Lakewood Church

Definition

Lakewood Church is a non-denominational Christian megachurch located in Houston, Texas, known for its large congregation and dynamic worship services. Founded by John Osteen in 1959 and now led by his son, Joel Osteen, it emphasizes a positive message of hope and personal empowerment, making it influential in shaping contemporary religious practices and community engagement in Texas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lakewood Church is one of the largest churches in the United States, with an average weekly attendance exceeding 50,000 people.
2. The church originally held services in a former basketball arena, which was transformed into a worship space in 2003 to accommodate its growing congregation.
3. Lakewood's services are broadcast to millions worldwide through television and online platforms, expanding its influence beyond Texas.
4. The church focuses on themes of hope, faith, and self-improvement, attracting a diverse audience from various backgrounds.
5. Lakewood Church is involved in numerous community service initiatives, including disaster relief efforts and social outreach programs.

Review Questions

• How does Lakewood Church exemplify the characteristics of a megachurch in Texas?
  • Lakewood Church exemplifies the characteristics of a megachurch through its large congregation, which often exceeds 50,000 attendees each week. It operates from a repurposed arena that accommodates thousands of worshippers and broadcasts services globally. The church's modern worship style and emphasis on uplifting messages resonate with diverse audiences seeking community and spiritual connection.
• Discuss the impact of Joel Osteen's leadership on the growth and public perception of Lakewood Church.
  • Under Joel Osteen's leadership, Lakewood Church has experienced significant growth and heightened public visibility. His charismatic preaching style and focus on positivity have attracted a broader audience, contributing to the church's rise as a cultural phenomenon. This has also led to mixed perceptions; while many view Osteen as a motivational figure offering hope, others critique the prosperity gospel associated with his teachings.
• Evaluate the role of Lakewood Church within the broader context of religion's influence on Texas society and culture.
  • Lakewood Church plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of religion in Texas by promoting a message that intertwines faith with personal success. Its emphasis on community engagement and social outreach reflects broader trends within American evangelicalism while also highlighting the state's diverse spiritual practices. The church’s large following indicates how contemporary religious movements can mobilize individuals around themes of empowerment and hope, illustrating the significant cultural impact religion has on societal values in Texas.

Related terms

Megachurch: A church that has a large congregation, typically defined as having more than 2,000 attendees in weekly services.

Prosperity Gospel: A religious belief that financial blessing and physical well-being are signs of God's favor, often promoted by charismatic leaders.

Joel Osteen: The current senior pastor of Lakewood Church, he is also a prominent author and television personality known for his motivational preaching style.