Megachurch Pastor Joel Osteen launched a streaming channel on the Roku Channel this week, the latest in a long line of media ventures for the savvy televangelist.
Osteen is pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, a church that was founded by his father. He also is the best-selling author of numerous books, including “Your Best Life Now” and “Become a Better You.”
According to one estimate, roughly 45,000 people attend Lakewood Church weekly.
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Although Osteen enjoys considerable popularity among American Christians, his ministry is not without controversy. He has often been criticized by theologically conservative evangelicals, who characterize him a prosperity preacher for his feel-good messages and lavish lifestyle.
While Osteen has not taken a salary from Lakewood Church since 2005, the income he receives from his books and speaking engagements is considerable. His net worth has been estimated by some to be around $100 million.
Osteen’s new streaming channel, called “The Joel Osteen Network,” is free to watch and is ad-supported. It is available on Roku devices, TVs with Roku functionality, and The Roku Channel’s website.
It is also available on iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TVs, Samsung TVs, and Google TVs.
“I am excited to see our content become part of The Roku Channel’s exceptional free streaming offering,” Osteen said in a statement to Variety. “This collaboration opens up terrific avenues to reach even more individuals in search of hope and inspiration. The Roku Channel has proven it is a pioneer in television technology and I am looking forward to seeing the results of this fantastic opportunity.”
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According to the channel’s description, “The Joel Osteen Network offers longtime viewers and new audiences alike the chance to enjoy a wealth of content, including Osteen’s renowned weekly sermons, original series addressing everyday life issues, and special events from Lakewood Church that blend faith and music.”
