Joel Osteen, Mark Burnett Partner For Reality Show About Lakewood Church Mission Trips

[WhisperWisdom]

[B]Joel Osteen, Mark Burnett Partner For Reality Show About Lakewood Church Mission Trips [/B]

First Posted: 11/30/11 11:26 AM ET Updated: 11/30/11 11:27 AM ET
Joel Osteen, Mark Burnett Partner For Reality Show About Lakewood Church Mission Trips


Houston megachurch leader Joel Osteen will soon be coming to a television near you -- this time as the star of his own reality show.

The preacher and his family have partnered with "Survivor" producer Mark Burnett for a show about Lakewood Church's mission trips, the Associated Press reports. The show, which will focus on "people helping people," is expected to air some time in 2012.

Osteen has reportedly been approached for several reality shows in the past, but this one caught his attention, according to the Houston Chronicle.

"We have great respect for Mark and we know that the finished product will not only entertain but will illustrate the generosity and selflessness that is a hallmark of the American people," Osteen told "Entertainment Tonight".

Don Iloff, Lakewood spokesperson, told the Chronicle that the program will have a feel-good premise similar to that of reality shows such as "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

At least one expert says he's not surprised by the pastor's new endeavor.

"In an era where media exposure is the Holy Grail, this is to be expected," Richard Flory, an expert at the American Christianity at the Center for Religion and Civic Culture at USC told the Chronicle.

Osteen currently hosts weekly religious broadcasts that reach around 200 million homes, according to the Associated Press.

Honestly, I truly am amazed at how low some folks will go.....and the fact that he's seen by over 200 million homes is also very depressing...

[arapahoepark]

Figures a false prophet would take up this offer is no surprise. I can't imagine a mature and real pastor who cares about his sheep doing something and horrendous as getting a reality show for absolutely no purpose other than self promotion.

[billiefan2000]

Just what the world needs.
Posted on December 10, 2011 by Pilgrim




(CBS/AP) Houston televangelist Joel Osteen is a preacher, lecturer and author. Soon, he’ll add reality TV star to his accomplishments.

The leader of a Texas megachurch, whose Sunday services are broadcast to audiences around the world, has signed an agreement to work with producer Mark Burnett to develop a reality show about his mission trips with members of his Lakewood Church.

Osteen, 48, announced the agreement Tuesday. He said the program would also feature Victoria, his wife of more than two decades.

Osteen also travels a cross the country presenting programs in large arenas. He is the author of several best-selling books, the latest of which is “Every Day a Friday.”

The British-born Burnett is executive producer of the CBS hit show “Survivor” and creator of such reality series as “Celebrity Apprentice,” “The Voice” and “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?”

Lakewood Church’s website says its broadcasts reach more than 200 million households. Its headquarters is the former Compaq Center, which the NBA’s Houston Rockets once called home. It took more than 15 months and $75 million to convert the arena into a church.


Just what the world needs. | Defending. Contending.