The life of many pastors rarely leads to riches. Most live a modest lifestyle as they tend to the Christian needs of community members. But some achieve fame and wealth in conjunction with their sermons through televangelism, books and even films. These 8 pastors are ranked among the wealthiest on the planet.
8: Billy Graham ($25 Million)
Consistently ranked among the Top 10 wealthiest pastors in the world, Graham enjoys widespread respect. Known for his Billy Graham Crusades until 2005, he has touched an estimated 3.2 million people to “accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior.”
More than 2 billion people have witnessed his radio and TV sermons and he enjoys the distinction of being listened to by more people than another other in Christian history. He ministered to presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon and once bailed Martin Luther King Jr out of jail. His wealth was amassed over a long Christian career that included best-selling books, televangelism and radio broadcasts. His is considered the first preacher to become a celebrity.
7: Creflo Dollar ($27 million)
Preaching to the Faithful that “it is the will of God for you to prosper in every way,” pastor Dollar has amassed a multi-million-dollar ministry that includes an international magazine called CHANGE and a bi-monthly newsletter with approximately 100,000 subscribers called The Max. An avid publisher, his books include titles such as Claim Your Success Today and tends to preach prosperity in this life.
He has come under fire for leading a lavish lifestyle due to his ownership of a pair of Rolls Royces, a private jet, a million-dollar Atlanta residence and a $2.5-million Manhattan property.
6: Joel Osteen ($40 million)
Pastor Osteen was happy to work behind the scenes on his father’s television sermon shows. After his father passed, Joel took the stage to continue the family ministry and the following swiftly grew from 5,000 to 43,000 in attendance, the largest American-based Protestant church.
His focus on obedience to God and God’s goodness have made his sermons so popular they can be heard 24/7 on outlets such as Sirius radio. Although not considered a lavish spender, he and his family reside in a $10.5 million home.
5: Benny Hinn ($42 million)
Televangelist Toufik Benedictus “Benny” Hinn was reared in the Eastern Orthodox tradition while growing up in Jaffa, Israel. After moving to Toronto, he converted to Pentecostalism and experienced deep Christian devotion and calling. After dropping out of high school, he established the Orlando Christian Center in 1983 and claimed faith-healing capabilities.
The Charismatic Christian is most known for his “Miracle Crusade” healing summits that fill stadiums and his “This Is Your Day” TV show. He has come under scrutiny for living a lavish lifestyle and a lack of financial accountability.
4: Pat Robertson ($100 million)
An American household name, Pastor Pat Robertson is the son of U.S. Senator A. Willis Robertson. He initially served as a Southern Baptists minister before turning his attention to media production. Robertson is widely known as the host of The 700 Club, the landmark show of his Christian Broadcasting Network that reaches 180 nations.
Pastor Robertson has always reached high and made a presidential run in 1988. Following that foray into politics, he organized the Christian Coalition to help raise funds for Conservative groups committed to Christian values. In many ways, Pat Robertson has put his wealth to work furthering Christian principles and acts as the CEO of Regent University and founded American Center for Law & Justice in Washington, D.C.
3: David Oyedepo ($150 million)
The Nigerian writer, architect and founder of Faith Tabernacle and Living Faith Worldwide or “Winners’ Chapel” tends to a 50,000-seat megachurch auditorium, considered among the world’s largest. The Winners’ Chapels span more than 300 cities across Nigeria, 45 total countries in Africa, Dubai, U.K. and the U.S. He has been a leader in the “Christian Charismatic” movement and was dubbed Nigeria’s richest pastor by Forbes magazine.
Forbes also reported that pastor Oyedepo has an affinity for jets and has spent more than $200 million on aircraft that include a $45-million Bombardier that he gifted to himself as a birthday present.
2: Bishop TD Jakes ($150 million)
This mainstream icon has been featured on the cover of TIME magazine and has been touted as America’s best preacher. In addition to delivering the Word of God, he also works as a writer, actor and successful movie producer. His productions include Miracles from Heaven, Heaven is Real, Winnie Mandela and has acted in Left Behind, and Not Easily Broken among others. Bishop Jakes has a feature film in production called Faith Under Fire, expected out in 2018.
The chief pastor of the non-denominational Dallas mega-church The Potter’s House, he resides in a $1.7 million mansion. He once responded to those critical about his wealth on Oprah by saying that God allows your cup to runneth over.
1: Kenneth Copeland ($760 million)
The leader of “Believer’s Voice of Victory” network and television show is reportedly nearing the billionaire mark, although he has already boasted about being one. His rising wealth of $760 million includes his ministry’s 1,500-acre facility 30 minutes outside Fort Worth. The Word of Faith giant in the Pentecostalism branch has a private airstrip for the organization’s $17.5 million jet.
Of partial Native American descent, he set out to be a recording artist and posted a No. 12 hit called “Pledge of Love” in 1957. He converted to Christianity during the ’60s. Currently considered the world’s wealthiest pastor, he and his wife, Gloria, live in a $6 million waterfront mansion owned by the church.
~ Christian Patriot Daily
