Do you know who is the richest pastor the world? The world of faith and spirituality intersects with wealth, and some pastors have amassed fortunes through their ministries. Here are the ten richest pastors globally, along with their net worth and a glimpse into their lives.
Who is the richest pastor in the world?
Edir Macedo: Net worth $1.2 billion
Edir Macedo is a Brazilian evangelical bishop, writer, billionaire businessman, and the founder of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG). Born on February 18, 1945, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he is the owner and chairman of the third-largest television network in Brazil, Record, along with Grupo Record since 1989, which he founded after purchasing the network.
Macedo’s journey began as a civil servant, working with the state-run lottery of Rio de Janeiro and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. However, in 1965, he converted to Pentecostalism after an invitation from his sister to the Igreja Cristã de Nova Vida. In 1977, he co-founded the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. His rapidly growing religious movement and teaching of prosperity theology have been both influential and controversial. His sermons focus on freeing followers from unclean spirits and empowering them to overcome their problems in the name of Jesus1.
Edir Macedo’s impact extends beyond the spiritual realm. He is a successful businessman, having acquired the free-to-air commercial television network Record in 1989 and founding Grupo Record. Additionally, he established the 24-hour free-to-air news channel Record News in 2007.
2. Kenneth Copeland: Net worth $760 million
The second richest pastor in the world is Kenneth Copeland, an American televangelist, author, public speaker, and musician. His estimated net worth stands at an impressive $760 million. Pastor Copeland is associated with the Charismatic Movement and has made significant purchases, including a $45 million jet in 2012.
He is the founder of Eagle Mountain International Church Inc. (EMIC), based in Tarrant County, Texas. Copeland has also written several books and resources. His teachings align with prosperity theology and are part of the Word of Faith movement.
Here are some key points about Kenneth Copeland:
- Early Life: Kenneth Max Copeland was born in Lubbock, Texas. He was raised near a United States Army Air Forces airfield, which inspired his desire to become a pilot.
- Musical Career and Education: Copeland was a recording artist on the Imperial Records label and had a Billboard Top 40 hit with the song “Pledge of Love”. He later enrolled at Oral Roberts University, where he became a pilot and chauffeur for Oral Roberts himself.
- Ministry: In 1967, after attending Kenneth E. Hagin’s Pastor Seminars, Copeland and his wife Gloria founded Kenneth Copeland Ministries (KCM) in Fort Worth, Texas. Their ministry motto is “Jesus is Lord”. Copeland preaches prosperity theology, emphasizing that financial blessing and physical well-being are God’s will for believers. He teaches that material and financial success are signs of divine favor, which can be unlocked through giving to ministry.
- Controversy: Copeland’s ministry has been controversial due to criticism of his lavish lifestyle, endorsements of political candidates, and statements linking measles vaccines with autism. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he claimed that the pandemic had ended or would soon end, encouraging followers to continue giving to his ministry even if they had lost their jobs.
3. Valdemiro Santiago: Net worth $350 million
The third richest pastor in the world is Valdemiro Santiago, a Brazilian pastor and leader of the World Church of the Power of God. With a net worth of $350 million, Valdemiro has been a pastor for more than three decades. Before becoming the leader of his current church, he served as a preacher at the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.
Raised in a religious family, Santiago experienced a personal transformation and dedicated his life to spreading the Christian message.
Santiago’s journey into ministry began in the 1980s when he joined the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus), where he served as a pastor and gained experience in evangelism. In 1998, he left the Universal Church and founded his own ministry, the World Church of the Power of God, with a vision to reach people from all walks of life with the message of faith and empowerment.
Under Santiago’s leadership, the World Church of the Power of God grew rapidly, expanding both nationally and internationally. The church gained a reputation for its charismatic style of worship and emphasis on healing and deliverance. Santiago’s dynamic preaching style and focus on the supernatural aspects of Christianity drew large crowds to the church’s services and events.
In addition to his work as a pastor, Santiago is also a published author, with several books on topics related to faith, healing, and spiritual growth. He is widely respected within the evangelical community for his dedication to spreading the gospel and his efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of others
4. Pat Robertson: Networth $100 million
The fourth richest pastor in the world is Pat Robertson, an American preacher, successful businessman, and media tycoon. His estimated net worth is $100 million
Robertson attended Washington and Lee University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history, and later attended Yale Law School, earning a law degree. Despite his success in academics and law, Robertson felt called to the ministry, and in 1959, he founded the Christian Broadcasting Network with the goal of spreading the Christian message through television.
“The 700 Club,” which debuted in 1966, became the flagship program of CBN and played a significant role in establishing Robertson as a prominent figure in the evangelical movement. The show features news, testimonies, and interviews, and Robertson often delivers commentary on current events and issues from a Christian perspective.
In addition to his work with CBN, Robertson has been involved in various other ventures, including founding Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1978. The university is known for its conservative Christian values and offers programs in law, business, divinity, and other fields.
5: Benny Hinn: Net worth $60 million
The fifth richest pastor in the world is Toufik Benedictus “Benny” Hinn, an Israeli televangelist, evangelist, and faith healer. His estimated net worth stands at $60 million. He is best known for his large crusades and healing services, which have attracted millions of followers around the world. Hinn’s ministry focuses on faith healing, prosperity gospel teachings, and evangelism.
Hinn’s journey into ministry began in his teenage years when he immigrated to Canada with his family. He converted to Christianity in his youth and eventually became involved in Pentecostalism, where he discovered his gift for preaching and healing. In 1974, he founded the Orlando Christian Center in Florida, which later became the headquarters for his ministry.
Hinn gained widespread attention through his televised healing crusades, where he claimed to heal people of various ailments through the power of prayer. These crusades, which were broadcast globally, brought Hinn both fame and criticism. While many supporters lauded his supposed healing miracles, others accused him of exploiting vulnerable individuals and promoting false hope.
In addition to his healing crusades, Hinn is also known for his teachings on prosperity gospel, which emphasize the belief that God rewards faithfulness with financial blessings. He has authored several books on the subject and regularly preaches about the importance of sowing financial seeds to receive blessings from God.
6. Chris Oyakhilome: Net worth $50 million
The sixth richest pastor in the world is Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, a Nigerian televangelist, author, and television host. His estimated net worth is $50 million.
Pastor Chris is the founder of Christ Embassy, a megachurch with branches in many countries. His ministry emphasizes faith, healing, and prosperity teachings. He remains one of the wealthiest pastors in Africa and Nigeria.
Oyakhilome’s journey into ministry began in his youth when he became a born-again Christian at a young age. He later attended Ambrose Alli University, where he studied architecture before pursuing a career in ministry full-time. In 1987, he founded the Believers’ LoveWorld Fellowship, which eventually grew into Christ Embassy.
Under Oyakhilome’s leadership, Christ Embassy became one of the largest and most influential churches in Nigeria and beyond. The church’s focus on faith, healing, and prosperity gospel teachings attracted millions of followers, both in person and through televised broadcasts.
Oyakhilome is also known for his prolific writing and teaching ministry. He has authored several books on topics ranging from faith and healing to prayer and Christian living. His teachings emphasize the importance of faith, the power of prayer, and the believer’s authority in Christ.
In addition to his work as a pastor and author, Oyakhilome is also a television host, with his flagship program, “Atmosphere for Miracles,” reaching millions of viewers worldwide. The program features testimonies of healing and deliverance, as well as teaching segments by Oyakhilome himself.
7. Creflo Dollar: Net worth $27 million
The seventh richest pastor in the world is Creflo Dollar, an American televangelist and the founder of the non-denominational World Changers Church International based in Georgia. His estimated net worth is $27 million.
Dollar’s journey into ministry began while he was studying at West Georgia College, where he felt called to preach the gospel. He later attended the Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he honed his preaching skills and developed his ministry vision.
In addition to his work as a pastor, Dollar is also a prolific author, with numerous books on topics such as faith, finances, and Christian living. His books have become bestsellers and have been translated into multiple languages, further expanding his influence and reach.
8. Rick Warren: Net worth $25 million
The eighth richest pastor in the world is Rick Warren, with an estimated net worth of $25 million. Rick Warren is the founder of Saddleback Church, located in Lake Forest, California. His ministry has had a significant impact, and he remains a prominent figure in the world of evangelical Christianity.
9: Brian Houston: Net worth $10 million
Pastor Brian Houston, the co-founder of Hillsong Church, has an estimated net worth of $10 million. His journey in ministry and media has been impactful, shaping the lives of many believers worldwide. Let’s explore his story:
Early Life and Ministry Beginnings:
- Born on February 17, 1954, in Auckland, New Zealand, Brian Houston grew up in a family deeply involved in Christian ministry.
- His parents, Frank and Hazel Houston, were Salvation Army officers who later joined the Assemblies of God in New Zealand.
Founding Hillsong Church:
- In 1983, Brian and his wife, Bobbie, established Hills Christian Life Centre in Baulkham Hills, New South Wales, Australia.
- Over the years, this small church grew into a worldwide megachurch, with congregations in 30 countries.
- Hillsong Church became known for its contemporary worship music, powerful sermons, and emphasis on community.
Leadership and Influence
- Brian Houston served as the National President of the Australian Christian Churches (the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God) from 1997 to 2009.
- His leadership extended beyond the pulpit, impacting both the church and society.
Brian Houston is not only a pastor but also an author.
- His books include titles like “Get A Life,” “You Can Change The Future,” “You Need More Money,” “How To Build Great Relationships,” “How To Live A Blessed Life,” “How To Flourish In Life,” and “How To Make Wise Decisions.”
- Additionally, he was an executive producer of Hillsong Music Australia, which has released over 60 albums.
10. Joseph Prince: Net worth $6 million
Pastor Joseph Prince, the senior pastor of New Creation Church in Singapore, has an estimated net worth of approximately $6 million. His journey in ministry and media has been impactful, shaping the lives of many believers worldwide.
Born in 1963 to a Sikh priest father and a Chinese mother, Prince converted to Christianity at a young age [Wikipedia: Joseph Prince]. He co-founded New Creation Church in 1983 and became senior pastor in 1990. Under his leadership, the church has grown significantly, from around 150 members to over 31,000 [Joseph Prince Ministries: Joseph & Wendy Prince].
Prince’s message centers on God’s grace and emphasizes living a prosperous life through faith in Jesus. He’s a prolific author of bestselling books like “The Power of Right Believing” and “Destined To Reign” [Joseph Prince Ministries: Joseph & Wendy Prince]. His teachings are also shared through his televised program, “Destined to Reign,” which broadcasts in over 150 countries [All American Speakers: Joseph Prince Biography].
Joseph Prince’s influence extends beyond Singapore. He’s a sought-after conference speaker who has addressed audiences worldwide [All American Speakers: Joseph Prince Biography].
