Mega Church Pastor Joel Osteen Under Fire For Allegedly Refusing To Open The Doors Of His Church To Storm Victims

Full disclosure: I’m a Christian, but I’m not into mega churches. I think they’re capable of doing a lot of good, and some probably make positive differences in their communities. But for me? I’m not interested in a glorified Christian club and surface level relationships. I want to know God’s heart and craft genuine relationships with people who are willing to step outside the box and aren’t afraid to hang out with the “least of these.” I’m not saying all mega churches are bad. It’s just not my cup of tea. You may feel differently, and that’s fine too.

ANYWAY. Joel Osteen. For those who don’t know, he’s the pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston. He’s currently under fire for allegedly refusing to open the doors of his church to victims of the storm. It’s a big church, you guys. I’m talking 17,000 seats big. In other words, it could provide shelter for hundreds– if not thousands– of displaced people.

Victoria & I are praying for everyone affected by Hurricane Harvey. Please join us as we pray for the safety of our Texas friends & family.

— Joel Osteen (@JoelOsteen) August 26, 2017

Eeeeeek.

The church used to be the Compaq Center sports arena, and sits along a highway … part of which is currently under water. The floodwater wasn’t clear in a photo tweeted Monday morning.

Televangelist Joel Osteen is facing criticism for allegedly closing the doors of his megachurch on flood victims https://t.co/RMiwm7u3ME pic.twitter.com/9IWIi5c7Cz

— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 29, 2017

Church officials originally said the area was too flooded to serve as a place of refuge anyway. They’ve since changed their tune.

“We have never closed our doors,” the church said in a statement Monday. “We will continue to be a distribution center to those in need. We are prepared to house people once shelters reach capacity.”

“Lakewood will be a value to the community in the aftermath of this storm in helping our fellow citizens rebuild their lives,” it added.

That’s their story, and they’re sticking to it. I should still note, there’s conflicting evidence. There are videos floating around, showing that the church is, indeed, accessible.

Just offer shelter and a dry place for those who need you and want to know you care. .@JoelOsteen those who can’t get here still need you! pic.twitter.com/MdHAHWGprR

— Sean Salisbury (@SeanUnfiltered) August 28, 2017

However, there are these pictures too:

Social media isn’t buying it.

Front of @JoelOsteen‘s huge Lakewood Church in Houston at 11 am. Closed due to “flooding”. Person who took it asked to be anonymous. pic.twitter.com/gOndOncFuC

— Charles Clymer🏳️‍🌈 (@cmclymer) August 28, 2017

Oh, thank you, sweet, merciful lord for sparing Joel Osteen’s 16,000 seat Lakewood Church. Now, if only it had opened its doors to the needy pic.twitter.com/4lzn1MsMcW

— The Hoarse Whisperer (@HoarseWisperer) August 28, 2017

Joel Osteen’s megachurch is designed for the rising tithe, not tide.

— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) August 28, 2017

Joel Osteen: what would Jesus do?

Literally everyone: probably open his 16,000 seat church to help hurricane victims

Joel Osteen: pic.twitter.com/SjYXSrryT7

— S. Pellenegro (@geniusinsomniac) August 28, 2017

I’m hard on Joel Osteen specifically because I am a Christian. That is my “agenda”. Christ would not close His doors to the needy. Ever.

— Charles Clymer🏳️‍🌈 (@cmclymer) August 28, 2017

With Joel Osteen trending, it’s a good time to remind people that Joel Osteen does NOT represent Christianity.

— Debi Jenkins (@DebiJenkins) August 28, 2017

Joel Osteen’s thinking “if you give a man a fish he eats for a day. Lock your megachurch during a huge storm, teach a man how to be a fish.”

— Jeremy Newberger (@jeremynewberger) August 28, 2017

Joel Osteen has made millions in Jesus’ name, but when it comes time to actually act like a Christian he fails spectacularly. #Houston

— Lori Oesterritter (@lori_oh) August 28, 2017

Joel Osteen: “Prayers to all the people in Hurricane Harvey.”

“Can we use ya church for cover?”

Joel Osteen: pic.twitter.com/uJduyMYfWw

— X (@XLNB) August 28, 2017

Houston’s Joel Osteen has a net worth over $50m and a church that holds 16,800 but this is all he’s offering. pic.twitter.com/rmhdWK6ZAO

— Mark Elliott (@markmobility) August 28, 2017

Cmon @JoelOsteen open up your church and begin helping the victims of Harvey

God blessed you with amazing gifts & facilities. Use them!

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) August 29, 2017

Joel Osteen, as a Pastor you have a huge obligation to show the love of Christ at this very moment.
OPEN THE DOORS. #HoustonStrong

— Pastor Greg Locke (@pastorlocke) August 28, 2017

Say what you want, but it still looks bad.

First they say it’s inaccessible then they say it was never closed & now they’re saying they’ll open doors once the shelters reach capacity.

— Neysha (@La_Ney_sha) August 29, 2017

I guess we’ll see what happens. If the church isn’t flooded, it should ABSOLUTELY open its doors. Don’t be a hypocrite, Osteen.