Israel Houghton Returns to Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church After Engagement to Adrienne Bailon

This year has been a busy time for Israel Houghton.  Earlier this year, worship leader Houghton shocked fans by announcing his divorce.  A few weeks later, he has been spot vacationing with new beau actress Adrienne Bailon.  Last week, he announced his engagement to Bailon.  Now, he's back at his home church, Lakewood Church, pastored by author and speaker Joel Osteen.

Though Houghton had stepped down from his role as worship leader of the mega-church weeks after his divorce announcement, there was no fall out between him and the Texas church.  He was back at the church last Sunday, sitting beside Joel Osteen's mother Dodie Osteen. 

"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."

 

 

 

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