Dive into the top 10 richest pastors in the world and learn about their net worth, influence, and the controversies surrounding their prosperity gospel teachings.
Introduction
Religion has always been a powerful force, and for some individuals, it has proven to be a lucrative one as well. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of the wealthiest pastors on the planet.
These spiritual leaders have not only amassed considerable wealth but have also built massive empires that span across continents. Let’s dive into the top 10 richest pastors in the world.
1.T.D. Jakes
T.D. Jakes, the founder of The Potter’s House, is a renowned pastor, author, and filmmaker. With a net worth of approximately $150 million, Jakes has built a diverse empire that includes books, movies, and a successful television show.
- Bishop Jakes lives in a $1,700,000 mansion, he has been called America’s best preacher and has been featured on the cover of TIME magazine. He is a writer, preacher and movie producer.
- Thomas Dexter “T. D.” Jakes, Sr. is the bishop/chief pastor of The Potter’s House, a non-denominational American mega church, with 30,000 members, located in Dallas, Texas.
- T.D Jakes wears custom made suits and sports a diamond ring the size of a coin.
- This man of God has been endowed with a $150 million net worth.
2. David Oyedepo
David Oyedepo, the founder and presiding bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, is one of the wealthiest pastors in Nigeria. With a net worth of around $150 million, Oyedepo has made his fortune through his church’s investments in education, publishing, and real estate.
- Bishop David Oyedepo is a Nigerian Preacher, Christian Author, Founder and Presiding Bishop of Winners Chapel known as Living Faith Church World Wide.
- Has been hailed as the wealthiest preacher in Nigeria with a total net worth of $150 million and properties like 4 private jets and homes in the United States and England.
- After the foundation of the Living Faith Outreach Ministry in 1981, it has evolved to be one of the largest congregations in Africa and has a flourishing mission in Nairobi.
3.Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen, the senior pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, is known for his charismatic preaching style and uplifting messages. With a net worth of over $100 million, Osteen has built an empire around his books, television broadcasts, and stadium-sized events.
4.Kenneth Copeland
Kenneth Copeland, a televangelist and author, has a net worth estimated at $300 million. Copeland’s ministry, Kenneth Copeland Ministries, has been a major player in the prosperity gospel movement and has generated significant wealth through television programs, books, and music.
5. Creflo Dollar
Creflo Dollar, the founder of World Changers Church International, has a net worth estimated at $27 million. Dollar’s prosperity gospel teachings have attracted a large following, and he has leveraged his popularity to build a successful ministry that includes television programs and best-selling books.
6. Benny Hinn
Benny Hinn, a televangelist and best-selling author, has a net worth of around $60 million. Hinn’s healing crusades and television ministry have made him a household name in the world of charismatic Christianity.
- Israeli televangelist,Toufik Benedictus “Benny” Hinn has an estimated net worth of $60 million.
- He is best known for his regular “Miracle Crusades” – revival meeting/faith healing summits that are usually held in large stadiums in major cities, which are later broadcast worldwide on his television program, “This Is Your Day”.
- Hinn was born on December 3, 1952
7. E.A. Adeboye
E.A. Adeboye, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, is one of the most influential pastors in Nigeria. While his exact net worth is unknown, Adeboye’s ministry has grown exponentially under his leadership, with branches in over 190 countries.
- This messenger of God was listed in an African magazine, NEWSWEEK, as the most powerful man in Africa and one of the top 50 global power elites in 2008/2009, among others such as President Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy.
- Pastor Adeboye heads the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), something he has done for the last 28years.Amongst his posessions are private jets.
8. Chris Oyakhilome
Chris Oyakhilome, the founder of Believers’ LoveWorld Incorporated, is a prominent Nigerian pastor and author. With a net worth of around $50 million, Oyakhilome has built a massive following through his television network and healing crusades.
- This is the man behind Believers’ Loveworld Ministries, a.k.a Christ Embassy.
- His church has an estimated net worth of $30 million – $50 million last year, the charismatic preacher was at the center of a $35 million money laundering case in which he was accused of siphoning funds from his church to foreign banks.
9. Joseph Prince
Joseph Prince, the senior pastor of New Creation Church in Singapore, has a net worth estimated at $5 million. Prince’s ministry has gained international recognition through his television program, books, and conferences.
10. Paula White
Paula White, a televangelist and author, has a net worth of approximately $5 million. White has been an influential figure in the prosperity gospel movement and has built a successful ministry through her television show and books.
11.Billy Graham
American evangelical Christian evangelist, William Franklin “Billy” Graham, Jr., has a net worth of $25 million. The Southern Baptist evangelist rose to celebrity status as his sermons started getting broadcast on radio and television. Graham was born on a dairy farm near Charlotte, North Carolina in 1918, he has conducted many evangelistic crusades since 1948 . He is now a world renowned televangelist raking in millions of dollars.
12.Kenneth Copeland
He runs Kenneth Copeland Ministries, was one of several televangelists whose finances were investigated from 2007 to 2011 by Republican Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa.
- According to an article by the Associated Press that ran in 2008, “His ministry’s 1,500-acre campus, behind an iron gate a half-hour drive from Fort Worth includes a church, a private airstrip, a hangar for the ministry’s $17.5 million jet and other aircraft, and a $6 million church owned lakefront mansion.
- The article later added that while Copeland has not released up-to-date salary statements, “the church disclosed in a property-tax exemption application that his wages were $364,577 in 1995; Copeland’s wife, Gloria, earned $292,593.
- It’s not clear whether those figures include other earnings, such as special offerings for guest preaching or book royalties.”
Conclusion
These top 10 richest pastors in the world have not only achieved significant financial success but have also had a profound impact on the lives of millions of people around the globe. While their wealth may be a subject of debate and controversy, there is no denying the influence and reach of their ministries. Whether you agree with their teachings or not, their stories offer a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of faith and fortune.
