For better or worse, it’s hard to argue that religion is big business these days. From films to books to radio programs to TV shows, it’s never been easier to spread gospel around the world — and it’s never been more lucrative. How much money are we talking about, exactly? We’ve rounded up the 20 wealthiest pastors in the world to give you some idea. These religious figures from every corner of the globe are filthy rich, and their net worths are sure to make your jaw drop.
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Pauline Joyce Hutchison, from St. Louis, is one of the most popular female preachers in the world. Pastor Joyce is a charismatic Christian author who made Time magazine’s list of the “25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America.” Meyer and her husband, Dave, launched a television ministry, Enjoying Everyday Life. Pastor Meyer is also the founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries, which “is dedicated to sharing God’s love and the life-changing message of the Bible with the world through TV, radio, various media productions, [and] live conferences,” according to her website. Her ministry provides her with a $10 million jet, several homes that cost up to $2 million each, and a $107,000 silver Mercedes sedan, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Nigerian pastor Matthew Ashimolowo is the senior pastor at the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) in London, where he reportedly earns £100,000 annually. He hosts the radio program Winning Ways, which is syndicated in London and Amsterdam. The television equivalent broadcasts in Nigeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, and in Europe on GOD TV and the Inspirational Network. The majority of his millions comes from selling Christian literature and documentaries from his media company, Matthew Ashimolowo Media.
Temitope Balogun Joshua, known as Pastor T.B. Joshua, founded The Synagogue Church of All Nations in Nigeria, where he runs renowned healing sessions (some of them exorcisms). The church has its own television channel, Emmanuel TV, which broadcasts Joshua’s sermons and delivers his alleged miracles to millions. He has a huge social media presence – his YouTube videos have been watched more than 240 million times.
Rick Warren is an American author and evangelical Christian pastor from San Jose, California. His father was a Baptist minister, so he knew early on that he was destined to follow in his footsteps. He founded his high school’s first Christian club. Warren is the founder and senior pastor of Saddle Back Church, a megachurch in Lake Forest, California. Warren preaches a “five-point plan” to bring global harmony to the world by helping the needy and sick and promoting education. His riches derive from the sales of many Christian books, most notably The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold more than 30 million copies.
The late Billy Graham died at the age of 99 in 2018. The New York Times named him the unofficial “national clergyman,” and he preached for decades. Pastor Billy was among the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century. Graham was known for hosting the annual Billy Graham Crusades, from 1947-2005, with an estimated 3.2 million people who agreed to “accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior.” His radio and TV broadcasts had a faithful audience of 2.2 million. Pastor Billy provided spiritual counsel for U.S presidents throughout his career, from Harry S. Truman to Barack Obama. He left behind a fortune of real estate holdings and book royalties.
Creflo Augustus Dollar, Jr. hails from Georgia, where he founded the non-denominational World Changers Church International. Pastor Dollar helms the Creflo Dollar Ministerial Association, Creflo Dollar Ministries, and Arrow Records. He held his first sermon in an elementary school cafeteria in 1986. He preaches to a congregation of 30,000 members, and an estimated $69 million in revenue is brought in through cash collections. His prosperity, gospel-style teachings are manifested in his own lavish lifestyle. He owns two Rolls-Royces, a private jet, and three multimillion dollar homes.
Ray McCauley is a South African religious leader. He is the senior pastor of Rhema Bible Church, which has its own television station, Rhema TV. Rhema TV broadcasts his sermons on A New Day With Pastor Ray. Paster McCauley is president of the International Federation of Christian Churches and the co-chair of the National Interfaith Council of South Africa. He is an author, televangelist, and a former bodybuilding champion.
