Gigachurch

John and Dodie Osteen

There are megachurches and then there is the Gigachurch*, Lakewood Church in Houston. Called the "Texas-size congregation," it is the largest congregation in the U.S. with at times over 50,000 attendees per week. 

Lakewood Church is a non denominational church first started in 1959 in an old feed store by John Osteen. After he passed away, his son Joel Osteen took over the pulpit in 1999 and increased the membership exponentially. In 2005, they renovated and moved into The Summit, a sports arena. The services are also televised to over 20 million weekly. 

We arrived early to negotiate the parking. We were greeted upon entry & I advised them I was a newcomer so they sat us right up front. 

Paul Osteen MD said a few words before the main service, "Cast your cares to The Lord, for he cares for you." ~ 1 Peter 5:7

It starts out with about an hour of music worship that is full throttle and high energy! 

They have members of the prayer group, including Dodie Osteen and Paul Osteen, pray for anyone who comes up front. There is a group confession before the sermon, in order to receive the word more readily. 

Associate Pastor John Gray gave the sermon today is also sang a little before he started preaching. He is a funny guy with a great love of The Lord. 

He talked about how Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart - answer the door. Don't wait until your house is clean to let him in. Jesus doesn't want perfection, he just wants honesty. Pastor Gray wanted us to make time in our busy schedule for Jesus. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. ~ Matthew 11:30

Be loud about your Love for God. 

THANK YOU Lakewood Church for welcoming me into your mega service.