Months after gospel singer Israel Houghton
stepped down from his position as worship leader
at Pastor Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in
Houston, Texas, he was welcomed back with open
arms when he attended a service last Sunday.
Osteen’s mother, Dolores “Dodie” Osteen, posted an
image of herself with Houghton who recently got
engaged to talk show host Adrienne Bailon.
“One of my favorite pple & singers Israel Houghton
visited us today. Our family was so glad,” Dodie tweeted
https://twitter.com/DodieOsteen/status/764868094770589696
The singer also expressed his jubiliation for being
back at home with his church family in a message
on Instagram where he shared the same photo of himself with Dodie.
“SO refreshing to be home @lakewoodchurch this
morning sitting next to this Queen @dodieosteen
hearing my friend @realjohngray bring a powerful
message. @dadra @imstevecrawford @
petewilsons & the team led an amazing worship
experience. My heart is happy today. # ILoveMyChurch,” he wrote.
Houghton took an indefinite leave from Lakewood
Church earlier this year, according to a statement
from the church.
“We can confirm that Israel is on indefinite leave,
but it is important to clarify that we still consider
Israel to be a part of the Lakewood family and that
his employment has not been terminated,” the
church said in a statement, according to KHOU-TV
Houghton stepped down from his position after he
announced that he was getting a divorce after two
decades of marriage.
“It is with a collective heavy heart that we
announce that after over 20 years of marriage and
a long separation, Meleasa and I are officially
divorced. Several years ago I failed and sinned in
my marriage,” he said in a Facebook post last February. “Though this is new to many, it is not new to us, as we have been working through this
for over five years. Although we tried, the
challenges in our relationship have proven too
much to overcome.”
Houghton continued to express his sorrow for his
actions, and apologized to his ministry for his
personal failure.
“Although I am sincerely sorry, and forgiven, I
soberly realize that I will live with the consequences
of my failings for the rest of my life. As this has
become a public matter I want to apologize to the
many who have supported my ministry through
the years,” he wrote. “I’m sorry for the many who will be hurt to learn of my personal failure. I regret
any pain or disappointment that this news may
cause you.”
After announcing his decision to step down from
his position at Lakewood Church, Houghton
assured his supporters that there was no fallout out
between him and the Lakewood Church staff or the
Osteens.
Osteens. “I truly love @joelosteen and my gracious
Lakewood family,” Houghton wrote
back in march
Want To Promote Your Song?