Osteen, pastor of one of the largest churches in the US whose messages are broadcast millions worldwide, preached his signature uplifting message at the Verizon Center in Washington DC during his "A Night of Hope" worship event.
His visit comes less than two months before the nation chooses its next president, but the popular Lakewood Church pastor did not come to the US capital to talk politics, let alone rally Christians behind a candidate.
"I try not to weigh in a lot on [politics]," Osteen told The Christian Post. The only political rallying he does is to make sure people vote and do their part. "I always encourage our congregation to search their own heart and vote what they feel God wants them to. I think if we do our part, God will put the right person in office."
Still undecided on his personal pick for the next White House leader, Osteen noted, "There's good and great things in both candidates (Barack Obama and John McCain). They're both great leaders."
He also commended Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, for hosting the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates at his church for a civil forum last month.
"It gave good insight into who they are," Osteen commented. "Nobody more qualified to do [the forum] than Rick Warren, so I think it was great."
Osteen, whose podcast messages consistently rank in the top 10 on iTunes, keeps politics out of his church. He does not preach on political issues; he also does not teach theological doctrine or try to explain every detail in the Bible.
