Lakewood Church

This past weekend my wife, Dorcas, and I were in Houston, Texas, USA, and we had the opportunity to visit Lakewood Church, the largest church in the USA, where Joel Osteen is the pastor.

It was an amazing experience.

Lakewood Church is located is the former basketball arena used by the NBA's Houston Rockets. The interior of the building, of course, has been converted to look more like a church than a basketball arena, and is complete with ample space for a bookstore, nurseries, infant care, Sunday School classes, and adult Bible studies, but the sheer size of it all is still mind-boggling and jaw-dropping to see. There must be seating for about 15,000 people for any service. Lakewood averages about 45,000 attendees each weekend over the course of multiple English and Spanish services.

We attended English services on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Joel Osteen spoke at both services. He preached about 1 Peter 5:6, and how we need to be humble and give God all the glory. The worship music was uplifting and energetic. The ushers and greeters were very friendly and helpful, and in a very authentic way.

We also attended the Spanish service on Sunday afternoon. Marcos Witt preached about Psalm 121, and how our help always comes from the Lord. The worship music was off the chain. Hundreds of children were dedicated to God as part of the service, and hundreds of people responded to the salvation invitation at the end of the service.

We had the privilege of meeting Joel Osteen and his brother, Paul Osteen, who is also a pastor and missionary at Lakewood, after the services.

Lakewood Church is an enormous place, yet it has the feel of a small church. Everyone - staff, volunteers, and members - were friendly and welcoming. For a church of some 45,000 people, it also felt like a place where it would be very easy to fit in and serve there right away.

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