Since then, he has doubled the size of the congregation, and developed his own style — sermons are strictly optimistic and address practical, everyday issues, like time management. His critics say it is all too simplistic, that Joel is part of a new trend called prosperity gospel.

"It sort of treats the Bible as a collection of fortune cookies," says Michael Horton, a theologian with the Westminster Seminary. "If you claim the right verses, then you can have health, wealth and happiness."

Gangel: I know you don't like that [criticism].

Osteen: When I think of that, I think of somebody getting on TV and all they do is ask for money. I've never preached one sermon on money, on just finances. I want to stay away from it.

Gangel: You do have critics and some feel that this is more promotion than preacher — that it is “watered down Christianity.” One quote was, “It's cotton candy theology. There's no meat. They just make everybody feel good.”

Osteen: I can't say that there's not meat when you're talking about letting go of the past and forgiving people and not being selfish. It just seems like the more known we get, the more critics we have. But I don't apologize for anything. I just have a message of hope and victory.

Joel may not like the idea of prosperity gospel, but his can-do message has reached an audience and made the church rich.

He does not ask for money during his television broadcasts. But Lakewood still took in $50 million this year — much of it from the local congregation.

“It just seems like the more known we get, the more critics we have. But I don't apologize for anything. I just have a message of hope and victory.” — Joel Osteen

For the record, Joel says he no longer takes a salary from the church. His new book has made him a millionaire, and because of his new celebrity he is selling out arenas across the country, including Madison Square Garden.

Gangel: Why do you think you are so popular?

Osteen: Maybe it's the fact that I'm younger, I'm not beating people over the head, and that I'm saying that there are good things in store — you can make it in life. Most of the stuff that I minister [is] not real complicated deep things. 

Gangel: You admit that it's not complicated and not deep.

Osteen: No, I admit that. It's [the] simple things.

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