Posted on 08/08/2015 7:05:40 PM PDT by Graybeard58
A few years ago no one would have thought that being a pastor could be a ticket to fortune and wealth, but times have changed. Below is a list of 10 Richest Pastors who are raking in megabucks as they spread the word.
1. David Oyedepo $150 Million
Being a cleric has never been so profitable ask Nigerian pastor David Oyedepo whose net worth sits at $150 million. Oyedepo also known as “papa” is the founder of Living Faith Church World Wide. The man Of God is not shy of splurging his wealth on the good life. He owns a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a fleet of private jets.
2. Benny Hinn $42 Million
The American Evangelist has been spreading the word since 1983 when he established the Orlando Christian Center. Hinn’s popularity has continued to soar through the years, which has seen him become one of the richest pastors with a net worth of $42 Million. His ability to “cure” terminal illnesses such as cancer has, however, been a source of controversy.
3. Joel Osteen $40 Million
Joel’s high-watt charisma has endeared audiences all over the world. He is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church, which was founded by his late father John Osteen. Today, Lakewood stands as the largest and fastest growing church in America. With over 38,000 attendees every week, the Church undoubtedly brings in thousands. But Joel’s appeal transcends the altar; he is also a bestselling author. His net worth stands at $40 million.
4. Chris Oyakhilome 'pastor Chris' $30-50 Million
Oyakhilome is yet another Nigerian Pastor who is making some good money from the church ministry. He is the man behind Christ Embassy, a church and mission group with offices in United Kingdom, USA, and South Africa. Forbes estimates Pastor Chris’ net worth to be between $30-50 million.
5. Creflo Dollar $27 Million
His name screams money, and he does have a lot of it. Pastor Dollar is one of the prominent African-American pastors in the USA. His World Changers International commands a huge following with 30,000 followers stemming from the Atlanta region alone. His net worth is estimated at $27 million, but it could be more. He is known to be quite privy when it comes to his financial assets.
6. Billy Graham $25 Million
Graham is the longest serving Evangelical Pastor on our list with his ministry dating back to the 1940s. His spiritual allure has seen him become the advisor of several presidents including Lyndon Johnson. The 95 year old pastor whose net worth stands at $25 million remains one of the most revered clerics of the 20th century.
7. Rick Warren $25 Million
Besides being the pastor of the eighth largest church in the USA( Saddleback Church), Rick has also authored numerous Christian books which have sold millions of copies. While some of the pastors on our list live multi-million dollar lifestyles, Rick’s lifestyle is considerably down to earth. He admittedly gives away 90% of his income and lives off 10%. He is worth $25 Million.
8. T.D Jakes $18 Million
This Charismatic Bishop has managed to capture the hearts of many Christians. He is the founder and chief pastor of The Potter’s House which boasts of having 30,000 members. His net worth of $18 million largely stems from his ministry, but besides being a fiery Bishop, he is also an author and an actor.
9. Temitope Joshua $15 Million
Pastor Temitope has made a name for himself as one of the most charitable Nigerian Evangelists. When he founded The Synagogue Church Of All Nations, he never imagined his net worth would one day sum up to $15 million. He only had a handful of followers for the first few months, but today more than 15,000 members turn up for his Sunday service.
10. Matthew Ashimolowo $6-10 Million
Matthew had been a Muslim until the age of 22 when he converted to Christianity after his father’s death. He attended Bible School and developed a keen interest in the religion. Today, he is the senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre. His net worth which is estimated at $6-10 million has been bolstered by documentaries from his media company and the sale of Christian literature.
Interestingly, there's an ad at the bottom of the article for "getting ordained online".
Je$$ie Jack$on and Al $harpton were not mentioned in this article.
The only one I find hard to believe is Billy Graham, I had read that he only took a modest salary from his ministry.
What’s that saying about a camel will pass through the eye of a needle before a rich man will enter the kingdom of heaven?
Big Ministry is Big Business..
I heard mickey gilley joke once that his cousin, Jimmy Swaggert, had more money than he and his other cousin, Jerry Lee Lewis.
And he quipped ‘tax free’
My Guess is that Graham’s home and surrounding land has risen dramatically in value since he bought it many years ago.
That area around Montreat is now very expensive. I think he always maintained title to his on house rather than having it held in some trust.
I have to get around to starting my own Church.
It will be called The Church of Whatever Floats Your Boat.
They got a thing there and its fing golden.
“Again I say to you, it is EASIER for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
The only one I find hard to believe is Billy Graham, I had read that he only took a modest salary from his ministry.
Correct. Graham only took a modest salary.
Job was extremely rich before it was all taken away from him then given back by God. We should all wish to be so fortunate. I'll bet the owners of the website are not poor but are doing well. "Proclaim liberty throughout the land" is the inscription on the liberty bell. Freedom allows that you choose your way to be rich or poor. Let us not covet either way. I'll bet that is not what the authors intended.
At one time Graham was taking 70k or so a year. He and his wife had a modest home on a nice plot of land. The ox should not be muzzled while threshing grain; nothing wrong with ministers making a living from their work. But it’s not hard to tell which ones are real and which ones are wolves.
Graham was the real thing.
Are you old enough to remember, “The Church Of What’s Happening Now”?
Flip Wilson.
Or the “Divine Profit Church” from Sanford and Son.
Graham was the real thing.
Absolutely!
About 25 years ago someone asked me who was my most respected American. I said Rev. Billy Graham.
Graham did take a modest salary. Last I heard it was around $50,000. I imagine a lot of his money was made from book sales.
I don’t give money to churches because I see them drive better cars than I do.
$ 25 million is way too much !
$ 25 million is way too much !
Sure am. Here comes the Judge.
$ 25 million is way too much !
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Agree. Someone grabbed some imaginary numbers out of the sky.
You have to wonder if they’re separating his personal wealth from his ministry. There would be a lot of difference.
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