Houston’s My Fox 26 interviewed the pastor of the world’s largest church, Lakewood Church based in Houston, as he announced plans to go to primetime network television. Joel Osteen is in talks for a reality show that would also star members of the congregation.
Osteen told FOX 26 Monday night he’s signed an agreement to work with “Survivor” producer Mark Burnett. He won’t necessarily be preaching on the show but instead sharing a message of hope while helping others.
Each week 43,000 people show up to hear Osteen preach, while another 10 million watch on television worldwide.
“A big part of our ministry is we’re blessed to be a blessing to somebody else,” said Osteen.
Pretty soon Osteen could have a whole new audience away from the pulpit. TMZ first reported Osteen has teamed up with “Survivor” producer Mark Burnett for a reality show. The two families have become fast friends with Burnett and wife Roma Downey even attending Lakewood services.
“Over the last few years we’ve had opportunities (to do other reality shows), but when we came together with Mark and got to know him it seemed like it all gelled,” said Osteen.
The show will feature Joel and wife Victoria outside of Lakewood as they take hundreds of church members on short mission trips.
“That’s the general theme behind it, that we would take a group of 300-500 people from this auditorium, from our ministry, and go somewhere in the world. We’ll probably start in the U.S. to help a place in need,” said Osteen.
He envisions helping communities like Joplin, Missouri which was destroyed this year by killer tornadoes.
“The thought is people would give up their time and not necessarily know where they’re going that day, but show up, load up in planes and head out and make a difference in the world,” said Osteen.
Lakewood already sends mission teams around the world. The show, Osteen says, would be another avenue to inspire people but with a little more fanfare.
“We’re going to be ambassadors of goodwill, hope and faith and have fun along the way.”
Plans are to present the show to a network soon and start filming next year.
