If I lived closer this would be my church. BUT I live 40 minutes away. I enjoyed the worship,…read moresermon, so much so I emailed their team directly after to ask if they are opening a Katy campus. The Lord is working here, and I am excited to come for Easter.

Pastor Tim is the best! I've been attending this church with my family since I was baby, stopped…read moregoing years ago but recently started attending by myself! Such an Amazing place. Everyone is welcomed with greeters and smiling faces

PART 2 (due to word limits):…read more To my surprise Joel then walks back up on stage and starts an actual sermon. It was almost 90 minutes in and the actual sermon hadn't even started yet. WTF. Maybe these attendees aren't as lightweight as I thought. Joel starts talking about how we have to let go of the chains holding us down, whether it's negative thoughts, addiction, past mistakes, etc. Interestingly enough I had been really unusually down lately with negative thoughts after some negative experiences with someone who I thought was my friend. Joel said that if I made God my first priority, none of these chains could hold me down. I thought about it for a bit and he was right. As an exercise I tried to do what he was preaching and I legitimately started to feel better. The sermon continues, largely focused on the primary message, without straying or going too unnecessarily deep which I think a lot of sermons make the mistake of doing. Especially in 2025 the age of Tiktok, Instagram, etc. I briefly find myself tempted to check my phone but decide to continue listening. Joel then starts to talk about a story in the Bible about a guy who used to have a family but now he was poor, alone, mentally unstable, and hurting himself by cutting his body up. What a psycho story to bring up on this Easter Sunday. Joel quotes various Bible verses along the way, probably 5-10 of them, which reversed a previous assumption of mine that his messages are loosely based on the Bible. Joel goes on to say that we can sometimes be the poor, mentally unstable man who is cutting himself. But instead of physically hurting ourselves we do it mentally. Wow. That was me that weekend. Joel was right. At this point I'm drawn in as ever and it's as if he's speaking directly to me. The sermon goes on for maybe 25 minutes total and by the end I'm embarrassingly fighting back tears. I wish this review was anonymous because it's embarrassing to say but I feel like I should say it. I'm basically this grown man in my 30s, all alone and sloppily dressed at church on an Easter Sunday, luggage in hand, and I'm here bawling with my lips quivering like a kid. The dude wasn't saying anything particularly technical or extensive but it was hitting all the right parts of my mind and now I'm bawling. I can't even remember the last time I cried. I came to the church to make fun of the attendees and here I am one of a handful of people standing up (out of 10,000), embarrassing myself instead. Joel said if you're not ashamed to stand up for God, he won't be ashamed to stand up for you. And while the devil may be telling you to sit down, or to stand up some other week... that week might never come. It was a trip. Joel goes on to say that after the sermon, he'll be outside waiting to greet anyone who wants to talk to him, as he does every week. And sure enough when I walk out of the congregation there he is shaking people's hands and taking selfies with 100 people in a line that eventually gets closed. It struck me that he does ~3 sermons back to back every week and each time afterwards like clockwork he's there to greet people afterwards, just like some of my favorite, IMO must humble heroes like Rafael Nadal. This sounds crazy but I'm somewhat famous in a niche industry too so I know how exhausting it is to shake hands with long lines of 100+ strangers eager to meet you. But this dude was doing that multiple times a day, week after week after week. Is Joel Osteen and Lakewood this fake church out there looking to prey on people's money and weaknesses? Maybe. I don't know, I just attended once before my flight home and I'll probably never be back in Houston anytime soon. But that message hit me deeper than any other message I've heard in my life and I've attended all sorts of churches (with extreme skepticism) over the years. The donations were completely optional, were asked one time, then forgotten. I didn't donate myself. But right now I'd be lying if I said I didn't believe he was the real deal. Maybe all the rumors online were fake or misinformed. I'm curious to see how long this high lasts. Heck I might even buy one of his books or listen to his podcast. One thing for sure is I'm moved enough to pay $8 to Southwest on this long flight home so I can have internet to type up this review. Shoot, maybe I did get scammed by this fake preacher. I'm a skeptical enough person to still consider that possibility. But at this point, does it even matter? I'm here riding this spiritual high that I've rarely gotten from dozens of other "real" preachers and I got it all for free. There has to be something special about that. I guess my parting thought for you who's skeptical and curious is, try to attend the service yourself and make your own opinion. I can say for myself, seeing it all firsthand really changed my opinion on things, and I was extremely cynical about the church beforehand. Give it a shot.

If you're looking for a church to feel inspired and right at home, Lakewood is the place for you…read more I recently visited from California to be baptized by Pastor Joel and I'm so glad it was him that shared in this special ceremony and new beginning. From the moment my mom and I walked in, we were warmly greeted and directed on where to go. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE was excited, cheerful, encouraging and so helpful as 1,000's of people came through. It was a very well ran event and went by so fast. On Sunday we came back for the 11AM service and once they found out it was our first time going to one of their services, a kind volunteer escorted us straight down to the front section of seats and made sure we had a good view of the service. More people within the church, including one of the guitar players, greeted us, welcomed us and had a nice casual conversation. We saw that across multiple rows, so many nice people checking on their neighbors and community before the service started. The choir and band were excellent performers but something I noticed that stood out was Pastor Joel and other family members were in the crowd with the rest of us with their hands in the air waving and singing too. They were so engaged and present in the service before Joel ever got up to speak. To me, this speaks volumes not only about the genuine, authentic person Pastor Joel is but, his family as well. I watched them humbly pray over people and the entire Lakewood community stay present throughout the service. I've never enjoyed a church service so much and was so blown away by the type of leader Pastor Joel is. Even his security staff were top notch and very kind. I would HIGHLY recommend Lakewood and the beauty of Lakewood church is that you can tune in anywhere, at any time. I listen almost everyday on Spotify as I do my morning walks with God all the way from Laguna Beach listening to Pastor Joel's sermon to start my day. If you happen to be in the area I'd highly recommend you stop by the church and "meet the finest people in all of Houston" too. The church is MEGA! So many places for kids, families, singles, women's groups, men's groups.. I can't say enough great things and so glad I made it in person to this phenomenal church. Lakewood gives the world HOPE and we all need as much of that as possible. Lakewood will make you feel right at home and I can't wait for my next trip back.

Ok so I have 30+ years in worship ministry in a wide range of denominations, cultures, etc so I'm…read morecoming from an experienced place. I'll give pros and cons. Pros: - great looking building - love the coffee shop setup - alot of families and kids - love the sanctuary setup - the living room family areas in the sanctuary - seem to be involved in missions - pastor seemed very knowledged in the word - looks like they serve nearby shelter, and some unhoused. - looks like they are busy with activities. Cons: - no welcoming greeter when I entered. Felt really cold and distant. People greeted those they knew. - worship felt like i was sitting at a coffee bar listening to live music. People stood because what they were taught but no real engagement but from a few faithful. The sound could be a bit more clearer for the singers. - wanna present as a cool church, but it felt more like a neighborhood social club with middle class to wealthy families. Not mad at all the families, that's just what I saw. (To be fair the neighborhood is mostly middle class to wealthy, so that's expected. ) It seem to be a great church especially for families to get involved throughout the week, but the worship service itself is a no for me. It seem kinda surface level with no real engagement. I would need a great balance of meaningful worship/ word and the community which I think they have a great grasp on the community part.

So I'm a big coffee lover and make it a point to check out as many coffee spots as I can. This one…read morepopped up on my radar -- turns out it's part of a church called Ecclesia. The space was quiet, not many people around, which I figured might be a plus... until I saw the prices. I paid close to $8 for a single croissant. And it wasn't even house-made -- tasted more like something from Costco. Honestly, I've been to plenty of cafés in California (where rent is sky-high), and I've never seen a croissant priced that high. In Houston? Come on. The whole experience gave me pause. It felt less like a community space and more like a money-making setup. It reminded me of the scripture where Jesus flips the tables of the money changers -- not exactly the vibe you want from a church café. I don't know who's running things behind the scenes, but if the goal is ministry, this pricing structure sends the wrong message. If I were church-shopping, this would be a red flag for me. Been there, done that with places that preach sacrifice while leadership lives large. It's disappointing. As for the croissant? Mid. Definitely not worth the hype -- or the price.

Came here during a visit to Houston as we felt the need to spend some time in church while we were…read morehere. What a great place. Can feel the Holy Spirit here. The pastor was very entertaining in the word of God was sound. Excellent music and you can tell the people around us were really feeling the positivity and the spirit of God. This is where we will worship the next time that we are in town visiting.

This church is open to all which is a great approach for someone looking for diversity and…read moreacceptance. I've been to a few services and enjoy that the pastor has a laid back approach while still delivering a good message. I've attended Baptist churches typically so there's an adjustment, but you make of it what you take from it. Overall a beautiful building with a friendly community of all ages and walks of life.

This church is awesome! Full of really cool and welcoming people who genuinely care about you…read more Leadership and staff are so friendly and eager to bring you into this amazing community.

The pastor is breaking down the message in layman terms. This church is about creating disciples…read more My first time here and I can see this.

I have visited City Life Church twice and felt extremely welcomed every time. They present such a…read morewarm, inviting, and open environment. At my last visit, Pastor G came up to me and we had a pleasant conversation; he was very friendly. They have a large parking lot and even offered welcome gifts to newcomers. They practice social distancing and wear masks. look forward to attending the service again.

It's like coming home. Every time you walk in…read more This is small, small church. Everyone knows you. And everyone loves you just the way you are. There is a lot to be said for spiritual family. There are maybe 100 members. Currently, the church meets in Theatre #14 of the Edwards Showplace 24 on Highway 59 and Buffalo Speedway. Services start at 10:00 a.m. and last until approximately 11:30 a.m. Children's church is provided. This little church has been through a lot. But still has a strong spirit. We have students, doctors, teachers, lawyers, worker bees, professionals, business owners, stay at home moms, salespeople, men and women in full-time ministry, missionaries AND wannabe-missionaries! All people from all walks of life. Small groups meet during the week on a weekly/bi-monthly basis in addition to Sunday services. The ministry also is very active in all kinds of services: couples counseling, prayer groups, house calls, etc...or, even just getting together for a nice, relaxing lunch to talk about what is going on in your life. In fact, there is usually a church-wide lunch on Sundays after the service. All are welcome. CLC lives the example that a church lives in the hearts of its people, NOT merely in a building. A good number of the men show up early and stay late every week to set up facilities and tear down. They are the true unsung heroes. If you are looking for a church family where you will not be a number, where you will matter to everyone around you, and you want to grow in your walk with the Lord, come join CLC on Sunday: http://www.clchouston.com/

This church has rude people who always stare and they always give dirty looks. I am with my family…read moreand I always get stared and they talk amongst each other and just talk, very rude! I wouldn't recommend coming here!!

Amazing service on both Wednesdays and Sundays. I also like that they offer different groups to…read morejoin. Been coming since 2019 I love it!

Great place of worship! Solid message delivered. Also, the persons we encountered were very…read morepleasant and inviting. Thank you.

I began visiting when I was dating my now husband and have stayed for 30 years! The people in this…read morechurch are like family. I love meeting the new people who arrive week after week and serving in ministry. It's easy to get connected with others here. Very solid teaching and lots of ways to serve.

Still the best place for my family to go to church…read more We've church hopped and sometimes you have to search your heart and know that God wants you to stay! My blended family love it here and most of the families are actively involved in this smaller church. Which is a good thing!! We have lots of new believers or people seeking the truth and love that comes with a Good Good God! I help with the kids care on Sunday and would love to see your little ones. One final thought. The worship has the Bible scripture at the bottom of the screen. I like that the songs are backed by the Word of God....the world does not need more religious people. Our God needs people to focus on Him and the rest will get figured out later.

Great community of wanderers. If you are looking for somewhere to go to meet amazing people and…read morecome together to sing and rejoice over the Lord then this is the place for you! Highly recommend. Love Hannah and Bill they are great.

The parish church community is located in the heart of Downtown Houston and they are always…read morewelcoming visitors from around the country as it's next to the Astro's Ball park area and the Dynamo Stadium and so much activity with the sports complex's but it's also about the rich and powerful faith that brings many back home to the Church of The Annunciation. Know as the Mother Church of All the 146 Catholic Church Communities and their choir is absolutely the best I've heard in a while the richness and depth of French Artistry inside this church is amazing and the fresco of The Transfiguration is a gem to behold. Not only is this place a Traditional Latin Rite Parish but offers a 3 mass in 1 for the more conservative to the most contemporary service. And yes many come on Uber or the Metro Bus and Rail but they are working on getting a parking garage moving so if in need of some Spiritual Direction take a drive to the heart of the city and find Annunciation Catholic Church on Sunday( highly recommended the major church feast days to attend)

Attended a Saturday morning, English ordinary form Mass. Very reverent liturgy and congregation…read more Communion was by intinction (the consecrated host dipped in the precious blood before being placed on the tongue of the communicant). Like all parishes, it is best to go to the website and look at the parish bulletin to confirm the most current schedules, www.annunciationcc.org , as sometimes websites, signs and third party databases are not updated.