Pastor Joel Osteen, whose televised sermons are seen by more than seven million viewers weekly, has been hit with criticism after he closed his Lakewood church due to the severe floods in Texas.
Hurricane Harvey has dumped over 30 inches of rain throughout parts of southeast Texas since it made landfall Friday evening.
In the wake of this natural disaster dozens of Houston-area churches, schools and community centers have opened their doors to offer temporary shelter to survivors.
However, the 54-year-old’s 17,000-seat Lakewood Church in Houston isn’t opening its doors because floodwaters won’t allow it, according to the televangelist.
He posted an official statement on Facebook that it was ‘inaccessible due to severe flooding.’
The post began with: ‘Our hearts are breaking as we see the images of the damage and destruction in our city and the surrounding areas from Hurricane Harvey.
‘We are praying for everyone’s safety in Houston and Texas. As a community we can help each other get through this storm.
Social media users say the pastor – who has an estimated net worth north of $50 million – could help by allowing thousands to shelter in his megachurch.
The storm and ensuing flooding have left at least 300,000 people without power and roughly 30,000 displaced to temporary shelters.
Thousands of people were still awaiting rescue as of Monday night.
His thoughtful wishes on social media weren’t well received by users who blasted him for merely sending out prayers and thoughts rather than offering to donate money.
‘You have taken so much money away from your people to live like a king,’ entertainment publicist Danny Deraney said. ‘It’s the least you could do.’
Writer and reporter Eoin Higgins wrote on Twitter: ‘Nice of @JoelOsteen to open his 16,000 seat mega church in Houston to floor victims. Lol jk he’s not doing that.’
A Twitter user called Phillip Harris said: ‘Where’s Joel Osteen? His church in Houston holds 16,800, and he has plenty of money. Open the doors and help people! Well, guess not eh!’
Pastor Greg Locke reached out on Twitter also as he said: ‘Joel Osteen, as a Pastor you have a huge obligation to show the love of Christ at this very moment. OPEN THE DOORS. #HoustonStrong.’
Mrs. Betty Bowers didn’t hold back on social media either. She tweeted: ‘A message of Christian love to all those without shelter in Houston right now who seek refuge in Joel Osteen’s 16,800-seat Lakewood church.’
