Meet the 15 Richest Pastors in the World 2023

August 2024 · 19 minute read

Pastors are no longer classified as poor and wretched. They have grown past the days of eating from hand to mouth. Their churches are also not the sole source of income they have. The pastors we have in the world right now are industrious and business-oriented. They are employers of labour and own several establishments that contribute greatly to their net worth. There are many rich pastors in the world now, and people wonder who the richest is. This piece will unravel this mystery and give you the list of the richest pastors in the world right now.

A pastor is an ordained Christian minister or priest having spiritual charge over a congregation or other groups. He gives advice and counsel to people from the congregation community. Three verses in the New Testament include the word “pastor” (in various forms): Ephesians 4:11, Acts 20:28, and 1 Peter 5:2, pastors are charged with the primary responsibility of teaching, but a closer look at these verses will demonstrate that the responsibilities for pastors involve more than teaching. Several pastors worldwide are serving humanity by providing guidance to people belonging to the community. In the process, quite many of them have become very wealthy through their ministries, churches, and other investments. These millionaire men of God are known worldwide, and Africa and America are blessed to have a large chunk of them.

This list was compiled by comparing the net worth of these pastors.

List of the 16 Richest Pastors in the World 

Pastor Edir Macedo is the richest pastor in the world right now. He writer, billionaire businessman, and the founder of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God which has several branches in Brazil. Macedo has several investments which contribute to his impressive net worth. Find out more about him, how he made his money, and the 15 others that make up the list.

1. Edir Macedo (Brazil)

Edir Macedo is a Brazilian evangelical bishop, writer, billionaire businessman and media figure who holds the title of the richest pastor in the world with a net worth of approximately $1.2 billion. His wealth primarily stems from his role as the president and owner of Rede Record, which is the second-largest television network in Brazil.

Macedo’s religious career began in the late 1960s after his conversion into penticostalism. His financial growth perhaps began with his establishment of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God in Rio de Janeiro, the same denomination that produced Valdemiro Santiago, the world’s 3rd richest pastor. Over the years, this church has grown significantly and become one of the largest in Brazil.

Macedo’s acquisition of Rede Record in 1990 is another key factor behind his immense financial growth with its success as a television network being a key driver of his fortune. Additionally, he expanded his media influence by establishing another television network in Atlanta, named W67CI.

Aside from owing one of Brazil’s largest media groups, Grupo Record, which includes TV Record, one of Brazil’s top television networks, Macedo also has extensive interests in real estate, finance, and other businesses.

2. Alph Lukau (South Africa)

Alph Lukau is a Congolese pastor who started his career as a televangelist. He moved to South Africa, where he established his ministry. On 24th February 2002, he started the Alleluia Ministries International Church in Lyndhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa. From there, it spread to other parts of the country and the world. Today, he can boast of branches across countries like Namibia, South America, Angola, Zambia, Europe, and South Africa.

Lukau is a controversial pastor whose ministry is known for healing of all sorts. He is popular for having raised people up from the dead, in addition to other miracles that have happened in his ministry.

This is the main source of his income, although he might have some other businesses and investments that contributed to his net worth that is not known to the public. However, he is number one on our list of richest pastors in the world.

Pastor Kenneth Copeland is an American author and televangelist who came into prominence with his TV series Believer’s Voice of Victory, which he started in 2010. Kenneth is a prosperity gospel preacher, and this has made him famous. He started the Kenneth Copeland Ministries in 1967 when he was 31 years old, alongside his wife, Gloria Copeland. He owns a TV Channel and several other businesses that aid the spread of the gospel and at the same time generate income for him. Like other pastors, he earns mainly from church donations. He owns a lot of luxurious items, including a private jet and a host of expensive cars. All these and more contribute to his net worth and qualify him to be one of the richest pastors in the world.

There have been some controversies and rumors concerning Kenneth Copeland and his ministry’s funds. When he acquired his private jet, he was said to have done so with the church’s funds. They say he lives a lavish lifestyle, and this is what he had to say about it.

4. David Oyedepo (Nigeria)

Bishop David Oyedepo is one of the richest pastors in the world, and the richest pastor in Nigeria. He is the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel. The Nigerian pastor, David Oyedepo, has an estimated net worth of $200 million in 2021. Today, he is considered Nigeria’s richest pastor.

His journey towards the life he has chosen for himself started in 1969 when he gave his life to Christ and became born again. In 1981 he received an injunction from God through an 18-hour vision to save the people from destruction by answering the call to become a pastor. He heeded the command and started his ministry in 1981 at 27 years of age and has grown it from grass to where it is today.

Pastor David does not earn solely from the church. He owns several other businesses which he instituted, some in the name of the church and others in his name. Among the things that contribute to his net worth include two universities situated in Nigeria, a publishing house which he uses to publish his books and for others, a bottled water production company, and a power plant. He is also a writer and earns from the sales of his books. All these investments distinguished him from other pastors and contributed greatly to his net worth.

5. Shepherd Bushiri (South Africa)

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, also known as Major One, is a Malawian pastor based in South Africa. He is an author, a businessman, motivational speaker, and prophet. Shepherd is a student of Uebert Angel. He established his church, The Enlightened Christian Gathering, with its headquarters in Pretoria, South Africa. The church also has branches in Malawi, South Sudan, Ghana, and other African countries.

As a pastor, Bushiru has other investments that bring money to his table. He owns a company called Shepherd Bushiri Investments. This company has interests in mining, oil, transportation, real estate, and the hospitality industry. In addition, he owns a private jet and an airline. The company also supports fragile states and governments. Pastor Bushiri earns his money from his call as a pastor and from other investments he is involved in. These have contributed a lot to his net worth and qualified him to be among the richest pastors in the world.

6. Enoch Adejare Adeboye (Nigeria)

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, popularly known as Daddy G.O, is the General Overseer and Senior Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The church was founded in 1952 by Rev. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi. Pastor Enoch joined in 1973 as an interpreter in the church. Later in 1975, at the age of 33 years, he was ordained a pastor in the church by the church’s founder. Later in 1981, he became the general overseer of the church, following the death of Rev Josiah. Before becoming the general overseer of the church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God was not well known. But with his leadership, he focused on the expansion of the church. He saw the opening up of several parishes in Nigeria, Africa, the US, and other countries of the world. With this, the Redeemed Christian Church of God became popular and gathered many congregations for itself.

Daddy G.O does not depend solely on the income that comes from the church; instead, he has some other investments that fetch him money. He founded a university called Redeemer’s University; he earns from his books as he is an author; he is a motivational and inspirational speaker and hosts TV programs. All these and many more contributed to his impressive net worth and earned him a spot as one of the richest pastors in the world.

7. Chris Oyakhilome (Nigeria)

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder and senior pastor at Christ Embassy and one of the richest pastors in the world. He founded the church in 1987 at the age of 24 and has seen its growth and expansion to date. Pastor Chris is one of those Nigerian pastors who started their career in the ministry as an undergraduate in the university. He founded a campus fellowship called Youth For Christ. This fellowship grew and led to the establishment of Christ Embassy and LoveWorld Incorporated.

Chris Oyakhilome’s church Christ Embassy has over 13 million followers, several of whom are successful entrepreneurs and politicians. The church has branches in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, and many other countries. His other sources of income and diversified interests include magazines, newspapers, a TV station, a record label, hotels, satellite TV, and real estate. His investments and earnings as a pastor have contributed immensely to his current net worth.

Pat Robertson, whose full name is Marion Gordon Pat Robertson, is a minister of God and the founder of many Christian-based television channels. He is a televangelist and a media tycoon, and one of the richest pastors in the world. Until his retirement in October 2021, he was the host of the Christian news and TV program, the 700 Club. His journey to becoming an evangelist was a unique one. Pat became born again and began his career as a Minister of God after a disappointing happening and unserious Christian living. He failed his bar exam after graduating as a lawyer. This failure and other odd happenings around him at that time pushed him into giving his life to Christ.

The televangelist bought a TV channel and got many supporters he called the 700 Club. This TV channel he acquired began functioning as Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) in 1965. He founded several other broadcasting networks as a means through which he reached out to the people through preaching and other Christian-based activities. Other establishments by the TV mogul include the International Family Inc (ABC Family channel), The Founders Inn and Conference Center, L-1011 Flying Hospital, American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), Regent University, the Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation (OB), the Christian Coalition, and CBN Asia. There are also several other radio channels and other businesses owned by Robertson. All these are the establishments put in place by the Televangelist through which he reaches out to the people and earns money for himself.

9. Benny Hinn (United States)

This Israeli-American televangelist earned wealth through his ministry and evangelical program. He is best known for his regular “Miracle Crusades” – revival meetings/faith healing summits usually held in large stadiums in major cities in the United States. Benny Hinn was born with a stutter but received healing in 1974 while preaching at Trinity Pentecostal Church, Oshawa. As a child, he was isolated because of his stutter nature, but he grew to be a first-class in his class.

He started his ministry, Orlando Christian Center, at the age of 31, located in Orlando, Florida, United States. Later, he moved down to Grapevine, Texas, where he now situated his church headquarters. He is a host of a TV program called This Is Your Day which is aired on TV channels like Daystar Television Network, Grace TV, INSP Networks, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Revelation TV, Vision TV, and The God Channel. He is also an author. All these and more contribute to the net worth of Benny Hinn and qualify him to be among the richest pastors in the world.

10. Uebert Angel (United Kingdom)

Prophet Uebert Angel is a preacher, businessman, author, and the founder of Spirit Embassy. He founded the church in 2007 when he was just 29 years old. His ministry is a healing ministry, which attracted many pf followers to his church. Pastor Angel changed the name of his church to Good News Church in 2015, but the former name is still used or combined with the new one. The church now has over 70 branches in more than 15 countries on three continents, the US, Europe, and Africa.

Pastor Angel owns the Angel Organization, which is the company that covers all his business interests. In addition, he has a lot of boos to his name, including Prayer Banks, I Went to Hell, Spiritual Warfare, Praying for the Impossible, etc. He was appointed in 2021 by the Zimbabwean president H.E. President Emmerson Mnangagwa to be Zimbabwe’s Presidential Envoy and Ambassador at Large. All these endeavors contribute to his massive net worth and qualify him to be among the richest pastors in the world.

11 Paul Adefarasin (Nigeria)

Pastor Paul Adefarasin was a drug addict before he was called by God. He was born into a wealthy family, and he used his father’s wealth for a worldly lifestyle. However, he became born again in 1994 and gave his life to Christ. Following his conversion, he studied at the International Bible Institute of London and graduated with a diploma in Christian Ministry. That same year, he returned to Nigeria and started his ministry, The House on the Rock. The church has over 77 parishes in Europe and Africa.

As part of the sources of his income, Pastor Paul is an author with several books to his name. He hosts a TV program, Something Is About to Happen, that airs television satellites in Europe, Africa, and North America. He organizes one of the biggest gospel music concerts in Nigeria called The Experience. The man of God has produced a music album titled I Still Believe. Pastor Adefarasin is one of the most industrious pastors in Africa and one of the richest pastors in the world right now.

12. David Ibiyeomie (Nigeria)

Pastor David Ibiyeomie is the founder and senior pastor of Salvation Ministries. He is a televangelist who started his ministry as a house fellowship. Before starting his ministry, he attended Bishop David Oyedepo’s school, Word of Faith Bible Institute. To find fertile ground for his ministry, David left Lagos for Port Harcourt. There he found the most fertile ground for his ministry. He didn’t have to fight for members with Oyedepo. His ministry grew from house fellowship to a little over 20 members and now over 50,000 members.

It is Pastor David who hosts 5 Nights of Glory, a yearly program that comes up every January. He earns from the sales of his books and from the World of Life Bible Institute which he founded. All these and more contribute to his net worth and qualify him to be one of the richest pastors in the world today.

14. Joel Osteen (United States)

Joel Osteen is an author, a televangelist, and an American pastor. He is the son of the founder of Lakewood Church, John Osteen. Being the son of a pastor, he was always close to the ministry. He worked in the background and never preached in the church despite the continuous pleas from his father. After a long time of refusal, he decided to preach in his father’s church on 17th January 1999. His father died six days later, and he became the senior pastor of Lakewood Church on 3rd October 1999. When he took over the church, there was an increment in the number of attendees. They improved from 5,000 to 52,000 as we have it today.

Pastor Joel is a best-selling author with many books to his name. Joel Osteen’s sermon receives at least 10 million views weekly in over 100 countries worldwide. He has appeared in some films and TV programs like these documentaries, I Hope You Dance: The Power and Spirit of Song, Words of Art. etc.

15. Ray McCauley (South Africa) 

Raynor McCauley is a South African religious leader, author, and former champion bodybuilder. He is a senior pastor at Rhema Bible Church and the president of the International Federation of Christian Churches (IFCC). In addition to these, he is a co-chair of the National Interfaith Council of South Africa (NICSA). He started his ministry in 1979 at the age of 30.

After attending Bible training at Rhema Bible Training Center, Oklahoma, they returned to South Africa and started a branch of Rhema Bible Church in his parents’ home. At first, attendance was poor; only 13 people attended. With time, they grew. They changed venue a couple of times until they moved to its current location at Johannesburg, Randburg, in 1985. Dr. Kenneth Hagin, the founder of Rhema Ministries, of which Rhema Bible Church is under, dedicated the church in 1985 when he was still alive.

The main source of McCauley’s income is his ministry. He is also a writer and earns through the sales of his books. All these contribute to making McCauley one of the richest pastors in the world.

16. Creflo Dollar (United States)

Creflo Augustus Dollar, Jr. is a pastor, an American televangelist, and the founder of World Changers Church International, a non-denominational church based in Fulton County, Georgia. This American televangelist and pastor is also a Word of Faith teacher and gospel of wealth speaker. He is also the head of Creflo Dollar Ministries, Creflo Dollar Ministerial Association, and Arrow Records. Creflo Dollar has built a multi-million-dollar ministry on the message that “it is the will of God for you to prosper in every way.” He preaches that Christian conversion and disciplined steps of Bible study, meditation, tithing, and other actions can lead believers to supernatural blessings and “total-life prosperity” promised by God.

His wife, Taffi Dollar, is the founder and CEO of Arrow Records. Creflo earns significantly from the church and more from his books. With these, he garnered a net worth of $27 million, which he enjoys today as one of the richest pastors in the world.

15. Rick Warren (United States)

Pastor Richard Duane Warren is an American pastor. He is the founder of Saddleback Church, affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention in Lake Forest, California. Rick started preaching at 19 while he was still a student at California Baptist University. He received a laying of hands from W. A. Criswell in November 1973. Later on, he co-authored two books with Hanks and Wayne Watts. The Saddleback Church started as a Bible study group with seven people in attendance. In 1980, the first public service of the church was held with 200 people in attendance.

Currently, the church’s population has grown to over 20,000 people in weekly attendance. Beyond his profession as a pastor, Warren is also a writer. Some of his books include The Purpose Driven Church, Twelve Dynamic Bible Study Methods for Laity, and The Victory Scripture Memory Series. All these and more are contributors to his net worth.

Recap of the 16 Richest Pastors in the World

  • Richard Warren – $25 million
  • Creflo Dollar – $27 million
  • Raynor McCauley – $29 million
  • Joel Osteen – $40 million
  • David Ibiyeomie – $41 million
  • Paul Adefarasi – $50 million
  • Uebert Angel – $60 million
  • Benny Hinn – $60 million
  • Pat Robertson $100 million
  • Chris Oyakhilome – $126 million
  • Enoch Adejare Adeboye – $130 million
  • Shepherd Bushiri – $150 million
  • David Oyedepo – $200 million
  • Kenneth Copeland – $300 million
  • Alph Lukau – $600 million
  • Pastor Edir Macedo – $1.2 Billion

    • FAQs

    Who is the Richest Pastor in the World as of 2023?

    The richest pastor in the world as of 2053 is Edir Macedo, who has a net worth od $1.2 billion. He is a Brazilian evangelical bishop, writer, billionaire businessman, and the founder of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.

    Who was the Richest Pastor In Nigeria as of 2023?

    David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel) ministry is the richest pastor in Nigeria, with his net worth estimated at $200 million.

    Who are the Richest Pastors In Africa as of 2023?

    Alph Lukau, David Oyedepo, and Shepherd Bushiri are the top three richest pastors in Africa with their net worth estimated at $600 million, $200 million, $150 million, respectively.

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