Christian Leaders React to Lakewood Church Shooting
Following the tragic shooting at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, Christian leaders from various denominations and theological backgrounds have expressed their condolences, prayers, and diverse perspectives on the event.
According to the Houston Police Department, A woman believed to be in her 30s entered Lakewood Church on Friday afternoon wearing a trench coat and carrying a backpack. She opened fire before being stopped by police. A young boy she was with and a 57-year-old man were injured, while the woman died at the scene. The boy remains in critical condition
Following news of the shooting, pastors across the country took to social media to lift Lakewood Church in prayer.
Israeli-born American-Canadian televangelist Benny Hinn took Instagram to urge his followers to pray for Lakewood Church.
“Wonderful partners, I’m sure you heard about the shooting this afternoon at Joel Osteen’s church. I am asking you all as God’s people to pray for Pastor Joel, his family, as well as the members of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas,” Hinn wrote. “Pray that the Lord will protect His people, that God will fill them with His wonderful peace, and that He will bring healing to the injured.”
Tauren Well founder of the Church of Whitestone and former staff at Lakwood church wrote on social media. “Carrying my Lakewood family in my heart tonight. I’m grateful to hear of the preparation of security teams and swift action of law enforcement. May God be close and his people filled with defiant courage to keep showing up!”
California Pastor and author David Jeremiah, who leads Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, wrote on social media, “We are praying for all those affected by the tragic shooting at Lakewood Church. Our hearts go out to all the families impacted in the Houston community.”
Aventer Gray who co-pastors Relentless Church in Greenville with her husband John Gray wrote on Instagram, “Please everyone wherever you are right now to pray for our @lakewoodchurch family! Please, ” she wrote. “Our places of worship should be safe. People of God deserve to worship safely and some think security is unnecessary…Jesus help us,” she added.
Evangelist and bestselling author, Diga Hernandez wrote: ” I’m asking you to please keep our Lakewood Church family in prayer – comfort and peace for all affected, complete healing for the precious 5-year-old boy who was injured, and strength for Pastor Joel Osteen and the entire team.”
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