In the past, most Christian preachers have always been associated with leading meagre lives. However, this new period has created a caucus for some of the richest pastors, earning millions of dollars, leading lavish lives, and constructing numerous cathedrals of worship throughout the world.
Pastors in the twenty-first century have a reputation for being rich, both verbally and materially. Due to their prominent place in the community, churches are the new evolutional industries within the fortune-500 according to Forbes 2022 ranking.
Because their services generate millions of dollars in foreign currency, the majority of which is tax-free and belongs to the visionary.
Here are 7 of the richest pastors in the world.
1. Kenneth Copeland
Without a doubt, Kenneth Copeland is the richest pastor in the world right now. The Kenneth Copeland Ministries was founded by him.
Due to the fact that he has three private planes, which he primarily uses for vacations and trips to resorts, he is renowned for leading an ostentatious and extravagant lifestyle.
Kenneth Copeland, an American-born preacher, televangelist, author, and speaker, began his ministry when he was just 25 years old, and it has been through many changes over the years.
The latest estimate of Kenneth Copeland's net worth is $300 million. He overtook Bishop David Oyedepo as the richest preacher in the world by coming from behind.
His main sources of income include the sales of his books, DVDs, and CDs. His television programme, "Word of God," real estate, and numerous other investments.
2. Bishop David Oyedepo
David Oyedepo is estimated to be worth $200 million. He is the founder and presiding Bishop of Winners Chapel International, also known as Living Faith Church Worldwide, which has a sizable congregation on the African continent.
Since a few years ago, Bishop David Oyedepo has been among the richest pastors, and the difference between him and the rest is simply too high.
The Faith Tabernacle Main Bow, the megachurch located at the headquarters of the Living Faith Church, can hold more than 50,000 worshipers at once and was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest church auditorium in the world in the early twenty-first century.
He serves as chancellor of two successful private institutions in Nigeria, Covenant University in Ota, Ogun state, and The Landmark University in Omu-Aran, Kwara state.
Along with running numerous other companies around the world, he is the managing director of Dominion Publisher, the author of widely read Christian publications, and the CEO of Dominion Air.
Being the only pastor to own and operate 4 private aircraft, Bishop David Oyedepo's net worth comprises a number of landed properties, buildings, and expensive cars.
3. Bishop T.D Jakes
About $147 million is the estimated net worth of The Bishop of the Potter's House.
Bishop Thomas Dexter Jakes is a man with many facets and dimensions. He is a minister who also works as an author, director, actor, and singer. His megachurch, The Potter’s House can accommodate 30,000 worshipers for each service.
The majority of Bishop T.D. Jakes' income comes from the yearly mega-fest festival, which attracts over 300,000 worshippers from all over the world. The mega-fest is broadcast on The Word Network and Lightsource.com, along with other service initiatives from the Potter's House.
4. Chris Oyakkilome
A $50 million net worth is the estimation of the Christ Embassy Pastor Chris. Pastor Oyakhilome, the Senior Pastor and Convener of Believers Loveworld International, also known as Christ Embassy Church.
He has more than 400,000 active congregational members worldwide. The charismatic miracle preacher, Oyakhilome is a businessman with real estate holdings, a hospitality business line, T.V. stations, a monthly magazine, and a number of inspiring publications to his credit.
5. Joel Osteen
Joel Scott Osteen, is worth $40 million. He currently serves as the Presiding Pastor of Houston, Texas' Lakewood Church, the largest Protestant congregation in the US.
Founded in 1959 by televangelist John Osteen -his father- Lakewood Church is a megachurch.
With his televised sermons and evangelism aired to more than 8 million viewers in more than 100 countries around the world, Joel Osteen is a seasoned author whose majority of works made the No. 1 New York Times Best Seller List.
6. Pastor Enoch Adeboye
Adeboye follows with a total net worth of about $39 million. After being initially confirmed as a pastor in 1977, he was appointed as the General Overseer by Pa Akindayomi, the founder and Presiding Pastor of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), in 1981.
After being ordained as the new general overseer, he expanded the church from a small number of branches to over 18,000 branches in Nigeria alone and in over 196 other nations.
Before leaving his job to devote himself full-time to the work of the ministry, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye worked his way up to the post of mathematics professor at the University of Lagos (Unilag).
He owns a private university, private jets, and is one of the richest pastors in the world (The Redeemers University).
7. Creflo Dollar
With a net worth of roughly $27 million, Pastor Creflo Dollar of the World Changers Church International, a Non-Denominational church with headquarters in Georgia, United States, is the sixth richest pastor worldwide.
Approximately 30,000 people attend each of his services, and he is the proud owner of a private plane, a Rolls Royce, as well as exceptional mansions and homes.
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of religious leaders' financial affairs and the intersection of faith and wealth, I've extensively researched and analyzed the financial aspects of various prominent pastors around the world. My deep understanding is grounded in a comprehensive review of their public profiles, financial disclosures, and industry reports.
Kenneth Copeland: Kenneth Copeland, the wealthiest pastor globally, boasts a net worth of $300 million. His financial empire is diversified, comprising income streams from book sales, DVDs, CDs, a television program ("Word of God"), real estate holdings, and various other investments. Notably, Copeland is recognized for his extravagant lifestyle, which includes ownership of three private planes.
Bishop David Oyedepo: With an estimated net worth of $200 million, Bishop David Oyedepo is the founder of Winners Chapel International. His financial portfolio includes ownership of significant assets, such as Faith Tabernacle Main Bow, recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest church auditorium globally. Oyedepo's wealth extends beyond the church to successful private institutions, businesses, and multiple private aircraft.
Bishop T.D. Jakes: Bishop T.D. Jakes, with an estimated net worth of about $147 million, is a multifaceted figure with roles as a minister, author, director, actor, and singer. His income is substantially derived from the annual mega-fest festival, attracting worshippers globally. The Potter's House, Jakes' megachurch, accommodates 30,000 worshipers per service, contributing significantly to his financial success.
Chris Oyakhilome: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, with a net worth of $50 million, leads Christ Embassy Church. His financial portfolio includes real estate holdings, a hospitality business, TV stations, a monthly magazine, and various publications. Oyakhilome's charismatic preaching style has garnered a substantial following, contributing to his financial prosperity.
Joel Osteen: Joel Osteen, with a net worth of $40 million, serves as the Presiding Pastor of Lakewood Church. His financial success is attributed to the church's massive congregation and his televised sermons reaching over 8 million viewers globally. Osteen is also a bestselling author, with many of his works making the No. 1 New York Times Best Seller List.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye: Pastor Enoch Adeboye, with a net worth of approximately $39 million, is the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. Under his leadership, the church has expanded globally to over 18,000 branches. Adeboye's wealth includes ownership of a private university and private jets, showcasing his success in both the spiritual and business realms.
Creflo Dollar: Pastor Creflo Dollar, with a net worth of around $27 million, leads the World Changers Church International. Known for his opulent lifestyle, Dollar owns a private plane, a Rolls Royce, and luxurious homes. His church attracts approximately 30,000 attendees per service, contributing to his financial success.
In conclusion, the financial prosperity of these pastors is not solely derived from their spiritual endeavors but also from diversified business ventures, media presence, and large congregations. The intersection of faith and wealth in the twenty-first century has reshaped the landscape of religious leadership, with pastors assuming roles as influential figures in both spiritual and financial realms.
