, the church practices the following; Salvation, Water baptism, communion and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
LAKEWOOD CHURCH FOUNDER
As earlier stated, Lakewood church was duly founded by John Osteen and his second wife Dolores (Dodie) Osteen on the 10th day of May 1959 being a mother’s day. It was founded as a Baptist church hence the former name ”Lakewood Baptist church’.Later the name was changed to Lakewood church and it become fully non-denominational.
Lakewood Church Address
Lakewood church is located in 700 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027, United States.
with the above Lakewood address, you will find yourself at the Lakewood premises.
Lakewood Church Phone number
For the purpose of contact, Lakewood church could be reached with this phone number : +1 713-635-4154
Lakewood church pastors
Lakewood as a worshipping community has a lot of pastor.
The founder and owner of Lakewood church is John Osteen. He founded the church with his second wife Dodie Osteen. Upon his death, Joel Osteen his oldest son took over the management and leading of the church. among the top pastors of Lakewood church are: Nick Nilson, John Gray, Dr. Paul Osteen, Craig Johnson, Lisa Osteen Comes.
Lakewood Church Capacity
Lakewood is a mega non denominational church located in 700 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027, United States. it currently has the capacity of about 16,800.
Lakewood church Organization /Lakewood church services
Lakewood offers different types of ministries, fellowships, and services depending on the age, marital status, and need of its members.
Instances of services being offered by Lakewood church includes ;
- Kidslife: Children
- Champions Club for Special Needs
- Lakewood Middle School: Middle School Students
- Lakewood Youth: High School Students
- Main Service: All Adults
- Lakewood Young Adults: In-college and Post-college Young Adults
During Weekend services, Joel Osteen, Victoria Osteen, John Gray or Danilo Montero preach. On Sunday nights, Nick Nilson or John Gray preach. On Wednesday nights, the Associate Pastors John Gray, Paul Osteen, Lisa Osteen Comes, Nick Nilson, Craig Johnson, or guest speakers preach. (Credit: wikipaedia)
Television
The church’s weekly services are broadcast on Trinity Broadcasting Network and Daystar Television Network, as well as local channels in most major U.S. markets. Lakewood also appears on secular networks, such as Fox Network, Freeform, and USA Network. In 2007, Lakewood reported spending nearly $30 million every year on its television ministry. Osteen’s sermons are also televised in more than 100 countries, with an estimated 7 million viewers each week. Lakewood also hosts a Night of Hope every month. This is when the church hosts a Christian service event in one of the arenas or stadiums all across America. (Credit:wikipaedia)
Hispanic ministry
In 2002, Lakewood began a Hispanic ministry, Iglesia Lakewood, founded by Hispanic Pastor Marcos Witt and his wife, Miriam Witt. In September 2012, Danilo and Gloriana Montero assumed the role of associate pastors for the Hispanic ministry. Lakewood has two services each week in Spanish and translates all English services into Spanish. The weekly attendance at the Spanish services is approximately 6,000 people.
Lakewood church criticism
The most notable criticism of the Lakewood church is the prosperity gospel criticism. Osteen’s sermons and writings are sometimes perceived as promoting prosperity theology, or the prosperity gospel, a belief that material gain is a reward for pious Christians.
However, when asked if he is a prosperity teacher, Osteen responded that if prosperity means God wants people to be blessed and healthy and have good relationships, then he considers himself a prosperity teacher, but if it is about money, he does not. He has specifically stated that he never preaches about money because of the reputation of televangelists.
Lakewood church Social Media Contacts
Amongst the official social media handles of Lakewood church are ;
Lakewoodchurch instagram https://www.instagram.com/lakewoodchurch/
Lakewood church twitter
Lakewood church facebook https://web.facebook.com/search/top?q=lakewood%20church
Lakewood church wikipaedia
Lakewood church you tube https://www.youtube.com/user/lakewoodchurch
LAKEWOOD CHURCH SERVICE TIMES
Lakewood church have different service times. Each service is 90 minutes long and is packed with uplifting music, powerful worship and an inspiring message.
For the purpose of joining Visiting or joining Lakewood church live online service, take note of the following Lakewood church service times;
SUNDAY
8:30am In-Person & Online Service
11:00am In-Person & Online Service
7:00pm Online Service
WEDNESDAY
7:30pm Online Service
SATURDAY
7:00pm Online Service
LAKEWOOD CHURCH STAFF
So far revealed are the Lakewood clergy staff which includes
- joel and Victoria Osteen (senior pastors)
- Nick Nilson, John Gray, Dr. Paul Osteen, Craig Johnson, Lisa Osteen Comes (Pastors)
There is no information regarding other staff of Lakewood church like the administrative staff, clerical staff etc.
Other employees of Lakewood church includes;
Noel Keller (Director of Operations)
Greg Jenkins (Facilities Director)
Julie Davila (Human Resources Director)
John Bowman (Senior Director)
Andre Guidry (Director of Engineering, Broadcast and Production)
To read more about the Core administrative staff of Lakewood church/stafff director of Lakewood church, visit the link
LAKEWOOD CHURCH BAPTISM
The church believes in Baptism and according practices that. In Lakewood church, Baptism is done every Saturday night in the church’s chapel.
Lakewood church worship leader
Cindy Lerae Cruse-Ratcliff who is a singer-songwriter serves as the senior worship leader at the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. She was born on May 18, 1963.
image credit:chron.com