Who do you think are among the top 10 Pastors in the world? Keep reading to know if your guess is accurate!
Wealthy Men of God
In the last decade, many preachers have spoken on Prosperity and explained to their congregations that God is interested in their total well-being. Most of these Men of God have gone ahead to practice the principles they teach, showing their followers a better reality.
While some Preachers followed the principles of God for wealth and abundance, others did not. Some of these Preachers’ wealth were estimated by Forbes and other credible financial sources, while others have a range which holds their accurate net worth.
Without further Ado, these are the top 10 richest Pastors in the world.
Bishop Edir Macedo: $1.2 billion
Edir Macedo Bezerra, born on February 18, 1945, in Rio de Janeiro, is a Brazilian bishop renowned for founding and leading the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. Raised Catholic, he converted to Pentecostalism in his youth and commenced preaching in 1977. In the same year, he established the Universal Church, focusing on faith healing, miracles, and prosperity theology.
Under his leadership, the church has expanded globally, spanning over 180 countries. Macedo’s substantial wealth, estimated at $1.2 billion, primarily stems from tithes, donations, and diverse business ventures, including radio and TV stations, a record label, and a tourism company. Since 1989, he has been the owner and chairman of RecordTV, Brazil’s third-largest television network.
Pastor Alph Lakau: $1 billion
Pastor Alph Lukau, born on October 25, 1975, in Congo, is a prominent pastor, televangelist, and businessman based in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is the founder and General Overseer of Alleluia Ministries International, Lukau’s diverse pursuits have propelled him into the ranks of the world’s richest pastors, boasting a net worth exceeding $1 billion.
His mega church, accommodating up to 100,000 members, stands as a testament to his widespread influence. Beyond the pulpit, Lukau has strategically expanded his ministry’s footprint, owning schools, conference centres, and various properties.
The pastor has authored numerous books, serving not only as spiritual guidance but also as a significant sources of income. His ability to leverage a massive following has solidified his status as one of the most affluent and influential preachers on the African continent.
Pastor Kenneth Copeland: $750 million
Kenneth Max Copeland, born on December 6, 1936, is an American preacher and founder of Eagle Mountain International Church Inc. Based in Texas, his sermons reach a global audience through broadcasts. He is recognized as the wealthiest American preacher, with an estimated net worth of $750 million, referring to himself as a “very wealthy man.”
Televangelist Kenneth Copeland oversees Kenneth Copeland Ministries from a 1,500-acre campus in Tarrant County, Texas, with affiliations nationwide. The campus includes a private airstrip and hangar housing a $17.5 million private jet. Additionally, Copeland resides in a $6 million lakefront mansion with his wife, Gloria.
Pastor Valdemiro Santiago: $ 220 million
Valdemiro Santiago is a Brazilian pastor and graduate of the Order of Evangelical Theologians of Latin America. He boasts a 30-year tenure as an evangelical minister. Born on November 2, 1963, in Palma, Minas Gerais, Brazil, he holds an estimated net worth of $220 million, ranking among the world’s wealthiest pastors. Santiago was rumoured to be expelled from the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.
However, he asserts he left voluntarily due to a dispute with Bishop Edir Macedo. Subsequently, he founded the World Church of the Power of God in 1998, rapidly expanding its presence across Brazil. Despite having only a basic education up to the fourth grade, Santiago’s influence in the evangelical landscape remains significant.
Bishop David Oyedepo: $150 million
Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, has steered the rapid growth of Winners’ Chapel International since its establishment in 1981, making it one of Africa’s largest churches. Known for his impactful speeches, Oyedepo’s influence extends beyond the pulpit. With a net worth of $150 million, he showcases entrepreneurial prowess and diversified revenue streams.
As a preacher, author, and businessman, Oyedepo has leveraged his teachings to accumulate wealth, evident in bestselling books on church growth, faith, and prosperity. His financial portfolio includes income from book sales, church offerings, and investments in education, notably Covenant University and Landmark University. Oyedepo’s wealth also extends to ownership of four private jets and international properties in London and the US.
Shepherd Bushiri: $150 million
Shepherd Bushiri, born on February 20, 1983, in Lilongwe, Malawi, is the founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church. Widely known as Major 1, he’s a popular Malawian pastor with a global congregation. His controversial actions, such as claiming to walk on air and curing HIV/AIDS patients, have sparked debates. Critics argue that these miracles involve magic tricks. In 2019, Bushiri and his wife faced detention on suspicion of fraud and money laundering.
His considerable wealth, estimated at $150 million, stems from congregations in Africa, Europe, Asia, and America. Besides his religious endeavours, Bushiri owns diverse businesses in transportation, real estate, and hotels. Notable assets include a private jet, luxury cars, and opulent mansions in South Africa and Malawi.
Romildo Ribeiro Soares: $125 million
Romildo Ribeiro Soares, aka R.R. Soares, born on December 6, 1947, is the founder and leader of Brazil’s prominent International Church of God’s Grace. Inspired by T.L. Osborn’s book in the late ’60s, he embraced televangelism and faith healing. Establishing his church in 1980, it has grown into one of Brazil’s largest Pentecostal groups.
Soares dedicates around 100 hours weekly to Brazilian television, driving his income from donations by 6 million church members, revenue from a 24/7 TV network, sales of over 50 books, and investments in diverse ventures like radio, newspapers, and real estate.
Pastor Joel Osteen: $50-120 million
Joel Scott Osteen, born on March 5, 1963, is the founder of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Known for his emphasis on Biblical principles, love, and a positive attitude, Osteen’s megachurch, housed in a 600,000-square-foot former sports stadium, can accommodate 17,000 people. Despite not taking a salary since 2005, his net worth is an impressive $50 to $120 million.
Osteen’s wealth primarily stems from book advances, royalties, calendars, speaking fees, and merchandise sales. His success lies in translating Christian teachings into relatable messages, resonating with a broad audience.
Evangelist Benny Hinn: $ 50-60 million
Televangelist Benny Hinn( Toufik Benedictus Hinn), born in Israel in 1952, gained fame through his show “This Is Your Day” and global “Miracle Crusades” faith healing events. In 1983, he founded the Orlando Christian Center. Hinn’s prominence extends beyond his ministry, as he is recognized as one of the wealthiest pastors globally. Despite controversies surrounding his practices, Benny Hinn remains a notable figure in the world of televangelism.
Pastor Andy Stanley: Over $50 million
Charles Andrew Stanley, born on May 16, 1958, is the founder and senior pastor of North Point Ministries, a non-denominational evangelical Christian church in Alpharetta, Georgia. At 65 years old, Stanley is a prolific author with over 20 books, covering diverse topics such as Sex & Dating, Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets, and The New Rules for Love.
As of 2024, Andy Stanley’s net worth is estimated to be over $50 million. He founded North Point Community Church in 1995. Stanley’s sermons, characterized by clear and concise communication, incorporate storytelling, humour, and relevant illustrations to address everyday life and current issues.
Conclusion
Now that you have read the article, I hope your guess was accurate. Let me know in the comments section.
