That was the first serious security incident in Lakewood Church’s 65-year history, Osteen said at the time. The pastor said his church family was “devastated” by the ordeal, which “could have been a lot worse.”
Osteen also expressed gratitude to first responders for their swift arrival and to church staff for their swift action. “I celebrate what the security team did,” he told worshipers one week later. The shooting “didn’t have the word ‘mass’ before it, and that’s the grace of God. I thank God for that.”
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ChurchLeaders requested comment from Lakewood Church about the Christmas Eve bomb threat. This article will be updated with any reply.
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