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In this article I’ll be talking about the top 20 richest pastors in the world and their net worths.
Gone are those days when pastors are referred to as ‘church rats’. In our society these days,W pastors are one of the richest people. Some were called by God, some saw it as a money making opportunity and ventured into just to make money.
This is one reason why they are a lot of fake pastors in our society today. These fake pastors were not called by God. They call themselves, open churches and start giving fake prophecies to attract members to their churches and collect all sorts of offerings from them.
There are many rich pastors in our societies today, some made money from church members offerings and tithes, while some made money from other businesses and investments. Some pastors today are jet owners, while some are owners of educational institutions.
Reading this article, you’ll get to know the top 20 richest pastors in the world and I can assure you that you’ll be shocked to know who’s number one on the list.
Before we proceed, please note that this is just an estimated value of their respective net worth. The list of top 20 richest pastors in the world is not static as it changes every year. But I can assure you that this is the best, most credible and most most accurate you can find on the internet.
Top 20 richest pastors in the world and their net worth
20. Joyce Meyer
Pastor Joyce Meyer is the 20th on my list of top 20 richest pastors in the world. She was born on the 4th of May 1943 in St Louis Missouri in the United States of America. She is happily wedded to Dave Meyer and together they have four (4) children who are all grown up.
Joyce Meyer is a speaker, a bible teacher, a charismatic Christian author and the founder of Joyce Meyer ministries. She is also the and the presiding pastor of the Joyce Meyer Ministries as well. Pastor Meyer airs her sermons on television, radio shows, and on the internet as well.
According to Forbes Magazine, Pastor Joyce Meyer is worth $8 million. She is not just one of the richest pastors in the world, but also one of the most popular female pastors in the world.
19. Juanita Bynum
Juanita Bynum is a popular American gospel singer, actress, author and pastor. She was born on the 16th of January, 1959 in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America. In 2007 she released an album titled ‘Piece of My Passion’ , which The New York Times described her as “the most prominent black female television evangelist in the country”. Juanita Bynum is the author of ‘The Threshing Floor’, and an activist that advocates for women empowerment.
In 1996, Juanita Bynum was invited by Bishop T.D. Jakes to attend one of his conferences. Two years later, her participation elevated from an attendee to a speaker.
Bynum has gotten married twice and divorced twice due to domestic violence. Since her last marriage ended in 2007, she has remained single till date.
Pastor Juanita Bynum is one of the top 20 richest pastors in the world today, as she has made lots of money from het music, books, conferences e.t.c. She has a net worth of $10million according to Forbes Magazine.
18. Pastor Chris Okotie
Famous Nigerian pastor, Christopher Oghenebrorie Okotie is the 18th richest pastor in the world. He was born on the 16th of June 1958, in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria. He is the founder and pastor of the House of God Church International Ministries, a Pentecostal church in Lagos State, Nigeria.
Chris Okotie is also a Christian author, public speaker, politician, televangelist and businessman. He is well known for his use of vocabulary and big grammatical words. He is also the founder of Fresh Political Party, and has contested for Nigerian Presidency three times and lost all elections.
Pastor Chris Okotie is one of the richest pastors in the world today, he has a net worth of $12 million according to Forbes Magazine.
17. Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo
Famous Nigerian pastor, Matthew Ashimolowo is the 17th richest pastor in the world today. He is also a Christian author, bible teacher and a public speaker.
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo is the founder and senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre. He was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria into a Muslim home on the 17th of March 1952.
Matthew Ashimolowo was once an assistant pastor in Foursquare Gospel Church. But he started his own church after he was transferred to a Foursquare branch in the U.K.
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo is one of the richest pastors in the world. He got most of his wealth from sales of Christian literatures and documentaries from his media company, Matthew Ashimolowo Media.
His net worth according to Forbes magazine is over $15 million, making him number 17 on this list.
16. Papa Ayo Oritsejafor
Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsegbubemi Oritsejafor is the senior and founding pastor of Word of Life Bible Church in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. He took the position of the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) on the 7th of February 2005, which he held for five years. In July 2010, Oritsejafor was elected President of the
Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN), making him the first Pentecostal leader to hold such position in Nigeria.
Pastor Oritsejafor was the first to launch a Miracle crusade from Africa to a world audience via satellite in 1987, with evangelist Joe Martins.
Papa got married to Helen Oritsejafor in 1997, and they both have three beautiful children together.
Papa Ayo Oritsejafor is number 16 on my list of top 20 richest pastors in the world. According to Forbes, he is worth over $19 million.
15. Prophet T.B Joshua (Now late)
Number 15th on my list of top 20 richest pastors in the world is Temitope Balogun Joshua popularly known as Prophet T.B Joshua.
T.B Joshua is a very famous pastor, who has been able to gain lots of believers from all over the world. He was born on the 12th of June, 1963 in Lagos State, Nigeria. He is the founder and pastor of the Synagogue Church of all Nations.
T.B Joshua is popularly known across Africa and Latin America, having a social media presence of 3.5 million fans on Facebook. His YouTube channel, Emmanuel TV, has over 1 million subscribers, making it the world’s most viewed Christian ministry on YouTube. His television station, Emmanuel TV which is operated in Lagos State, Nigeria, is among the world’s largest Christian television stations.
Prophet T.B Joshua is currently married to Evelyn Joshua. According to Forbes magazine he is worth over $25 million, making him one of the richest pastors in the world.
14. Kenneth Copeland
Kenneth Max Copeland popularly known as Kenneth Copeland is a famous American pastor, music artiste, public speaker, Christian author and televangelist associated with charismatic movement. He is the founder of Kenneth Copeland Ministries, based in Tarrant County, Texas.
He was born on 6th of December 1936, in Lubbock, Texas and was raised in West Texas near a United States Army Air Forces airfield, which inspired him to become a pilot. He is happily married to Gloria Neece.
Pastor Kenneth Copeland is well known as a prosperity preacher. He is used to raising funds and calling for donations in his church saying that parishioners will get their money back in 100 folds.
According to Forbes Magazine, Pastor Kenneth Copeland is listed as one of the richest pastors in the world with an estimated net worth of about $27 million.
13. Pastor Rick Warren
The 13th richest pastor in the world today is Pastor Rick Warren. He is a fourth-generation Southern Baptist pastor, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the California Baptist College, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif.
Rick Warren is not just a pastor but also a Christian author. He was born on the 28th of January 1954 in San Jose, California in the United States of America and married to Kay Warren.
Warren is the founder and pastor of Saddleback Church, an evangelical church in Lake Forest, California. He has written a lot of Christian books, he is the writer of popular book “The Purpose Driven Life” which has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. According to Forbes Magazine, he has an estimated net worth of about $27 million.
12. Billy Graham
Billy Graham is a famous American pastor and and evangelist who has been in the limelight since the 40’s. He was born on the 7th of November, 1918 in Charlotte North Carolina, United States of America. Billy Graham died at age 99 on the 21st of February, 2018 in Montreal, California, United States of America.
On the 13th of August, 1943, Graham got married to Ruth Bell, who was once his classmate.
Pastor Billy Graham is one of the most popular and influential Christian leaders of the 20th century. He was the spiritual adviser to the United States Presidents and provided spiritual counsel for every president from the 33rd U.S President, Harry S. Truman to the 44th U.S President, Barack Obama.
Billy Graham preached to live audiences of over 210 million people in more than 185 countries and territories through various meetings, including BMS World Mission and Global Mission.
Graham is number 12 on my list of top 20 richest pastors in the world, he has an estimated net worth of $28 million.
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11. Pastor Ray Macaulay
Popular pastor, Ray Macaulay is amongst the richest pastors in the world according to Forbes magazine. Pastor Ray Macaulay is a South African pastor, religious leader and the senior pastor of Rhema Bible Church. He is a Christian author, televangelist and a former bodybuilding champion.
Ray Macaulay is the president of the International Federation of Christian Churches and the chairman of the national interfaith council of South Africa. He has written a lot of books, and also has a television broadcast called ‘a new day with Pastor Ray’.
Having an estimated net worth of about $30 million according to Forbes magazine, he is the 11th richest pastor in the world.
10. Creflo Dollar
Famous American pastor, rapper and televangelist Creflo Dollar is the founder of non-denominational World Changers Church International based in Georgia, United States of America. He was born on the 28th of January, 1962 in College Park, Georgia, and he’s married to Taffi Dollar.
Creflo Dollar is the head of Creflo Dollar Ministerial Association, Creflo Dollar Ministries and Arrow Records.
Pastor Creflo Dollar is known for his controversial teachings of prosperity, he has been criticized severally in the past for living a lavish lifestyle. He owns two Rolls- Royces , a private jet, and high-end real estate such as a million-dollar home in Atlanta, a $2.5 million home in Demarest, New Jersey, and a home in Manhattan which he bought for $2.5 million in 2006 and sold for $3.75 million in 2012.
His net worth is over $32 million making him one of the richest pastors in the world according to Forbes magazine, and number 10 on this list.
9. Pastor Tshifhiwa Irene (Now late)
Also on my list of top 20 richest pastors in the world is Pastor Tshifhiwa Irene. Pastor Irene was a famous and wealthy South African pastor and leader of divine health world restoration services. She was a senior pastor, a Christian author and a televangelist. She broadcast her church programmes on television and has millions of people tuning in to watch her teachings and sermons.
Pastor Tshifhiwa was born in Venda, Limpopo province of South Africa. She got married in 1984, however, she did not bear any child until she became a widow in 1992. Pastor Tshifhiwa Irene is number 9 on my list, having an estimated net worth of about $35 million. She remains the richest female pastor in the world.
8. Pastor Enoch Adeboye
Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye is the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, whose headquarters is in Lagos. He was born on the 2nd of March 1942, in Ifewara, near Ife , in Osun State, Nigeria, and married to Foluke Adenike Adeboye. Pastor Adeboye joined the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 1973, starting as a Yoruba to English interpreter.
Adeboye was ordained a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 1977, and in 1981, he became the General Overseer of the church.
The church, which was not well known until Adeboye became the General Overseer, now has several branches globally in over 200 nations. RCCG also has more than 14,000,000 churches in Nigeria.
Pastor E.A Adeboye is one of the richest and most famous pastors in the world. He is the owner of gospel television station, Dove.
Adeboye also owns one of the most expensive universities in Nigeria known Redeemer’s University.
Having an estimated net worth of about $40 million according to Forbes Magazine, Pastor Enoch Adeboye is the 8th richest pastor on my list.
7. Joel Osteen
Number 7 on my list of top 20 richest pastors in the world is Pastor Joel Osteen. Pastor Osteen is a famous and wealthy American pastor, motivational speaker, televangelist, Christian author and the founder of Lakewood Church.
Joel Osteen was born on the 5th of March, 1963 into a family of 6 in Houston, Texas. He is a graduate of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he studied Radio and Television Communications.
He is usually called the “most popular preacher on the planet” and known as one of the most influential religious leaders in the world.
Pastor Osteen’s father advised him to preach a number of times but he always declined until January 17, 1999 when he considered his fathers suggestion and preached his first sermon.
In 2006, Osteen was included on Barbara Walters’s list of the 10 Most Fascinating People of the year. And in 2010, Pastor Osteen and his family attended Easter breakfast hosted by President Barack Obama at the White House.
On the 4th of April, 1987, Pastor Osteen got married to a co-pastor in his church, Victoria Osteen. They are blessed with a son and a daughter.
According to Forbes Magazine, Pastor Joel Osteen has a net worth of over $40 million, making his the 7th richest pastor in the world.
6. Benny Hinn
Pastor Tourik Benedictus popularly known as Benny Hinn is the 6th richest pastor on my list.
Benny Hinn was born on the 3rd of December, 1952 in the port city of Jaffa, Israel.
Benny Hinn is a wealthy and famous pastor, singer, televangelist, author of best selling books and a public speaker.
He is known for organizing miracle crusades all over the world. Pastor Benny Hinn is married to Suzanne Harthern and together they have three daughters and a son.
In April 1974, young Benny Hinn received a call from God through a vision. On the 7th of December 1974, he stood behind the pulpit for the first time to preach the Gospel and his long time problem suddenly healed.
Benny Hinn has provided food, clothing, shelter, education, and religious training for thousands of people over the world.
Pastor Benny Hinn is one of the wealthiest, most popular and influential pastors in the world. According to Forbes Magazine, Benny Hinn has an estimated net worth of about $42 million.
5. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
Chris Oyakhilome is a Nigerian pastor, author and a television host. He is the founder and president of Christ Embassy International also known as Believers Loveworld Incorporated.
Pastor Chris was born on the 7th of December, 1973 as the first child of Mr and Mrs Tim Oyakhilome in Edo State. He is a graduate of the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State, and a PhD holder. He got married to Rev. Anita Ebhodaghe in 1991 and they had two daughters together. Their marriage however crashed in 2014 after Anita filed a divorce.
Oyakhilome started his church as a fellowship ‘Believers Loveworld Fellowship’ while in Ambrose Ali University. Today is ministry is one of the biggest, with millions of followers all over the world.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is one of the wealthiest pastors in the world, making huge amounts of money from his books, CD’s and DVD’s among others. He is however the most followed African personality on Twitter, with over 1.3 million followers. He also owns his own social media network called ‘Yookos’.
Pastor Chris is the 5th richest pastor on my list today, having an airline with 2 private jets, owning over 30 Jeeps and a fleet of cars. He has an estimated net worth of about $50 million according to Forbes Magazine.
4. Uebert Angel
The fourth richest pastor on my list is the richest pastor from Zimbabwe. He is no other person than Pastor Uebert Angel.
Pastor Uebert Angel is one of the most famous and richest pastors in the world. He is a Christian author, televangelist, public speaker, and a businessman. He founded his church in 2007 as “Spirit Embassy” and in October 2015 the name was rebranded to “Good News Church”.
Pastor Uebert was born on the 6th of September 1978 in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. He later moved to Manchester, England, where he founded his church in 2007. His church currently has about 70 branches in over 15 different countries in Europe, Africa and the US. Pastor Uebert has two TV Stations, Miracle TV and Good News TV, where he preaches the word of God and and broadcast Christian programs.
In 2012, he founded the Osborn Institute of Theology, an online Bible school. Pastor Uebert as a businessman is into real estate. He made his first property sale in 2006, and in 2008 he founded his construction company named “Sam Barkeley Construction”. Uebert Angel is married to Beverly Angel.
Pastor Uebert Angel is the second man from Zimbabwe in history to be featured in Forbes magazine. He however has an estimated net worth of about $60 million according to Forbes Magazine.
3. Pat Robertson (Now late)
Pat Robertson is a famous and wealthy American pastor, televangelist, Christian author, media mogul and politician. He is the chancellor and CEO of Regent University and the chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).
Pastor Robertson was born as Marion Gordon Robertson on the 22nd of March 1930, in Lexington, Virginia, United States of America. In 1954, Pat Robertson got married to his beautiful wife, Adelia Elmer who was then a beauty queen and a nursing student. Pat Robertson is a graduate of the Washington and Lee University , where he studied History.
In 1960, Pastor Robertson established the Christian Broadcasting Network in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He started CBN by buying a small UHF station in Portsmouth. 17 years after, he purchased a local leased access cable TV channel in the Hampton Roads area and called it CBN. Today CBN is seen in 180 countries and broadcast in 71 languages.
Pat Robertson in 1988 founded the CBN Cable Network which was later named the CBN Family Channel, and later became the Family Channel. In 1997, Robertson sold the Family Channel to the news corporation and the name was again changed to Fox Family. Pastor Pat Robertson founded the CBN University in 1977 and in 1989 renamed it to Regent University. He is also the founder and president of the American Center for Law & Justice.
You can see Pastor Pat Robertson is indeed a very wealthy man. He is the third richest Pastor in the world, with an estimated net worth of $100 million according to Forbes Magazine.
2. Bishop T.D Jakes
Number 2 on my list of top 20 richest pastors in the world is no other than Thomas Dexter Jakes popularly known as Bishop T.D Jakes.
Bishop T.D Jakes is a popular American pastor, Christian author, filmmaker, televangelist and singer. He was born on the 9th of June, 1957 in South Charleston, West Virginia, United States of America. He is the youngest of three children. Jakes father developed kidney failure when Jakes was just 10 years old. He and his mother cared for him until he died in 1973.
In 1976, Jakes preached his first sermon and in 1979, he was officially ordained as a Pastor. In 1981, Jakes got married to Serita Ann Jamison, who he met while guest preaching in a church in his neighborhood. Pastor T.D Jakes founded the Temple of Faith Church in Montgomery, West Virginia, in 1980 when he was just 23 years old. The church started at a storefront, with only 10 members.
Pastor T.D Jakes got his Bachelor’s degree in biblical studies in 1985, his Masters degree in biblical studies in 1990, and his D.Min. in 1995 all from Friends International Christian University.
Jakes was ordained into the Bishopric in 1987, and in 1992, he first preached his popular sermon ‘Woman, Thou Art Loosed’.
In 1988, Bishop T.D Jakes became a televangelist, launching a weekly television broadcast on Trinity Broadcasting Network. He began his weekly broadcasts on Black Entertainment Television in 1994.
In 1996, Jakes moved his family and fifty other church employees to Dallas, Texas where he founded the Potter’s House Church. His first church service in Dallas drew more than 2,000 members. T.D Jakes’ album A Wing and a Prayer won the “Best Gospel or Chorus Album” at the 2003 Grammy Awards.
Bishop T.D Jakes is the second wealthiest Pastor in the world today, with an estimated net worth of $147 million according to Forbes Magazine.
1. Bishop David Oyedepo
Number one on my list of top 20 richest Pastors in the world is no other than the preacher of faith and Pastor of the Living Faith Church (a.k.a Winners Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo. With an estimated net worth of over $150 million according to Forbes Magazine, Oyedepo is the wealthiest Pastor in the world.
Bishop David Oyedepo is a famous preacher, Christian author, televangelist, founder and the senior pastor of the Living Faith Church also known as Winners Chapel. The church headquarters is located in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. The church auditorium, Faith Tabernacle, has about 50,000 seats, making it the largest single church auditorium in the world according to Guinness World Records.
Bishop Oyedepo, mostly called ‘Papa’ by members of his church was born as David Olaniyi Oyedepo on the 27th of September 1954 in Osogbo, Osun State in Nigeria. He is a native of Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria. Oyedepo’s father was a Muslim while his mother was a Christian. He is an Architecture graduate from the Kwara State Polytechnic which is now a university.
In 1981, Oyedepo founded the Living Faith Church and today his church has grown to one of the biggest churches in the world. He is however the richest Pastor in the world, having two private universities (Landmark University and Covenant University). He has an estimated net worth of over $150 million according to Forbes Magazine.
