Barbara Walters names Pastor Joel to "most fascinating" list

ABC will air Barbara Walters's annual "Ten Most Fascinating People" this Tuesday at 9 pm. Among this year's honorees is Houstonist favorite Joel Osteen. Joel Osteen is the pastor of Lakewood Church, the country's largest megachurch and newest tenant at the stadium formerly known as the Summit. He is an icon of the revitalized non-denominational evangelical movement, and charismatic to the nth degree. Joel Osteen is conspicuous on this list, almost entirely made up of big stars. Barbara Walters commented on this:

We don't want this to be a show-business special, but we will have a star. We, the five of us who work on these specials, will say, for example, that the evangelical movement is growing. 'Who is the most charismatic, interesting pastor?' Well, Joel Osteen. We might have picked someone else, but when we heard the sermon and saw the size of this church, we knew he was the one.

Walters interviewed Osteen in the magnificent setting of Lakewood Church itself, to help the viewers "understand the extraordinary appeal of Joel Osteen." We can only assume that this was also to keep Victoria Osteen safe in Houston, and away from Continental flight attendants.

What: Barbara Walters "Ten Most Fascinating People" featuring Joel Osteen
When: Tuesday Dec. 12, 9 pm
Where: ABC 13