Joel Osteen Comments on 'Con Artist' Televangelists, Politics and Homosexuality

By Katherine Weber , Christian Post Reporter

June 7, 2012

Pastor Joel Osteen recently shared with a Colorado news station how he believes he stands out from other Christian leaders who solicit donations through television ministries, as well as his views on politics and homosexuality.

While acknowledging in the June 5 interview with news reporter Ron Zappolo that some people are often turned off by evangelism, especially due to televangelists who request money while preaching on TV, the Lakewood Church pastor insisted he was different.

"I try to be just the opposite. I try to be myself. That's why on television, I never ask for money. I try to be the opposite," Osteen said.

The popular pastor and author went on to say that he doesn't ask for money on television "because I realize people are thinking, when they flip you on to begin with, they're thinking 'he's after my money, he's a con artist.' You know, you have to overcome that, but I believe that sincerity comes through when people realize you're just trying to help them live a better life."

Joel Osteen Puts His Popularity Down to 'Reaching the Unchurched'

Joel Osteen delivers a message to tens of thousands of people at the Nationals Park baseball stadium for the Night of Hope event on April, 29, 2012, in Washington, D.C.

By Stoyan Zaimov , Christian Post Reporter

July 9, 2012

Lakewood Church Pastor and best-selling author Joel Osteen has tried to explain his popularity in a recent interview by suggesting that it is due to his ability to reach those who have no experience with church, among other factors.

The Texas megachurch pastor, who has the largest congregation of any church in America at 40,000 weekly worshippers, shared his views in a recent interview with Cleveland.com in preparation of his next "Night of Hope" event scheduled for July 13 in Cleveland.