Would you believe it? 8 of the richest pastors of 2024 – net worths, ranked (2024)

8 of the richest pastors and televangelists of 2024 – net worths, ranked: from T.D. Jakes to Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland, who have sizeable fortunes that they mostly prefer not to discuss

Wherever you live, whatever your beliefs, it’s clear that religion sells. If you have faith and a gift for communication, you can make millions from appearances, books, websites – you name it.

But the epicentre of faith-fired commerce is surely the US, where Christian pastors and “televangelists” have been a fixture for decades, their sermons and prayer meetings televised and streamed to millions, spreading their various versions of the gospel.

Their hefty fortunes often raise the question whether these famous clergymen are leading or fleecing the flock, with many critics slamming their practices and accusing them of using religion to fund lavish lifestyles.

Whichever is the case, these wealthy pastors are surely laughing all the way from the church to the bank. Let’s take a closer look at their net worths, with the help of Celebrity Net Worth and other sources.

8. T.D. Jakes, 66

Estimated net worth: US$20 million

Would you believe it? 8 of the richest pastors of 2024 – net worths, ranked (1)

As a bishop, author and filmmaker, T.D. Jakes is one of the veteran figures in the business of religion, according to Time. In 1996, he founded a non-denominational American megachurch called The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas with a congregation of over 30,000 members.

He produces faith-based films and television shows that combine his religious ideologies and motivational messages with popular culture. He has also produced and released music under the Dexterity Sounds label that operates in collaboration with EMI Gospel Music. His album A Wing and a Prayer featured vocals by both Jakes and The Potter’s House Mass Choir, and won a Grammy in 2004 for best gospel choir or chorus Album.

Jeff Bezos and Bernard Arnault – the richest people in the world, compared

7. Rick Warren, 70

Estimated net worth: US$25 million

Rick Warren is an author and evangelical Christian pastor who founded the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, in 1980. Formerly part of the Southern Baptist Convention, “the nation’s largest Protestant denomination,” per Orange County Register, Saddleback was expelled for ordaining female pastors.

In 2008, the church made headlines when it hosted Barack Obama and John McCain for the Saddleback Civil Forum on The Presidency. Obama later asked Warren to speak at his 2009 inauguration.

6. Creflo Dollar, 62

Estimated net worth: US$30 million

Would you believe it? 8 of the richest pastors of 2024 – net worths, ranked (3)

Televangelist pastor Creflo Dollar is the founder of Christian non-denominational, Georgia-based ministry World Changers Church International. He is known for his controversial prosperity theologies that link financial success to divine favour, encouraging adherents to believe that donations will ultimately see them materially rewarded.

The appropriately named Dollar has been widely criticised for his extravagant lifestyle. Not surprisingly, he has constantly refused to publicly disclose details of his wealth, including during a 2007 investigation by the US Senate Finance Committee.

5. Andy Stanley, 65

Estimated net worth: US$40 million-US$45 million

Andy Stanley is the founder and senior pastor of multiple churches, including North Point Ministries, in the area around Atlanta, Georgia. He is also the son of the late Charles Stanley, who started the First Baptist Church of Atlanta. In addition to his churches, Stanley has also founded a Christian television network called North Point TV. Celebworth.net puts his net worth between US$40 million and US$45 million.

Who is Justin Bieber’s trendy but controversial pastor, Judah Smith?

4. Steven Furtick Jr, 44

Estimated net worth: US$60 million

Would you believe it? 8 of the richest pastors of 2024 – net worths, ranked (5)

Not all televangelists are in their 60s or older. Meet founder and senior pastor of the Elevation Church, Steven Furtick. The New York Times bestselling author makes his millions through his work with the church, YouTube videos and book sales. Like others on this list, he refuses to talk about his wealth, though Elevation has clarified that Furtick’s salary is set by a board comprised of other megachurch pastors. The Success Bug estimates his net worth to be US$61 million.

3. Benny Hinn, 71

Estimated net worth: US$60 million

Would you believe it? 8 of the richest pastors of 2024 – net worths, ranked (6)

Israeli-born televangelist Benny Hinn is famous for his “Miracle Crusades”, faith-healing sermons held in large stadiums and broadcast on television.

He has famously made a number of prophecies over the years that have failed to come true, including the end of homosexuality in the US, and the end of the world in 1992 and 1999.

Like Dollar, Hinn faced the Senate Committee on Finance in 2007 and has also been challenged by Ministry Watch, an independent organisation that reviews the financial accountability and transparency of protestant ministries.

2. Joel Osteen, 61

Estimated net worth: US$100 million

Would you believe it? 8 of the richest pastors of 2024 – net worths, ranked (7)

Preacher, televangelist and author Joel Osteen is best known for being the pastor of Lakewood Church, founded by his father in Houston, Texas. His church in Houston is an enormous former sports stadium with capacity for almost 17,000 people, so it’s no surprise he is one of religion’s wealthiest stars.

Osteen famously said he stopped taking a salary from the church in 2005, but hasn’t noticeably lacked for anything since, instead cashing in on book advances, royalties, speaking engagements and various merchandise deals.

Not just Tom Cruise – 13 celebrities who have been involved in Scientology

1. Kenneth Copeland, 87

Estimated net worth: US$300 million

Would you believe it? 8 of the richest pastors of 2024 – net worths, ranked (8)

Author, public speaker, televangelist and former pilot and singer Kenneth Copeland has undoubtedly turned religion into a hugely lucrative lifestyle. The founder of the Texas-based Eagle Mountain International Church has his sermons broadcast internationally and sold as books, DVDs and CDs. He has often come under scrutiny for his love for luxury, which includes a fleet of private jets and multiple mansions.

Would you believe it? 8 of the richest pastors of 2024 – net worths, ranked (9)

Would you believe it? 8 of the richest pastors of 2024 – net worths, ranked (2024)

FAQs

Who is the richest pastor in the United States? ›

Copeland has amassed significant wealth during his career and has referred to himself as a "very wealthy man". In 2021, Copeland was claimed by some sources to be the wealthiest pastor in America, with a net worth of $750 million.

Who are the biggest prosperity preachers? ›

Prominent leaders in the development of prosperity theology include Todd White, Benny Hinn, E. W. Kenyon, Oral Roberts, A. A.

How much is Joel Osteen's net worth? ›

Osteen is estimated to have a net worth of over $50 million, with his church taking in $43 million a year in collections. According to the Houston Chronicle, Osteen's church's income was $89 million in the year ending March 2017.

Why pastors are so rich? ›

Across the United States, the biggest-name pastors and worship leaders produce best-selling books and albums, often earning huge salaries and housing allowances from their churches. And many of the biggest churches, which do not have to disclose their revenue publicly, often generate opulent untaxed revenue.

Are there any billionaire pastors? ›

Kenneth Copeland Kenneth

Max Copeland is the richest pastor in the world in 2023 with an estimated worth of $760 million. He is the founder of Eagle Mountain International Church located on a 1,500-acre campus near Fort Worth, Texas in the United States.

What is the wealthiest church in the United States? ›

List of wealthiest religious organizations
OrganizationWorth (billion USD)Country
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints236.0United States
Sree Venkateswara Swamy Temple35.0India
Catholic Church in Germany26.0Germany
Muhammadiyah26.0Indonesia
9 more rows

How rich is TD Jakes? ›

T. D. Jakes is an American bishop, author, and filmmaker who has a net worth of $20 million.

What was Billy Graham's estate worth? ›

Graham's estimated $25 million net worth is equal to that of Rick Warren, but lower than pastors such as Joel Osteen ($40 million) and Kenneth Copeland ($760 million).

What is Joel Osteen's annual salary? ›

Pastor Joel Osteen pays himself an annual salary of $54,000,000 from his church profits. He had a custom garage built with 20 car stalls for each of his custom vehicles. His favorite is a Ferrari 458 Italia that cost $270,000. He lives in a 70,000 sq ft mansion.

Which church makes most money? ›

List of wealthiest religious organizations
OrganizationWorth (billion USD)Country
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints236.0United States
Sree Venkateswara Swamy Temple35.0India
Catholic Church in Germany26.0Germany
Muhammadiyah26.0Indonesia
9 more rows

Who decides how much a pastor gets paid? ›

This is a primary role of the church board to take care of the compensation of the pastor. A starting point for any church board in the area of compensation is to talk about and cultivate a spirit of generosity. This comes naturally for some boards.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Neely Ledner

Last Updated:

Views: 6625

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Neely Ledner

Birthday: 1998-06-09

Address: 443 Barrows Terrace, New Jodyberg, CO 57462-5329

Phone: +2433516856029

Job: Central Legal Facilitator

Hobby: Backpacking, Jogging, Magic, Driving, Macrame, Embroidery, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Neely Ledner, I am a bright, determined, beautiful, adventurous, adventurous, spotless, calm person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.