As of 2025, Joel Osteen’s net worth stands at $100 million.
As one of the richest pastors, Joel has been in many controversies and faced criticism throughout his career.
Osteen’s lavish lifestyle, including his multi-million-dollar mansion and lucrative book deals, has also drawn scrutiny. While he leads Lakewood Church, one of the largest congregations in the world, Joel has not taken a salary from the church since 2005.
So, how exactly has Joel Osteen built his wealth?
In this article, we will take a look at Joel Osteen’s net worth, what drives his income today, and why his financial journey sparks so much debate.
Let’s dive in and get the real story behind those headlines.
Who Is Joel Osteen?
Joel Osteen is a well-known American pastor, author, and televangelist who leads Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. He is famously known for his uplifting messages and positive approach to faith. He has reached millions through his weekly televised sermons and best-selling books.
Joel focuses on inspiring people to live their best lives, both spiritually and personally, making him one of the most influential voices in modern Christianity.
Despite facing criticism for his “prosperity gospel” teachings, Osteen is still a major influence for people from all walks of life to pursue a brighter, more fulfilling future.
| Name | Joel Osteen |
| Profession | Pastor, Author, Televangelist |
| Net Worth | ~$100 million |
| Age/Birthdate | March 5, 1963 (62) |
| Height | 5’11” |
| Family | Married to Victoria Osteen; 2 children |
| Nationality | American |
| Social Media | @joelosteen (Instagram: 5.9M and X: 10M) |
What is Joel Osteen’s Net Worth?
Joel Osteen’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million as of 2025.
This wealth comes primarily from his best-selling books and royalties, high-profile speaking engagements, media appearances, and valuable real estate holdings.
He owns a 17,000-square-foot mansion in Houston, which he purchased for $10.5 million in 2010 and is now valued at close to $16 million.
His books, such as Your Best Life Now, have sold millions of copies, bringing in huge advances and royalties.
Osteen also earns significant amounts from his podcast show, public speaking, and the sale of calendars and inspirational products.
His televised sermons reach millions of viewers around the world every week. This adds to his popularity and business opportunities.
Read on to know about his total wealth and the assets he owns.
Joel Osteen’s Salary and Wealth
Joel Osteen does not actually take a salary from Lakewood Church. Since 2005, he has chosen not to draw a paycheck from the church.
Even though Lakewood Church brings in about $90 million a year, Joel’s personal income comes mostly from his work outside the church.
Here are a few insights into his wealth.
Joel Osteen House
The Osteen family, Joel, his wife Victoria, and their children live in a 17,000-square-foot mansion located in Houston’s prestigious River Oaks neighborhood.
He purchased it for $10.5 million in 2010, and it is now estimated to be worth around $16 million.
Joel and Victoria Osteen also own a second luxury home in Houston’s upscale Tanglewood neighborhood. This former primary residence spans approximately 5,600 square feet and features four bedrooms.
The Osteens purchased the Tanglewood house years ago for around $380,000, and after significant renovations, its value has risen to an estimated $2.9 to $3 million today.
Does Joel Osteen Own a Yacht?
There has been a lot of talk online about whether Joel Osteen owns a luxury yacht, but let’s clear things up for readers: Joel Osteen does not own a yacht. (Source: Babylonbee)
The rumors about his so-called “SS Blessed” yacht started as a joke and quickly spread on social media. This started after Hurricane Harvey when a satirical article poked fun at the idea of Osteen tossing out copies of his book from a yacht to help flood victims.
Even though some outlets and even major newspapers have mentioned a yacht among his luxury possessions, these claims have been debunked by credible sources and even Osteen’s own family members.
A Rumored Jet?
While there are many rumors and even some reports claiming that Osteen owns a private jet, there’s actually no clear, publicly confirmed evidence that he personally owns one.
No doubt, Osteen lives a very comfortable and high-profile life, owning multiple homes and traveling frequently. But there is no official documentation or public record that confirms he actually owns a private jet.
So, as of now, the question of Joel Osteen’s jet ownership remains unproven, and most of what you hear is based on speculation rather than confirmed fact
Joel’s Expensive Car Collection: Is It True?
There’s been a lot of buzz about Joel Osteen’s car collection, especially after rumors spread online about him owning a flashy $325,000 Ferrari.
Just like other rumors, there’s no verified evidence that Joel Osteen owns a Ferrari or any other exotic sports car.
The story about him driving a Ferrari 458 Italia was widely circulated on social media, but it’s been debunked by multiple fact-checkers, and even the original news outlets have taken down their reports.
Photos of the supposed Ferrari linked to Osteen actually belonged to someone else, and there is no credible proof tying him to that car.
Joel Osteen’s Church Insights
Lakewood Church, led by Joel Osteen, is not just any church; it is one of the largest and most influential megachurches in the United States. Located in Houston, Texas, Lakewood draws about 45,000 people every week to its services.
The church’s current home is the former Compaq Center, a 600,000 sq ft arena that once hosted NBA games and concerts.
After moving in 2005, Lakewood completely renovated the space and transformed it into a 17,000-seat sanctuary. This church now hosts four English-language and two Spanish-language services every week.
The church’s annual revenue has been reported at around $90 million, according to a report by the Houston Chronicle in 2017.
Charity and Donations
Lakewood’s giving is focused on charitable causes and community support.
For example, in 2022, Joel and Victoria Osteen presented a $100,000 donation on behalf of Lakewood Church to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to support historically Black colleges and universities.
The church is also active in disaster relief, outreach programs, and educational initiatives.
Joel Osteen’s Career and Early Life
Born in Houston, Texas, in 1963, Joel grew up surrounded by faith and ministry. His parents, John and Dodie Osteen, founded Lakewood Church in 1959, and Joel was always involved in the church, but not in the spotlight.
In fact, after attending Oral Roberts University for a short time, Joel returned home and spent nearly 17 years working behind the scenes as the producer of Lakewood’s television broadcasts. He was the one making sure his father’s sermons reached viewers across the country and around the world.
Everything changed in 1999 when Joel’s father, John Osteen, passed away unexpectedly. Joel stepped up to preach his very first sermon in January of that year. Later that year, Joel officially became the senior pastor of Lakewood Church.
Talking about his career, his Joel Osteen Daily Podcast is one of the most popular faith-based podcasts out there. On the podcast, Joel and his wife, Victoria, share daily messages of hope, encouragement, and practical advice to help listeners find fresh beginnings.
He is a good Author as well. His first book, Your Best Life Now, became a massive bestseller. Since then, he has published several other popular titles, including Becoming a Better You, I Declare, The Power of I Am, and Next Level Thinking.
Joel’s books have sold millions of copies worldwide, and they are a big part of what has made him such a well-known figure in modern Christianity.
Personal Life and Family
Joel has been married to Victoria Osteen for over 38 years. They co-pastor Lakewood Church together, with Victoria leading the church’s Women’s Ministry and sharing the stage with Joel during services.
Joel and Victoria have two children: Jonathan and Alexandra.
Joel Osteen’s Wife: Victoria Osteen Net Worth
The net worth of Victoria Osteen is uncertain. But reports from a few sources suggest, Victoria Osteen’s net worth is estimated to be $100 million in 2025, a figure she shares with her husband.
Controversies Joel Has Been Into
Joel Osteen has been at the center of several controversies throughout his career.
Prosperity Gospel and Wealth
The biggest and most ongoing controversy is Joel’s association with the “prosperity gospel.” This is the belief that faith and positive thinking can lead to material wealth and success.
Critics argue that this message puts too much focus on personal gain and money, rather than traditional Christian values like humility and helping the poor. Many theologians and church leaders have spoken out against this approach, saying it is more about self-help than about God.
Lavish Lifestyle
Joel’s personal wealth and luxury lifestyle have also drawn criticism. His level of wealth has led to questions about whether it is appropriate for a pastor, especially one who preaches about blessings and abundance.
Hurricane Harvey Response
This is one of the most public controversies that happened during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Joel and Lakewood Church were criticized for not immediately opening their doors to people displaced by the storm.
Social media exploded with complaints, and many felt the church’s initial response was slow and lacked compassion. Joel said the church was inaccessible due to flooding, but photos later surfaced showing the building dry.
After the backlash, Lakewood opened as a shelter and later contributed to relief efforts.
Pandemic PPP Loan
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lakewood Church received $4.4 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, even though Joel has said he doesn’t take a salary from the church.
This drew criticism because many felt a wealthy megachurch should not need government assistance. The church stated the funds were used to pay staff, and they eventually repaid the loan in 2021.
His Response to Criticism
Joel Osteen often says that he tries not to get distracted by negative comments and instead chooses to focus on his mission of spreading hope and encouragement.
When it comes to the prosperity gospel, Joel has said he believes God wants people to be blessed, but he also emphasizes that faith is about more than just money.
Regarding the Hurricane Harvey controversy, he insisted that Lakewood Church was always willing to help and that the confusion was due to miscommunication and safety concerns.
Through it all, he maintains a positive public image and continues to focus on uplifting messages, even when facing tough questions or public backlash.
To Wrap Up: Joel Osteen’s Net Worth has crossed $100 million
In the end, Joel Osteen’s net worth crossing $100 million reflects both his broad influence and the complex questions surrounding prosperity preaching.
For some, he is a source of hope and encouragement; for others, his approach raises important concerns about faith and wealth.
Regardless of where you stand, there is no denying his impact on the modern church and popular culture.
What do you think about his teachings? Let us know in the comments section below.
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FAQs:
Lakewood Church has donated millions to charity over the years, including over $1.1 million for Hurricane Harvey relief, but specific annual figures are not publicly disclosed.
Joel Osteen is among the wealthiest pastors in the world, with a net worth of over $100 million. There are other pastors who are estimated to have higher net worths.
No, Joel Osteen does not own a yacht. Despite ongoing internet speculation and viral rumors, it is untrue.
Joel Osteen’s estimated annual earnings range from $1 million to $1.3 million, primarily from books and media, not a church salary.
Victoria Osteen’s net worth is estimated at $100 million, which she shares with her husband, Joel.
Joel Osteen’s Houston mansion is valued at approximately $16 million.
