Joel Scott Hayley Osteen is a best selling author, and the senior pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. He is married to Victoria Osteen, who serves as co-pastor. His non-denominational Christian ministry reaches over 2 million broadcast media viewers weekly. Osteen's media ministry regularly features an upbeat and sometimes humorous message of life lessons of hope, kindness, optimism and biblical relevancy and redemption through Jesus Christ.

Osteen's popularity led to him being featured as one of ABC News "10 Most Fascinating People of 2006", and was named "Most Influential Christian in America" in 2006 by The Church Report.