Israel Houghton Returns to Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church After Engagement to Adrienne Bailon
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.
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One of my favorite pple & singers Israel Houghton visited us today. Our family was so glad. pic.twitter.com/MXDPurQ2qT
— Dodie Osteen (@DodieOsteen) August 14, 2016
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.
"I truly love @joelosteen and my gracious Lakewood family," Houghton wrote Facebook back in March.
