From Humble Beginnings to Mega-Church: The Rise of the Richest Pastor in the World

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Pijus Maity

Religion

6 Mins Read

March 5, 2025

richest pastor in the world

Have you ever wondered how some pastors have luxurious living, even more luxurious than celebrities? Looking around, you will see some religious leaders have made significant money.

So, since their roles are intertwined with religion, it is common for people to raise questions about their ethics of such richness in the context of faith and service.

While researching, I observed that the majority of their wealth comes from three major areas:

  • Book sales
  • Media ventures 
  • Business investments 
  • Real estate

However, you may find a few who have been able to capitalize on their shows and services to earn money. Many even preach, which is somehow linked to faith and financial services.

In this blog, we will delve into knowing who is the richest pastor in the world. We will explore their net worth and their source of income. Read on as we discuss the top 10 richest pastors in the world as of the year 2025.

Who Is the Richest Pastor in the World: Here’s The Top 10 List

In this section, we will present you with the richest pastor in the world. These pastors have been reckoned for their global religious empires and vast congregations. On top of that, they have made a huge impact on the lives of their followers.

However, this wealth also led to both admiration and controversies while highlighting their influence on faith and beyond.

10. Chris Oyakhilome

Place: Nigeria

Wealth: $50 Million

At number ten, we have Chris Oyakhilome. He is known for being a pastor, televangelist, and entrepreneur from Nigeria.

He established the Christ Embassy, the believers’ LoveWorld Inc.). His name comes from one of the richest pastors in the world.

His current net worth is around $50 million. Donations to the church, book sales, real estate, broadcasts, business ventures, and television have been the prime source of income.

9. Benny Hinn

Place: United States 

Wealth: $60 Million 

Benny Hinn is the world’s richest pastor, currently in 9th position. He is famous for being a televangelist, author, and faith healer. Moreover, his charismatic preaching has had an impact on many.

At present, the net worth of pastor Hinn is around $60 million by establishing the global ministry, church donations, and book sales.

Furthermore, his healing crusades to India were the largest healing services in history. Almost 7.3 million people participated in all three services.

8. Uebert Angel

Place: Zimbabwe/United Kingdom 

Wealth: $60 Million 

Uebert Angel is famous as a preacher, entrepreneur, and philanthropist in Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. Moreover, he is the founding member of the Spirit Embassy: The good new church.

As the richest pastor in the world, he is worth around $60 million. His wealth comes from church donations, real estate, business endeavors, and investments.

7. Enoch Adeboye

Place: Nigeria 

Wealth: $65 Million

Enoch Adeboyeo is the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and a pastor with a huge influence in Africa. He Is one of the world’s wealthiest pastors, with a net worth of around $65 million.

Moreover, Adeboye was chosen as the second national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. Also, in 2018, Newsweek recognized him as one of the top 50 most powerful people in the world.

All of his net wealth is from major church donations, private assets such as a private jet, and investments in real estate.

6. Joel Osteen

Place: United States 

Wealth: $100 Million

In sixth place, we have Joel Osteen, one of the richest parts of America. Apart from being a pastor, he appears as a televangelist and author.

Pastor Osteen is one of the leaders of the Lakewood Church, one of the megachurches in America.

He has achieved this $100 million net worth through book sales, public speaking events, and donations that people made to his church.

5. Pat Robertson

Place: United States 

Wealth: $100 Million 

Pat Robertson is a known American televangelist, political figure, and media mogul. He is an integral part of the CBN or Christian Broadcasting Network and greatly influences the United States’ followers.

Over the years, Pat Robertson has amassed a fortune of $100 million. He also built a media and religious empire influenced by American evangelicalism and conservative politics.

4. Romildo Ribeiro Soares

Place: Brazil 

Wealth: $125 Million 

Romildo Ribeiro Soares, a prominent evangelical pastor from Brazil, is the fourth richest in the world.  

Moreover, R. R. Soares is also the founder of the International Grace of God Church or Igreja Internacional da Graça de Deus. He is one of the richest religious leaders in the world, with a net worth of around $125 million.

His wealth is from donations to the church, sales of his books, music production, real estate investment, and television programs.

3. Silas Malafaia

Place: Brazil 

Wealth: $150 Million

Silas Malafaia is an author, entrepreneur, and evangelical pastor. Apart from that, he also leads the Assemblies of God Chruch. When it comes to politics, he is outspoken about it as well.

He also hosted television shows such as The Victory of Christ. His book, “How to Overcome Satan’s Strategies and Lessons of a Winner,” became a huge hit in no time.

He is one of Brazil’s richest figures, with a net worth of $150 million. His wealth mainly comes from television programs, business ventures, and church donations.

2. David Oyedepo

Place: Nigeria 

Wealth: $200 Million

David Oyedepo, a preacher, entrepreneur, and businessman from Nigeria, is also the founder and bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide. This church is also known as Winner’s Chapel.

Moreover, Oyedepo is one of the richest pastors in the world, having a net worth of around $200 million.

This wealth comes from sources such as mega-churches, investments, media ventures, and educational institutes.

1. Kenneth Copeland

Place: United Kingdom 

Wealth: $300 million

Last, on the richest pastor in the world list, we have Kenneth Copeland. He is considered the richest pastor in the world. His estimated net amount is around $300 million.

Moreover, he was known as a supporter of the prosperity gospel. Furthermore, he gained a lot more popularity through the Kenneth Copeland ministries.

Pastor Kenneth shares his ideas and words through television, books, and events. Coming to his living, he has private jets and real estate under his name, signifying his flamboyant living.

Before he became a minister, Pastor Kenneth enjoyed his life as a musician. He recorded a song, “Pledge of L, ” which reached 12th on the Top 40 Billboard chart r 1957.

Richest Pastor in the World: The Conclusion

In conclusion, the entire phenomenon related to the richest pastors in the world raises questions about their role in religion or their responsibilities as spiritual leaders.

Some may argue that their wealth is more like a testament to their success or The Divine Blessing!!

Others may call it an exploitation, or a misuse of the donations made to the church—in the name of God.

Ultimately, I think it is up to those individuals to decide whether they are comfortable living a pastor’s lifestyle or choosing the support for their ministry.

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