From the Oasis of Love to Your Best Life Now: A Brief History of Lakewood Church By Houston History Magazine on July 12, 2011 in Houstonians, Religion Phillip Luke Sinitiere examines the rise of John Osteen’s Lakewood Church from its humble beginnings in a feed store to its current status as a nationally and internationally known megachurch led John’s son, Joel Osteen, “the smiling preacher.” Follow Continue Reading