Meyer, Joyce 1943-

PERSONAL:

Born June 4, 1943, in St. Louis, MO; married, 1961 (divorced, 1966); married David Benjamin Meyer, January 7, 1967; children: David, Laura Marie, Sandra Ellen, and Daniel. Education: Life Christian University, Tampa, FL, Ph.D.

ADDRESSES:

Home—St. Louis, MO. Office—Joyce Meyer Ministries, P.O. Box 655, Fenton, MO 63026.

CAREER:

Writer, evangelist, televangelist. Life Christian Center, minister, c. 1980s; Life in the Word, Inc., founder, 1985—, Life in the Word television ministry, founder, 1990—; Joyce Meyer Ministries, founder.

WRITINGS:

Beauty for Ashes: Receiving Emotional Healing, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1994, revised and expanded edition, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2003.

The Root of Rejection: Escape the Bondage of Rejection and Experience the Freedom of God's Acceptance, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1994.

Battlefield of the Mind: How to Win in Your Mind, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1995.

If Not for the Grace of God: Learning to Live Independently from Struggles and Frustrations, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1995.

The Word, the Name, the Blood, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1995.

Life without Strife, Creation House (Orlando, FL), 1995, revised edition, Creation House (Lake Mary, FL), 2000.

Enjoying Where You Are on the Way to Where You Are Going: Learning How to Live a Joyful Spirit-Led Life, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1996, Warner (New York, NY), 2002.

Life in the Word; Teachings, Quotes, Personal Insights, and Humor from One of Today's Leading Ministers, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1997.

Managing Your Emotions: Instead of Your Emotions Managing You!, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1997.

Me and My Big Mouth: Your Answer Is Right under Your Nose, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1997.

Be Anxious for Nothing: The Art of Casting Your Cares and Resting in God, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1998.

Help Me, I'm Afraid! Overcoming Emotional Battles with the Power of God's Word, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1998.

Help Me, I'm Alone: Trusting God in Times of Loneliness and Grief, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1998.

Help Me, I'm Stressed! Overcoming Emotional Battles with the Power of God's Word, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1998.

Live in the Word Devotional, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1998.

Weary Warriors, Fainting Saints: How You Can Outlast Every Attack of the Enemy, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1998.

Eat and Stay Thin: Simple, Spiritual, Satisfying Weight Control, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1999.

How to Succeed at Being Yourself: Finding the Confidence to Fulfill Your Destiny, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 1999.

Be Healed in Jesus' Name, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 2000.

Help Me, I'm Married!, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 2000.

Jesus, Name Above All Names: Releasing His Annointing in Your life, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 2000.

Reduce Me to Love: Unlocking the Secret to Lasting Joy, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 2000.

A Celebration of Simplicity: Loving God and Enjoying Life, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 2001.

Filled with the Spirit: Understanding God's Power in Your Life, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 2001.

Good Morning, This Is God! Teachings, Quotes, Personal Insights, and Humor from One of Today's Leading Ministers, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 2001.

The Joy of Believing Prayer: Deepen Your Friendship with God, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 2001.

A Leader in the Making: Essentials to Being a Leader after God's Own Heart, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 2001.

Secrets to Exceptional Living: Transforming Your Life through the Fruit of the Spirit, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2002.

Teenagers Are People Too!, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 2002.

Never Lose Heart: Encouragement for the Journey, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2002.

The Battle Belongs to the Lord: Defeating Life's Struggles through Worship, Harrison House (Tulsa, OK), 2002, also published as The Battle Belongs to the Lord: Overcoming Life's Struggles through Worship, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2002.

(With Todd Hafer) Battlefield of the Mind Study Guide, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2002.

Being the Person God Made You to Be, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2002.

Celebration of Simplicity: Loving God and Enjoying Life, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2002.

Straight Talk on Stress: Overcoming Emotional Battles with the Power of God's Word, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Straight Talk on Worry: Overcoming Emotional Battles with the Power of God's Word, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Tell Them I Love Them: Receiving a Revelation of God's Love for You, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

When, God?, When: Learning to Trust in God's Timing, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Why, God, Why? How to Be Delivered from Confusion, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

The Power of Being Positive: Enjoying God Forever, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2003.

The Power of Determination: Looking to Jesus, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2003.

The Power of Forgiveness: Keep Your Heart Free, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2003.

Prepare to Prosper: Moving from the Land of Lack to the Land of Plenty, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

The Secrets of Spiritual Power: Strength for Life's Battles, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2003.

Starting Your Day Right: Devotions for Each Morning of the Year, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2003.

Straight Talk on Depression: Overcoming Emotional Battles with the Power of God's Word!, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Straight Talk on Discouragement: Overcoming Emotional Battles with the Power of God's Word!, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Straight Talk on Fear: Overcoming Emotional Battles with the Power of God's Word!, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Straight Talk on Insecurity: Overcoming Emotional Battles with the Power of God's Word!, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Straight Talk on Loneliness: Overcoming Emotional Battles with the Power of God's Word!, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Do It Afraid: Obeying in the Face of Fear, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Don't Dread: Overcoming the Power of Dread with the Supernatural Power of God, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Eight Ways to Keep the Devil under Your Feet, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2003.

Expect a Move of God … Suddenly!, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Healing the Brokenhearted Experience: Restoration through the Power of God's Word, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

How to Hear from God: Learn to Know His Voice and Make Right Decisions, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2003.

Knowing God Intimately: Being As Close to Him As You Want to Be, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2003.

The Most Important Decision You Will Ever Make: A Complete and Thorough Understanding of What It Means to Be Born Again, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Peace, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Ending Your Day Right: Devotions for Every Evening of the Year, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2004.

How to Hear from God: Learn to Hear His Voice and Make Right Decisions, Thorndike Press (Waterville, ME), 2004.

In Pursuit of Peace: 21 Ways to Conquer Anxiety, Fear, and Discontentment, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2004.

Making Marriage Work: The Advice You Need for a Lifetime of Happiness, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2004.

The Secret Power of Speaking God's Word, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2004.

Seven Things That Steal Your Joy: Overcoming the Obstacles to Your Happiness, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2004.

Approval Addiction: Overcoming the Need to Please Everyone, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2005.

The Power of Simple Prayer: How to Talk to God about Everything, Warner Books (New York, NY), 2005.

Straight Talk: Overcoming Emotional Battles with the Power of God's Word, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2005.

Battlefield of the Mind for Kids, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2006.

Battlefield of the Mind for Teens: Winning the Battle in Your Mind, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2006.

The Confident Woman: Start Today Living Boldly and without Fear, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2006.

Look Great, Feel Great: 12 Keys to Enjoying a Health Life Now, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2006.

A New Way of Living: Understanding What It Means to Be a Christian, Warner Faith (New York, NY), 2006.

(With Deborah Bedford) The Penny: A Novel, Faith Words (New York, NY), 2007.

ADAPTATIONS:

Books have been made into sound recordings, including Look Great, Feel Great, Time Warner Audiobooks, 2006.

SIDELIGHTS:

Joyce Meyer is a successful televangelist who launched the weekly Life in the Word television ministry in 1990. The author, who was picked by Time magazine as one of the twenty-five most influential evangelicals in the United States, has also written more than seventy inspirational books focusing on life in relation to the Christian religion. Meyer distinguishes the difference between Christians who are just going through the motions and others who are truly connected to God in her book Knowing God Intimately: Being As Close to Him As You Want to Be. The author discusses her four levels of commitment that can lead to intimacy with God and how important this intimacy is in people's lives. "Charismatic readers and Meyer's legions of fans will appreciate this passionate discourse," wrote a Publishers Weekly contributor.

Meyer provides biblical accounts of the importance of joy in a person's life in Seven Things That Steal Your Joy: Overcoming the Obstacles to Your Happiness. In the process, she gives advice on how to keep problems in life from robbing a person of his or her joy, with the primary piece of advice being that people should surrender their lives to God. A Publishers Weekly contributor wrote that "her basic, straightforward discussion will appeal to many readers, walking them through some valuable self-examination." How to Hear from God: Learn to Know His Voice and Make Right Decisions focuses on the many ways that Meyer believes that God communicates his wishes to people, including dreams, visions, and even voices that people can hear. The author relates how important she thinks it is to listen to these communications in order to fulfill the plan that God has for their lives. She also recounts her own past resistance to listening to God and delves into the aspects of people's lives that can prevent them from hearing and heeding God's word. A Publishers Weekly contributor noted that "fans of Meyer's previous works will likely be delighted with this newest offering, and its back-to-basics approach will ensure new fans as well."

Meyer discusses what it means to live in peace with God, themselves, and others in her book In Pursuit of Peace: 21 Ways to Conquer Anxiety, Fear, and Discontentment. A Publishers Weekly contributor wrote that "there are many helpful principles" in the book. In Approval Addiction: Overcoming Your Need to Please Everyone, the author emphasizes that there are many people who need to have the constant approval of all those around them. The author recounts her own past insecurities in this area as well as stories passed on by others. Meyer stresses that she and everyone else should live only for God's approval and outlines several steps people can take in their lives to achieve this goal. A Publishers Weekly contributor referred to the author's writing as "strong, pointed, no-nonsense and even pushy."

Battlefield of the Mind for Kids: Winning the Battle in Your Mind and Battlefield of the Mind for Teens: Winning the Battle in Your Mind draw on the Bible to offer advice for kids and teens on how to live their lives. Graham Christian, writing in the Library Journal, commented that the books are "for collections where Meyer's readership is strong." Meyer turns her attention to physical appearance in Look Great, Feel Great: 12 Keys to Enjoying a Healthy Life Now. The author points out that the body is the temple for the spirit and, as a result, should be cared for appropriately. She offers a twelve-step program for staying fit and also addresses the issue of childhood obesity. A Publishers Weekly contributor commented that the author "blends self-help with Scripture in this peppy guide."

The Confident Woman: Start Today Living Boldly and without Fear focuses on how women can become more confident in all aspects of their lives. Meyer addresses what she believes to be God's view of women and how the Bible addresses women in the ministry. In addition to discussing how women can get rid of fear and the seven secrets of a confident woman, the author also examines specific passages in the Bible that are often difficult for modern women to understand and accept. "It's a vital message to be sure," wrote a Publishers Weekly contributor.

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

BOOKS

Religious Leaders of America, Thomson Gale (Detroit, MI), 1999.

PERIODICALS

Christianity Today, March, 2004, Corrie Cutrer, "Joyce Meyer Ministry Flap: TV Preacher Agrees to 'Greatly Reduce' Her Pay in Wake of Controversy," p. 22.

Library Journal, July 1, 2006, Graham Christian, review of Battlefield of the Mind for Teens: Winning the Battle in Your Mind, p. 81; October 1, 2006, Graham Christian, review of The Confident Woman: Start Today Living Boldly and without Fear, p. 80.

Marriage Partnership, spring, 2006, Corrie Cutrer, "The Secret to Contentment: When Joyce Meyer Took a Risk to Love and Be Loved, She Discovered Something Deeper Than Happiness," p. 40.

Orlando Sentinel (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service), February 19, 2002, Nancy Imperiale, "Evangelist Joyce Meyer Uses Her Unusual Voice to Reach Millions."

Publishers Weekly, July 29, 2002, John F. Baker, "Big Warner Deal for Christian Author," p. 14; March 31, 2003, review of Knowing God Intimately: Being As Close to Him As You Want to Be, p. 59; July 14, 2003, review of How to Hear from God: Learn to Know His Voice and Make Right Decisions, p. 73; March 29, 2004, review of Seven Things That Steal Your Joy: Overcoming the Obstacles to Your Happiness, p. 59; August 16, 2004, review of In Pursuit of Peace: 21 Ways to Conquer Anxiety, Fear, and Discontentment, p. 61; March 28, 2005, review of Approval Addiction: Overcoming the Need to Please Everyone, p. 77; January 30, 2006, review of Look Great, Feel Great: 12 Keys to Enjoying a Health Life Now, p. 63; July 10, 2006, review of The Confident Woman, p. 72; August 28, 2006, review of Battlefield of the Mind for Teens, p. 59.

Sarasota Herald Tribune, September 18, 1997, "Joyce Meyers Relates Her Inspirational Story," p. 2B.

St. Louis Journalism Review, May, 2005, Don Corrigan, "Joyce Meyer Attracts More Media Attention; Ministry's Financial Dealings Face Scrutiny," p. 14.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 17, 2003, Carolyn Tuft and Bill Smith, "Money Pitch Is a Hit with Followers"; May 14, 2004, "Timeline of Joyce Meyer's Life"; April 30, 2005, Carolyn Tuft, "Meyer Received Millions, Records Show."

ONLINE

Beliefnet,http://www.beliefnet.com/ (January 1, 2007), Laura Sheahen, "'You're Responsible for Your Own Joy': Interview with Joyce Meyer."

Joyce Meyer Ministries Web site,http://www.joycemeyer.org (January 1, 2007).

Let Us Reason,http://www.letusreason.org/ (January 1, 2007), "Joyce Meyer: Are You Paying Attention."

NNDB,http://www.nndb.com/ (January 1, 2007), information on author.

Personal Freedom Outreach,http://www.pfo.org/ (January 1, 2007), G. Richard Fisher and Paul R. Belli, "Doctrinal Ambiguity of a Wandering Star: The Changing Views of Joyce Meyer."

Time Magazine Web site,http://www.time.com/ (January 1, 2007), "25 Most Influential Evangelicals."*