Divine Riches: The Richest Pastors In The World, Ranked

Highlights

• Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church paid off a massive $100 million loan debt, thanks to congregation donations.
• Pat Robertson, the American media magnate, had an estimated net worth of $120 million at the time of his death.
• Kenneth Copeland, a prominent televangelist, is estimated to have a net worth of $300 million in 2024.

In a world where faith, devotion, and spirituality intersect with opulence and influence, there exists a unique cohort of individuals whose wealth transcends the earthly realm.

These spiritual leaders, often regarded as shepherds of their flocks, have amassed immense fortunes through their ministries, media empires, and philanthropic endeavors.

Updated, January 2024: Joel Osteen, one of the most recognizable (and rich) American pastors on this list, was in the news in January for reasons related to a significant financial milestone for Lakewood Church.

On January 17th, Chron.com reported that Osteen "broke down" in tears after announcing to his congregation that the church paid off a massive $100 million loan debt incurred in founding the facility.

"Pastor Joel Osteen broke down on stage at Houston's Lakewood Church [in January], crying as he told the packed house that their donations paid off its $100 million debt. 'It's because of your faithfulness,' Osteen told his congregation. 'You paid it off by the goodness of God.'

The Houston Chronicle also covered the financial milestone for Osteen's Lakewood Church, and recapped Osteen's comments to his congregation.

According to the outlet, Osteen described being initially turned down by an unnamed lender, before finally getting approved by Bank of America.

Osteen also said the church was able to negotiate to borrow more, turning a $25 million approval into a $100 million loan:

"We walked in there and never met them before ... They knew nothing about our finances. They had a $25 million check on the table. They said, 'You can have this today.’'I said, 'If you’ll give us $25 (million), will you give us $100 (million)?' And they said, 'We’ll do it.'"

Osteen – who said the loan was officially paid off in full on December 31st – was also quoted as saying of the development: "Ain't God good."

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This article will delve into the lives, ministries, and financial empires of the richest pastors in the world.

Estimates of the richest pastors' net worths are typically based on publicly disclosed information, however, and may not include all assets and liabilities.

From grand cathedrals to international humanitarian efforts, these pastors have not only shepherded their congregations but have also accumulated divine riches that have left an indelible mark on the global stage.

10 Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen's Net Worth (Estimated): $100 Million

Joel Osteen is a prominent American televangelist and accomplished author, with approximately ten million viewers tuning in to watch his televised sermons across the United States.

Notably, his influence extends beyond American borders, as his sermons have found an audience in over 100 other countries.

Joel's success in his various endeavors has yielded significant financial rewards. With his earnings, he has invested in real estate, acquiring properties valued at $10.5 million.

9 Pat Robertson

Pat Robertson's Net Worth (Estimated At The Time Of His Death): $120 Million

Pat Robertson was an influential American media magnate and a prominent televangelist. At the time of his death in June 2023, Pat Robertson held the positions of chancellor and CEO at Regent University and served as the chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Network.

Robertson pursued theological studies at New York Theological Seminary, earning his degree in 1959. It was in the following two years that he received ordination as a Southern Baptist minister.

With his ministerial role established, he initiated the launch of the nation's inaugural Christian television station, The 700 Club, in 1960.

His substantial earnings from the show allowed him to amass a remarkable collection of cars.

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8 Romildo Ribeiro Soares

R.R. Soares' Net Worth (Estimated): $125 Million

Romildo is a multifaceted Brazilian figure, known for his roles as a televangelist, missionary, entrepreneur, singer, composer, and author.

His journey as a televangelist took shape in the 1960s, inspired by a book authored by T.L. Osborn.

During the 1980s, he went on to establish the International Church of God's Grace. This flourishing church now boasts branches not only in Brazil but also in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and various other locations.

In addition to his spiritual endeavors, Romildo is the proprietor of Graça Artes Gráficas and Editora Ltda, a gospel record label.

He has also composed numerous gospel songs and authored ten books in Portuguese.

7 Chris Oyakhilome

Chris Oyakhilome's Net Worth (Estimated): $125 Million*

Chris is a renowned Nigerian televangelist and a prominent figure in the realm of faith healing.

He is the visionary leader behind the Christian ministry known as Believers LoveWorld, an expansive organization encompassing several vital branches.

These include Rhapsody of Realities, the Healing School, and others. While his ministry stands as the cornerstone of his prosperity, Chris also enjoys income from his prolific writing.

In 2024, estimates of Chris Oyakhilome's net worth range from $50 million to $125 million.

Notably, he is the author of the widely read daily devotional bible, Rhapsody of Realities, which has been translated into numerous languages.

6 David Oyedepo

David Oyedepo's Net Worth (Estimated): $150 Million

David is a prominent Nigerian figure, wearing multiple hats as a preacher, entrepreneur, accomplished author, and the visionary founder of the Living Faith Church.

Before answering a spiritual calling, he briefly served with the Federal Ministry of Housing in Ilorin, Nigeria.

It was in 1981 that he embarked on his divine journey, establishing his church after a profound revelation received during an 18 hour-long vision, a testament to his deep faith.

In a scant five years, David's dedication and service led to his ordination as the bishop of the church, signifying his influential role within the religious community.

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5 Shepherd Bushiri

Shepherd Bushiri's Net Worth (Estimated): $150 Million

Shepherd is a Malawian pastor currently residing in South Africa.

He is a multifaceted individual, recognized as an author, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur.

His spiritual leadership extends through the Enlightened Christian Gathering, a church he founded in South Africa, which has since expanded with branches in locations such as Ghana, Malawi, and South Sudan.

In addition to his spiritual endeavors, Shepherd has diversified his interests through the establishment of Shepherd Bushiri Investments, a company engaged in a broad spectrum of sectors, including real estate, oil, transportation, mining, and hospitality.

4 Kenneth Copeland

Kenneth Copeland's Net Worth (Estimated): $300 Million*

Kenneth is an accomplished American figure known for his roles as a televangelist, author, captivating public speaker, and a skilled musician with deep connections to the Charismatic Movement.

He is widely recognized as the most prominent figure associated with the rise of "prosperity gospel" type evangelism.

Before his conversion to Christianity and his subsequent calling as a preacher in 1962, Kenneth had a notable career as a recording artist. In fact, he even achieved significant success with his single "Pledge Of Love," which climbed into the Top 40 on music charts.

In 2024, Kenneth Copeland's net worth is widely estimated at $300 million, with some earlier estimates ranging as high as $760 million.

3 Valdemiro Santiago

Valdemiro Santiago's Net Worth (Estimated): $350 Million

Valdemiro is a Brazilian pastor who holds a prominent role as the leader of the World Church of the Power of God.

Prior to assuming leadership in this congregation, he served as a preacher at the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.

However, it's said that differences and misunderstandings with the management led to his alleged expulsion from the Universal Church.

This event served as the catalyst for Valdemiro to establish the World Church of the Power of God, a spiritual institution that has since expanded to encompass several other churches.

In 2024, estimates of Valdemiro Santiago's net worth ranged from $220 million to $350 million. The financial success of his church is a testament to the growth and prosperity of his ministry.

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2 Alph Lukau

Alph Lukau's Net Worth (Estimated): $1 Billion

Alph is the visionary founder of Alleluia Ministries International, a thriving spiritual institution based in South Africa.

Since the inception of his ministry in 2002, it has witnessed substantial growth, attracting thousands of members from all corners of the world.

This expansion has led to the establishment of branches not only in South Africa but also in countries such as Angola, Congo, Zambia, Namibia, and DR Congo, among others.

Notably, the pastor enjoys a lavish lifestyle, evident through his ownership of a private jet, a collection of motorbikes, as well as luxury vehicles.

1 Edir Macedo

Edir Macedo's Net Worth (Estimated): $1.2 Billion

Edir Macedo, a prominent Brazilian religious figure and influential media mogul, holds the positions of chairman and proprietor of Rede Record, Brazil's second-largest television network.

Notably, he currently ranks as the world's richest pastor. Back in 1977, he initiated the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, a religious denomination based in Rio de Janeiro.

Over the years, this denomination has grown to become one of the largest in the country. It was from the proceeds of this religious venture that he acquired Rede Record in 1990, with the television network serving as the primary source of his considerable wealth.

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