Country music star and outspoken conservative John Rich has reignited a fiery feud with Houston megachurch pastor Joel Osteen, dragging a seven-year-old controversy back into the spotlight. The dispute centres on allegations that Osteen's famed Lakewood Church initially turned away victims of Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
The public spat erupted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where Rich is known for his forthright opinions. Responding to a user's post, the 'Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)' singer didn't mince words, stating the megachurch had "closed the doors on people in need."
The 2017 Storm That Started It All
In late August 2017, Hurricane Harvey devastated southeastern Texas, with Houston bearing the brunt of catastrophic flooding. Thousands were displaced, seeking shelter wherever it could be found. All eyes turned to the 16,000-seat Lakewood Church, the largest megachurch in the U.S., co-pastored by Joel and Victoria Osteen.
Initial reports and social media outrage accused the church of refusing to open its doors to flood victims. The church vehemently denied these claims, stating that the building itself was inaccessible due to severe flooding in the surrounding areas and was never officially designated as a public shelter.
"The rumours that we are turning people away are false," a church statement read at the time. Lakewood did eventually open as a shelter days later, once floodwaters receded and access was safe, partnering with relief organisations to house victims.
A Lingering Question of Charity
Despite the church's explanations, the narrative of indifference persisted for many, including John Rich. The incident became a lasting stain on Osteen's reputation, often cited by critics who accuse his prosperity gospel ministry of prioritising wealth and glamour over grassroots charity.
Osteen, known for his televised sermons that reach millions, has always defended his church's actions during the disaster. He maintains that safety concerns, not reluctance, dictated their delayed response.
This latest broadside from a prominent celebrity like John Rich ensures that the Harvey episode will continue to be a point of contention, raising perennial questions about the role and responsibility of massive religious institutions during community-wide crises.
