Gays, fame and heaven: Pastor Joel Osteen sits down with 9 News ahead of tour stop

CINCINNATI - He is viewed every weekend, including on Channel 9, by 7 million viewers.

His home church in Houston, Texas, holds 40,000 each Sunday. But Thursday, Pastor Joel Osteen was preaching to just you.

"Is there a risk associated with how popular you have become? I am wondering specifically, can the man become bigger than the message?" asked 9 News Anchor Lance Barry. 

"I hope not, I always try and point people to the Lord. It is my desire always to represent Christ," Osteen said.

He also tells us he is passionate about not falling from grace like other televangelists who have come before him. 

"Promotion comes from God and you can come down a lot quicker than when you went up  I just try and walk humbly before him and give God the credit and learn from the mistakes who went before us," Osteen said.

"Most of us will never know what it is like to touch lives, what would you say it is like for you?" asked Barry.

"It feels very rewarding, it feels humbling as well, there is a sense of peace and a sense of fulfillment, there is nothing like helping other people," replied Osteen.

"What would you tell you followers, is there any suggestion that this is the beginning of the end (of the world)?" said Barry.

"You know I am not sure.  What you said is what the scripture says, 'Towards the end we will see all these things happening,' so my encouragement is to keep moving forward, and live your life like it could be your last and to make your life count. I am not sure about the end times, but I know we are living in significant times," Osteen said.

"Are we on the cusp of either by choice or by no other choice turning to God as a people?" asked Barry. 

"I believe we are and we are seeing some of it now.  When things go down in the economy, and natural disasters, we see our churches go up, because many people do turn to their faith in these difficult times," said Osteen. 

"Explain your philosophy about your program not specifically asking for donations for the church," said Barry.

"You know, I just didn't want to do anything to turn people off.  You mentioned earlier, televangelists to begin with there is this skepticism that he is after my money and I just wanted to do everything I can to present the message in the most sincerest and genuine way.  I am hoping as they flip through the channels there isn't anything that doesn't prevent them from stopping for a minute or two," said Osteen.

"Are gays welcome at your church?" asked Barry.

"They are, they are," said Osteen.

"What do you tell people (about gays in church)?" said Barry.

"Well, I tell people that the church is open for anyone. It is not a place of perfect people.  My philosophy is that anyone can come through those doors and I am going to do my best to encourage you to become better," said Osteen.

He also maintains the only way to heaven is through Jesus.

"I believe it is, Jesus said you have to get through me to get to the father," said Osteen. 

"Do you believe you have been chosen by God to deliver his message? How do you explain you have come to this point that you have found yourself at?" asked Barry. 

"I do believe it is a calling, I don't like to make it super-spiritual, but when my Dad died, I knew I was supposed to step up and pastor the church.  I still stand and am in amazement at what God has done," Osteen said.

To see the interview in its entirety where Osteen covers many other topics with Barry, watch the attached video above. Topics include why Osteen charges admission to attend one of his tour services, his motivations for his sermons, and what he was most excited about seeing in Cincinnati.