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Lakewood Church
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Source : http://en.wikipedia.org
Lakewood Church is a non-denominational Christian megachurch located in Houston, Texas. It is the largest congregation in the United States, averaging more than 43,500 in attendance per week.[1] The 16,800-seat Lakewood Church Central Campus, home to four English language services and one Spanish language service per week,[2] is located at the former Compaq Center.[3] Joel Osteen is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church with his wife, Victoria, who serves as co-pastor. Lakewood Church is evangelical in belief.[4]
History
Lakewood Church was founded by John Osteen and his wife, Dodie in 1959 inside an abandoned feed store in a predominantly black neighborhood of northeast Houston.[5] Previously, John Osteen had been a Southern Baptist minister; however, after experiencing the baptism in the Holy Spirit, he withdrew from his Baptist fellowship and began Lakewood Church. From the beginning, Lakewood was non-denominational and racially inclusive. In 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 in 1999, his youngest son, Joel, became pastor.
Under the leadership of Joel Osteen, Lakewood's congregation increased almost fivefold.[6] Attendance increased to 30,000 weekly, prompting a move from its location at 7317 East Houston Road[7][8] to a larger facility.[3] 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.[9] Before being acquired by Lakewood, tenants to the arena, once called The Summit, included the Houston Rockets, the Houston Aeros, and the Houston Comets.
On July 16, 2005, Lakewood Church relocated from its old building in northeast Houston into its new home, a 16,800-seat facility southwest of Downtown Houston along U.S. Highway 59, having twice the capacity of its former sanctuary.[3] The church was required to pay $11.8 million in rent in advance for the first 30 years of the lease,[9] and renovated the new campus at an estimated cost of $75 million.[6]
On March 31, 2010 the Houston City Council voted 13-2 to sell the property to Lakewood for $7.5 million.[10]
In 2010 the church announced that it and the Houston Independent School District were planning to open a charter school for autistic children. It is scheduled to open in the 2011-2012 school year.[11]
Beliefs
Lakewood Church believes that the entire Bible is inspired by God, and the church bases its doctrine in this belief. The church also holds in account the belief in the Trinity, as well as the recognition of the death of Christ on the cross and resurrection.[12]
Lakewood Church is known for its Word of Faith teaching.[5]
[edit] Television
The church's weekly services are broadcast on Trinity Broadcasting Network and Daystar Television Network, as well as local channels in most major US markets. Lakewood also appears on secular networks, such as Fox Network, and USA Network. In 2007, Lakewood reported spending nearly $30 million every year on its television ministry.[13] Osteen's sermons are also televised in more than 100 countries, with a flock of about 7 million faithful viewers each week.[14]
Worship leaders include: Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff, Steve Crawford, Da'dra Crawford Greathouse, and Israel Houghton.
[edit] Reception
Critics have said that Lakewood Church's ministry under Joel Osteen has de-emphasized traditional Christian teachings regarding the sinful nature of mankind and the need for repentance.[3] Some observers also criticize the absence of traditional religious symbols in the former Compaq Center, such as a cross or altar.[3]
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