Joel Osteen Opens Church After Outcry Hurricane Harvey

Dr. Melissa Stoltenberg IV 25 May 2025

When hurricane Harvey hit Houston, the world turned its eyes to Joel Osteen and Lakewood Church. The pastor faced backlash for not opening the church immediately as a shelter. But then, the story took a turn that everyone needed to hear. So, let’s dive into this situation and understand what happened next.

Imagine being one of the most famous pastors in the world, known for your massive church and spiritual teachings. That’s Joel Osteen. But when disaster strikes, like Hurricane Harvey did in 2017, people expect more than just sermons. They want action, and that’s exactly where the story begins. Osteen faced criticism for waiting too long to open Lakewood Church, but there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

This isn’t just about a church opening its doors. It’s about leadership, community support, and how faith can drive us to action. In this article, we’ll explore the events surrounding Joel Osteen’s decision, the public reaction, and the eventual outcome. Buckle up because it’s a story worth knowing.

Biography of Joel Osteen

Early Life and Journey to Fame

Before we dive into the hurricane drama, let’s take a quick look at Joel Osteen’s life. Born on March 13, 1963, in Houston, Texas, Joel grew up in a religious family. His father, John Osteen, was a pastor who founded Lakewood Church in 1959. Joel didn’t plan on following in his dad’s footsteps initially, but life has a funny way of working out.

He attended Oral Roberts University and worked in his dad’s church while pursuing other interests. But after his father’s death in 1999, Joel stepped up to lead Lakewood Church. Today, it’s one of the largest congregations in the U.S., drawing crowds of over 40,000 weekly. Yeah, that’s a big deal.

Here’s a quick rundown of Joel’s personal info:

Full Name	Joel Houston Osteen
Birthdate	March 13, 1963
Place of Birth	Houston, Texas
Spouse	Victoria Osteen
Children	Jonathan and Jordan Osteen
Profession	Pastor, Author, TV Personality

Understanding Hurricane Harvey

The Devastation Unleashed

Hurricane Harvey was no joke. It hit Texas in August 2017, causing catastrophic flooding and leaving thousands homeless. The storm dumped over 60 inches of rain in some areas, breaking all kinds of records. It was labeled as a Category 4 hurricane and left a trail of destruction that’s hard to forget.

Houston, being one of the largest cities in Texas, bore the brunt of the disaster. Roads turned into rivers, homes were submerged, and people were stranded. This is where the spotlight fell on Joel Osteen and Lakewood Church, located right in the heart of Houston.

Public Outcry and Criticism

Why Did People Get So Mad?

So here’s the thing. When a disaster happens, people look to leaders for guidance and help. Joel Osteen, with his massive church and resources, was expected to step up quickly. But when he didn’t open Lakewood Church immediately as a shelter, the criticism poured in.

People were upset. Social media lit up with posts questioning his priorities. Some even accused him of being out of touch with the community’s needs. It was a tough situation for the pastor, who had always been seen as a pillar of strength.

The Church Opens Its Doors

What Happened Next?

After the initial backlash, Joel Osteen announced that Lakewood Church would open its doors to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. But here’s the thing—there were logistical challenges. The church itself was flooded, and ensuring it was safe for people to stay there took time. Still, once everything was set, the church became a haven for many.

Volunteers poured in, supplies were gathered, and the church transformed into a hub of relief efforts. It wasn’t just about providing shelter; it was about offering hope and support during a dark time. And that’s exactly what Joel Osteen and his team delivered.

Joel Osteen’s Response

Addressing the Critics

In interviews and sermons, Joel Osteen addressed the criticism head-on. He acknowledged the public’s frustration but explained the challenges his team faced. The church wasn’t just a building; it was a community center that needed to be prepared properly.

He also emphasized the importance of faith in times of crisis. “We’re not just opening our doors; we’re opening our hearts,” he said in one of his speeches. This resonated with many, reminding them of the spiritual aspect of the church’s mission.

Impact on the Community

How Lakewood Church Made a Difference

The impact of Lakewood Church’s involvement was significant. Thousands of people found refuge there, and the church’s efforts didn’t stop at providing shelter. Food, clothing, and emotional support were all part of the package. It was a true demonstration of community spirit.

Local organizations partnered with the church to amplify the relief efforts. Together, they made a difference in the lives of countless families who were struggling to rebuild after the hurricane.

Lessons Learned

What Can We Take Away?

This whole situation teaches us a few valuable lessons. First, leadership during a crisis is crucial. People look to leaders for guidance, and that comes with responsibility. Second, communication is key. If Joel Osteen had been clearer about the delays, the public outcry might not have been as intense.

Lastly, faith can be a powerful force in times of need. The church’s response to Hurricane Harvey showed that faith isn’t just about Sunday sermons; it’s about action and compassion.

Public Perception and Legacy

How Did This Affect Joel Osteen’s Image?

Initially, the criticism hurt Joel Osteen’s image. But as the church’s efforts became more visible, public perception shifted. People started to see the positive impact of his actions. It reinforced the idea that criticism can sometimes be a catalyst for positive change.

Joel’s legacy as a pastor and community leader grew stronger through this experience. It showed that even leaders make mistakes, but what matters is how they respond and learn from them.

Future Preparedness

What’s Next for Lakewood Church?

After Hurricane Harvey, Lakewood Church has taken steps to ensure they’re better prepared for future disasters. This includes having emergency plans in place and building stronger relationships with local organizations. It’s all about being proactive rather than reactive.

Joel Osteen continues to emphasize the importance of faith and community in overcoming challenges. His message resonates with many, reminding them that they’re not alone in tough times.

Conclusion

Looking back, the story of Joel Osteen and Lakewood Church during Hurricane Harvey is one of resilience and redemption. Yes, there was criticism, but there was also a powerful response that made a real difference. The church became a beacon of hope for many, proving that faith and action can go hand in hand.

So, what can we do moving forward? Share this story with someone who needs to hear it. Engage in conversations about community support and disaster preparedness. And if you’re inspired by Joel Osteen’s journey, check out more of his teachings or get involved in local efforts to help those in need.

Let’s keep the conversation going and make sure we’re all ready to lend a hand when it matters most.

Biography of Joel Osteen
Understanding Hurricane Harvey
Public Outcry and Criticism
The Church Opens Its Doors
Joel Osteen’s Response
Impact on the Community
Lessons Learned
Public Perception and Legacy
Future Preparedness
Conclusion

Sources

For more information, check out these reliable sources:

Texas Pastor Joel Osteen Responds to Hurricane Harvey Criticism After

Evangelist Joel Osteen’s Houston Church Opens as Shelter After

Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church answers why it isn't open as a shelter

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