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Local NewsExclusive: Joel Osteen Coming To MilwaukeeBy Charles Benson
MILWAUKEE - Rock stars have packed the Bradley Center for years.
Sunday, a preacher with rock star status is expected to have the Bradley Center packed and rocking.
Joel Osteen founded the country's largest church.
He spoke via satellite exclusively with TODAY'S TMJ4's Charles Benson.
Osteen's Lakewood church in Houston is a converted NBA basketball arena. Some 38,000 people pack the place for Sunday services.
Charles Benson: "We have a bigger religion up here that packs them in more than you do. Do you know what that is?"
"I don't know what it is. Tell me," Osteen said.
Charles Benson: "The Green Bay Packers."
"Oh I should have known that," Osteen said with a laugh.
Osteen is known as the positive pastor.
"You look beautiful. You look handsome. You look like victors," Osteen said to churchgoers at a recent service.
He offers followers hope.
Charles Benson: "What do you tell people who are struggling at this time?"
"I'm telling them, this is the time, more than ever, to turn to your faith, and you need to look at what's right in your life and not what's wrong," Osteen said.
Critics complain he's part of the prosperity gospel movement, that God rewards only the faithful with wealth and health.
Charles Benson: "Do you believe it's just the believers who can get these blessings?"
"No. I believe if you have the right attitude, it helps anybody," Osteen said.
Charles Benson: "Do you believe it was God's will that Barack Obama won?"
"I believe the scripture talks about that God puts people in leadership. So in the broad sense I think it is. I think God controls the whole world," Osteen said.
Sunday's visit to Milwaukee will be Osteen's first.
Charles Benson: "Don't forget to bring your winter coat."
"Ha ha. You got it. Thank you very much," Osteen said.
Tickets to Sunday's event are $15.
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