Joel Osteen was born in Houston, Texas on March 5, 1963. He was named the Most Influential Christian in America by chruchreport.com in 2006. His first book, Your Best Life Now, was a #1 New York Times bestseller. After 17 years with his father, producing the churchs television program, Joel succeeded his father on October 3, 1999, as pastor of Lakewood Church. Joel had only preached once in his life, the week before his fathers death. Today, Lakewood Church services, led by Pastor Joel Osteen, are seen in over 100 nations around the world. Osteen released his second book, Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day in October 2007, which also topped the New York Times Best Sellers List with a first printing of four million copies. His book Every Day a Friday came out in September, 2011. He made The New York Times Best Seller List in 2012 with his title I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life.