by Richard Young (Author) He was the most unlikely of protégés--a young man with no college or seminary degree and virtually no preaching experience. Yet, Joel Osteen was handed the reins of his father's lifelong ministry when John Osteen died suddenly in 1999. Here are the behind-the-scenes details of the miraculous rise of Lakewood Church from humble beginnings in a Texas feed store to becoming the largest church in America. Learn the inside story that catapulted Joel Osteen to prominence as one of the most influential Christian voices of our generation. From the life and times of John and Joel Osteen, you will learn the power of vision, humility, integrity, faith, and much more. You will be inspired and encouraged, and never again will you doubt what God can do with those who are fully devoted to Him! Author Biography Richard Young is a former educator, businessman, and pastor. The son of a Free Will Baptist pastor, Richard started preaching at fourteen and pastoring at twenty. He comes from a great heritage of preachers and pastors, as there has been a member of his family in the ministry consistently since 1876. Richard has been a writer all of his adult life, writing corporate training manuals and collegiate self-study courses, as well as two textbooks. He has written articles for both Christian and secular magazines and journals. His published biographies include The Rise of Lakewood ChurchandJoel Osteen, The Journey of T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, and Messengers of Healing (the story of Charles and Frances Hunter). Richard received his B.A. and M.S. degrees from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. He has completed the coursework for his doctorate in education at Oklahoma State University. He served as vice president of academics at American Christian College and Seminary in Oklahoma City, as well as dean of academics at Oklahoma Junior College. He also was a trainer for Century 21 across the state of Oklahoma. Richard and his wife, Brenda, have been married for more than three decades. Number of Pages: 264 Dimensions: 0.8 x 8.9 x 6 IN Publication Date: February 01, 2012