Joel Osteen’s Megachurch Got $4.4 Million in Federal Loans

What's going on in that picture above? Someone asked Joel Osteen how much money he received in federal PPP loans. "This much!" Yeah, this money-grubbing jaggoff got $4.4 million from the government. Remember when he closed his doors during an emergency and wouldn't provide help to those who needed it? Yes! That guy. He just got a ton of money. In the Houston area, it was the third largest for a business or non-profit.

In a statement, spokesperson for Lakewood Church David Ilof said:

Lakewood Church, our 368 full and part time employees and their families are grateful for the Payroll Protection Program during these uncertain economic times caused by the COVID 19 pandemic.

Lakewood suspended its in-person services for more than seven months (March 15th though October 18, 2020), impacting its ability to collect substantial donations during those services. Believing the shutdown would only last a few weeks, Lakewood did not initially accept PPP assistance during the first half of the program. However, as the shutdown persisted month after month, given the economic uncertainty, Lakewood finally applied for the PPP loan and has been able to provide full salaries and benefits including health insurance coverage to all of its employees and their families.

It is important to note that, since 2004, Pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen have not received salaries from Lakewood Church, and the PPP funds do not provide any personal financial benefit to them, whatsoever.

So, what's the problem? Well, we could start with the fact the Osteen's net worth is more than $40 million. He has released 14 books that he makes a profit on and passes on the $200,000 salary he's entitled to as a pastor. He also makes money giving speeches. People jumped on Twitter to express their feelings about Osteen getting the loan. I know. Opinions on Twitter. Crazy times we live in.