Pastor Joel Osteen Says It's Not His Calling to Talk Political, Social Issues

Joel Osteen, the well-known megachurch pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, recently said that he avoids discussing political and social issues because he doesn't believe it's what he's called to do.

Osteen said in a recent interview with the local WBUR-TV media station that he avoids social and political topics because he doesn't see those as being a part of his role as pastor.

"I think they are important but I think everybody has their own calling," Osteen told the media outlet, adding "It's not what I'm called to do."

"I have friends who are very political. They're pastors and that's what their thing is. But I think sometimes, that the church world, we can take one issue and make it really, really big and it can turn people off where there are many bigger issues. That's why I don't like to be defined by one thing," Osteen said.

"You know, our message is about lifting people up, helping them fulfill their destiny, helping them to forgive in a tough time, how to make it through this life when life tries to push you down," he added.

This past weekend, Osteen was confronted by hecklers during one of his Sunday services.

The six men who heckled Osteen were reportedly affiliated with The Church of Wells in Wells, Texas. They individually stood up to shout at Osteen and call him a "liar" before being escorted out of the church by police and subsequently arrested.