US Pastor and Lakewood Church founder Joel Osteen has been at the center of online controversy after his alleged income details were made public. Biden supporter Michael Cleere tweeted that Osteen takes home $54 million from church profits, owns a Ferrari 458 Italia and lives in a 70,000 sq ft mansion. He also criticized him for owning a $68 million Airbus A319, a private jet that Osteen uses to travel to multiple locations to spread the gospel.
Pastor Joel Osteen pays himself an annual salary of $54,000,000 from his church profits. He had a custom garage built with 20 car stalls for each of his custom vehicles. His favorite is a Ferrari 458 Italia that cost $270,000. He lives in a 70,000 sq ft mansion.
In the New… pic.twitter.com/fjg9FiKSyk— Michael Cleere (@mikecleere) February 20, 2023
The allegations may not be proven accurately but they do paint a clear picture of Joel Osteen’s lavish lifestyle. Thanks to the tweets, a debate has now sparked online about pastors in the US and churches not paying taxes. So, where does all of Osteen’s money come from?
US Pastor Joel Osteen’s main sources of income
Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston has a weekly attendance of a whopping 50,000 people. With an annual budget and high operating expenses of over $90 million, it is one of the largest churches in the United States.
Lakewood Church owns a 16,000-seat arena, which was purchased in 2003 for $11.8 million and renovated for an additional $75 million. The church also owns a $10.5 million mansion that was purchased in 2010 and used as Osteen’s personal residence.
Another source of Osteen’s wealth is his bestselling books that generate millions of dollars in revenue. Osteen’s books often contain messages of hope and inspiration. But they also promote a “prosperity gospel” message that emphasizes material success.
Criticism of Joel Osteen’s personal wealth
US Pastor Joel Osteen’s personal wealth is also the subject of controversy and scrutiny. He and his wife, Victoria Osteen, live in a $10.5 million mansion in River Oaks, one of Houston’s most affluent neighborhoods.
The couple owns multiple other properties, including a $2.9 million vacation home in California. Critics have raised concerns about the amount of money Osteen personally earns from his ministry.
Osteen has declined to disclose his salary, but some estimates suggest that he earns between $40-$70 million annually with a net worth of $110 million.
How Joel Osteen defends his wealth
In response to criticism of his wealth, Joel Osteen has defended himself by stating that he donates a significant amount of money to charity. According to Osteen, his wealth is a result of his hard work and dedication to his ministry. He has also stated that he believes in enjoying the blessings that God has given him.
Joel Osteen made $54,000,000 in cash last year.
The SEC just charged the Mormon Church and its investment management company for failing to disclose $32 BILLION in assets hidden in shell corps.
Churches have become hugely profitable corporations. And should be taxed accordingly
— Mrs. Betty Bowers (@BettyBowers) February 21, 2023
The debate over pastors and evangelists evading taxes in the US has resurfaced after Joel Osteen’s lavish lifestyle was publicized. Whether his wealth points to his hard work for the church or if it reflects his own material success is still unclear.
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