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.
there shouldn’t be ...
Considering that most are still in print that can add up to a very tidy sum.
Billy Graham earned his money from book sales. I believe he never took a salary from the Billy Graham ministry for many years.
I heard it was $50,000. Perhaps he declined even that in later years.
"Mr. Graham has written 32 books, many of which have become top sellers. His autobiography “Just As I Am,” published in 1997, achieved a “triple crown,” appearing simultaneously on the three top best-seller lists in one week. In it, Mr. Graham reflects on his life, including more than 70 years of ministry around the world. From humble beginnings as the son of a dairy farmer in North Carolina, he shares how his unwavering faith in Christ formed and shaped his career.
Mr. Graham’s most recent works include “The Reason for My Hope: Salvation” (2013), “The Heaven Answer Book” (2012), “Nearing Home” (2011) and “Storm Warning” (2010). “Nearing Home” was selected as the 2012 Christian Book of the Year by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Of his other books, “Approaching Hoofbeats: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” (1983) was listed for several weeks on The New York Times best seller list; “How to Be Born Again” (1977) had the largest first printing in publishing history with 800,000 copies; “Angels: God’s Secret Agents” (1975) sold one million copies within 90 days; and “The Jesus Generation” (1971) sold 200,000 copies in the first two weeks.
Mr. Graham has written 32 books, many of which have become top sellers
Billy Graham may be worth that much but in actuality maybe not. IOW - that money or worth is in his charitable work.
I give him credit for his apparent modest lifestyle. But, I could never forgive him for promoting the soulless hater of humanity, Barack Obama.
Billy Graham has authored several books, over the years. Surely he is allowed to take profit from those. I noticed that they did not mention that fact, although several others were credited with writing books as part of their wealth.
Sorry to be cynical, but this is the reason why Trump would win the black vote in a landslide against Hillary, or anyone else potentially in the race. It is true all over the world that poor people admire people who make obscene money selling hope.
Billy Graham wrote 32 books. Many, each selling in the millions.
His wife Ruth wrote 14 books.
Graham also wrote a weekly syndicated newspaper column for years.
“see churches driving cars need either rehab or a crazy house. And those can be expensive. “
Hey! It’s my world and I like it the way it is! ~sllloooww riiiide....take it easy....~
I can imagine that much of Billy Graham’s worth is through the real estate and property items that he owns.
I think the United Church of Canada already has dibs on that; or at least the concept.
Yeah, but at my Church we would preach against the Evils of Hockey.
A false teaching! Hockey is the perfect game!
It's the best game you can name.
No Al Goes?
It’s like the late L. Ron Hubbard said, “If you really want to make money, start your own religion.”
The dude was bat-s**t crazy, but he certainly knew what he was talking about. Founded the ‘Church of Scientology’, worth millions of dollars. Lived like a playboy king till he died.
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