In Pictures: America's 10 Biggest Megachurches
No. 1: Lakewood Church
Houston, Texas
Pastor: Joel Osteen
Average weekly attendance: 43,500
Annual budget: $70 million
With the largest megachurch in the country, pastor and televangelist Joel Osteen reaches some 7 million television viewers in the U.S. with his “Christian light”-style message, which is broadcast to more than 100 countries. Since his father, the church’s former pastor, died in 1999, Osteen has grown the nondenominational church seven times over, reflecting the demographics of its diverse home city. Osteen, who preaches about the positives in life, has made millions from his inspirational books. Osteen deflects notions that a pastor should be poor, says more riches means greater influence for ministry. He and his wife, Victoria, are the largest donors to Lakewood.
© AP Photo/Jessica Kourkounis
Source: Forbes