Joel Osteen's ‘Night of Hope’ Sells Out Yankee Stadium

By Lauren Leigh Noske
Joel Osteen 'Night of Hope' New York Yankee Stadium
Joel Osteen 'Night of Hope' New York Yankee Stadium

Joel Osteen preached to over 50,000 attendees in New York City during this Saturday's "A Night of Hope with Joel and Victoria," selling out the legendary Yankee Stadium. The pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, interviewed with Fox News before the event took place.

Joel Osteen is known for his inspirational messages and his positive attitude. It is estimated that more than 43,000 people attend Lakewood Church, and that around 10,000,000 people watch Osteen's messages through television broadcasts every week. The pastor has also authored six New York Times best-selling books.

Osteen is excited that Yankee Stadium, which seats 50,291 people, was sold out for Saturday's event. When asked by Fox News whether he feels guilty for being wealthy or if he believes that God is rewarding him for his faithfulness, Osteen responded, "I never set out to be famous or wealthy, or anything like that - and it happened - so I don't apologize for it. But it's given us an opportunity to bless people like we've never dreamed of."

Fans waiting in line outside the stadium lauded Osteen for his inspirational message of hope and of "positivity," and looked forward to attending the encouraging event that day. Osteen's central messages of positive thinking and of prosperity have been criticized by many mainstream evangelical leaders, however.

"I think there really is a hunger for God," Osteen told Fox News prior to the event - "There's a lot pushing people down in life, and our message is lifting people up, letting them know that God has them in the palm of His hand, and people are responding to that."

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo