Joel Osteen responded to critics who attacked the Houston-based pastor for not opening up the doors to his church for victims of Hurricane Harvey.
After severe backlash on social media claiming Lakewood Church would not open its doors for those in need of shelter following historic flooding in Houston, Osteen issued a statement Monday denying the facility was closed to victims.
New statement from @JoelOsteen and Lakewood Church in regards to Hurricane Harvey backlash pic.twitter.com/KLMNYysc6s
— Anastasia (@AnastasiaElyseW) August 29, 2017
Formerly an NBA arena which was home to the Houston Rockets, Lakewood Church can hold 16,800 people.
On Sunday, the church posted on Facebook that it was “inaccessible due to severe flooding” and directed victims of the storm to nearby Houston shelters.
That sparked an outcry on social media as photos and comments came in appearing to contradict the claim.
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
Just spoke to eyewitnesses who went by Osteen church this am. They were surprised church + multi-level parking lot not in use. Not good!
— (((sfpelosi))) (@sfpelosi) August 28, 2017
Houston’s @indivisible_usa is acquainted with @JoelOsteen‘s Lakewood Church. They took these pics about an hour ago w/ commentary. pic.twitter.com/YTWrD9UG1z
— Charles Clymer?️? (@cmclymer) August 28, 2017
Some on Twitter were quick to point out that the post did not say the church was flooded, only that flooding had apparently affected the accessibility of the building, whether in nearby roads or access points. Others did report there was flooding in the building and in Osteen’s own home.
Because the church itself is flooded along with his home
— Coach-M (@amelylas83) August 28, 2017
The entire basement is flooded they are expecting another 25 inches of rain sure bring the people in then let’s evacuate again
— Coach-M (@amelylas83) August 28, 2017
What are routes to get there? Did he offer #Houston responders use of his facility? Do we know #facts or is Twitter shaming him over a sign?
— (((sfpelosi))) (@sfpelosi) August 28, 2017
The church is flooded, you are probably not from Houston to realize severity and commenting from your flood free state
— M (@duroixm) August 28, 2017
Others joined in condemning the pastor and the mega-church for what seemed like a very un-Christian response, even in the midst of a call by Osteen and the church for prayer and donations to help victims.
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
Please join us along with Samaritan’s Purse in helping Houston recover. Visit https://t.co/XxIbYde0L6 pic.twitter.com/EPI9KMNJnx
— Lakewood Church (@lakewoodch) August 28, 2017
Your church holds 16,000 people; maybe open the doors for shelter to answer those prayers?
— Ben Rogers (@johnnymacaroni) August 28, 2017
They sincerely need to clear this up by posting some pics of interior flooded if true….the anger is palpable towards them
— Alice’s Restaurant (@Zemindar1) August 28, 2017
Joel Osteen has a HUGE church in Houston that would make a great shelter. pic.twitter.com/byqHxXrHQn
— Brasilmagic (@Brasilmagic) August 28, 2017
Open your church as a shelter. Provide food and clothing. Please
— Rhonda Harbison (@rhonda_harbison) August 28, 2017
When @JoelOsteen has a gigantic church and 10 mil home in Houston but is only offering prayers to ppl affected by #Harvey ?
— KL ? (@kbarnie34) August 28, 2017
The already heavily criticized Joel Osteen isn’t helping himself by not opening that mega church of his. And leads me to ask WWJD?
— Chase Donahue (@chase_david18) August 29, 2017
But with Osteen’s statement on Monday, and subsequent photos conforming that the church is, indeed, actively preparing to take in evacuees, the initial accusations against him seemed to be refuted.
Lakewood Church apparently bought countless air mattresses and are prepping to open their doors. Took a while but good news.#JoelOsteen pic.twitter.com/MYXf1HqAbF
— Charles Clymer?️? (@cmclymer) August 29, 2017
Lakewood Church also tweeted that it was coordinating with the city and collecting supplies to distribute to shelters in the Houston area.
We will get through this storm together. Are you able to volunteer? Help us help others. Click here: https://t.co/XxIbYde0L6
— Lakewood Church (@lakewoodch) August 28, 2017
Coordinating with the city, Lakewood is a collection site for distributing supplies to the Houston area shelters. https://t.co/XxIbYde0L6
— Lakewood Church (@lakewoodch) August 29, 2017
Beginning at 12 Noon tomorrow we are collecting infant and adult diapers, baby formula and baby food.
— Lakewood Church (@lakewoodch) August 29, 2017
Please bring these items to Lakewood Church, Circle Drive off Timmons St. https://t.co/XxIbYde0L6
— Lakewood Church (@lakewoodch) August 29, 2017
And while some on Twitter continued to attack Osteen, there were many others who attempted to cut through the backlash.
Too little too late
— Ranell Shea (@echochamp) August 29, 2017
Its never to late. Babies still need formula Kid’s need clothes and opening a facility today or yesterday would not have stopped Harvey.
— Lupe Cantu (@lupiac1035) August 29, 2017
I get it… but THIS church… needs to do MORE! Right NOW! Shame shame shame on them doing nothing until they get heat from others. STEPUP!
— Ranell Shea (@echochamp) August 29, 2017
Weird how people who don’t support or attend a church feel the need to tell it how & what it should do…
— Tom Young (@TomDYoung) August 29, 2017
UPDATE: Osteen tweeted an official welcome call on Tuesday around noon:
Victoria and I care deeply about our fellow Houstonians. Lakewood’s doors are open and we are receiving anyone who needs shelter.
— Joel Osteen (@JoelOsteen) August 29, 2017
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.
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