Top 10 Richest Pastors in the World (2025)

The world of spiritual leadership has evolved. In an era of globalisation and digital communication, some pastors have built ministries that reach millions of followers, creating vast empires that extend beyond the church walls. These modern-day spiritual leaders are not just preachers but also authors, media moguls, and business magnates.

While their wealth is often a topic of public debate and controversy, it is undeniable that these figures have amassed significant fortunes. This article explores the top 10 richest pastors in the world for 2025, based on estimated net worth, media presence, and global influence.

1. Edir Macedo – Net Worth: $1.9 Billion

A Brazilian pastor, televangelist, and media mogul, Edir Macedo, is widely considered the wealthiest pastor in the world. He founded the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, a charismatic denomination with a global footprint. His wealth stems primarily from his media company, Grupo Record, which includes a TV network, a radio station, and various publications.

• Key to Wealth: Founder of a global church and a major media conglomerate.
• Global Influence: His church has a presence in over 100 countries.
• Best Known For: His extensive media empire and the rapid global expansion of his church.

3. Alph Lukau – Net Worth: $1 Billion

Pastor Alph Lukau is the founder of Alleluia Ministries International, a mega-church based in South Africa. His ministry has a significant presence across Africa and beyond. His wealth, a subject of much discussion, is reportedly from his ministry, real estate, and a television channel that broadcasts his sermons to a global audience.

• Key to Wealth: Church growth, real estate, and media broadcasting.
• Global Influence: His ministry has a strong following in Southern Africa and Europe.
• Best Known For: Alleged miracles and a high-profile, luxurious lifestyle.

2. Kenneth Copeland – Net Worth: $400 Million

Kenneth Copeland is an American televangelist and author who founded Kenneth Copeland Ministries. His ministry centres on the prosperity gospel, which teaches that faith can lead to financial blessings. He derives his wealth from his ministry’s assets, including private jets, luxury real estate, and income from books and speaking engagements. When discussing the top 10 richest pastors in the world, Copeland is a staple on the list.

• Key to Wealth: Televangelism, books, and ministry contributions.
• Global Influence: His “Believer’s Voice of Victory” program is broadcast worldwide.
• Best Known For: His controversial sermons on prosperity and his extravagant lifestyle.

4. David Oyedepo – Net Worth: $200 Million

A true titan among Nigerian spiritual leaders, Bishop David Oyedepo is the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel. His ministry’s headquarters in Ota, Nigeria, is one of the largest church auditoriums in the world. His immense wealth is attributed to his ministry, a publishing house, multiple educational institutions (including a university), and other business ventures. Bishop Oyedepo is the richest pastor in Nigeria and one of the wealthiest pastors in the world..

• Key to Wealth: Church operations, educational institutions, and publishing.
• Global Influence: His church has branches across over 300 cities globally.
• Best Known For: The sheer scale of his church’s operations and his emphasis on prosperity teachings.

5. Pat Robertson – Net Worth: $130 Million

The late Pat Robertson was an American televangelist, former Southern Baptist minister, and a towering figure in American conservative politics. He founded the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), which grew into one of the world’s largest Christian television networks and became the cornerstone of his wealth. Over the decades, Robertson’s influence extended far beyond the pulpit, shaping both media and political discourse in the United States.

Pat Robertson passed away in June 2023. At the time of his death, his personal net worth was estimated to be between $100 million and $150 million, primarily attributed to the success of CBN. His legacy continues to make him a significant figure in any discussion of the world’s richest pastors.

• Key to Wealth: Founding and operating a major Christian television network.
• Global Influence: CBN’s broadcasts reach millions of viewers globally.
• Best Known For: His influential role in American politics and his daily show, “The 700 Club.”

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6. Chris Oyakhilome – Net Worth: $110 Million

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is a Nigerian pastor and the founder of Christ Embassy, a global ministry with a strong presence in Africa and the UK. His wealth results from his church, a television network (LoveWorld), a music record label, and various publications. He is also a well-known author and public speaker, solidifying his spot among the wealthiest pastors in the world.

• Key to Wealth: Televangelism, media, and publishing.
• Global Influence: His ministry broadcasts to a wide international audience.
• Best Known For: His “healing services” and diverse business interests.

7. Joel Osteen – Net Worth: $100 Million

Joel Osteen is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, which is America’s largest church congregation. Unlike many on this list, Osteen’s wealth is not primarily from a salary from his church. Instead, he makes his fortune from his bestselling books, speaking engagements, and public appearances. His name is always synonymous with the richest pastors in the world.

• Key to Wealth: Bestselling books, speaking fees, and public engagements.
• Global Influence: Televised sermons watched by millions in over 100 countries.
• Best Known For: His motivational and optimistic sermons, which focus on positive thinking and self-improvement.

8. Benny Hinn – Net Worth: $60 Million

Benny Hinn is an Israeli-American televangelist known for his “Miracle Crusades,” which are held in large stadiums worldwide. His ministry focuses on faith healing, and his wealth comes from his crusades, books, and television broadcasts, making him one of the richest pastors in the world.

• Key to Wealth: Faith healing crusades, books, and media.
• Global Influence: He is one of the most recognised televangelists globally.
• Best Known For: His public “miracle” healing services.

9. Enoch Adeboye – Net Worth: $45 Million

A highly respected leader in Nigeria and the global religious community, Pastor Enoch Adeboye is the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). His wealth comes from his vast church network, a private university, and other investments. His position in the top 10 richest pastors in the world is a testament to the immense growth of his ministry.

• Key to Wealth: Church expansion, educational institutions, and investments.
• Global Influence: He is a highly influential figure in global Pentecostalism.
• Best Known For: His role in expanding the RCCG into a global phenomenon.

10. Creflo Dollar – Net Worth: $27 Million

Creflo Dollar is an American televangelist and the founder of the World Changers Church International. He is a prominent figure in the Word of Faith movement, which teaches believers to use faith to attain wealth and health. His net worth is attributed to his church and various business and real estate holdings.

• Key to Wealth: Church donations, books, and real estate.
• Global Influence: His televised broadcasts are widely watched in the US and abroad.
• Best Known For: His teachings on prosperity and his opulent lifestyle.

Comparison Table: A Quick Reference of the Richest Pastors

Note: All net worth figures are estimates based on publicly available information and are subject to change.

The Final Verdict

The wealth of the top 10 richest pastors in the world is a testament to their influence and business acumen. These figures have successfully blended faith with modern media and enterprise, building organisations that generate immense revenue. While their wealth often sparks controversy, it’s clear that their ministries have had a profound impact on millions of lives globally. And as our list shows, Nigeria is a dominant force, producing some of the planet’s wealthiest and most influential spiritual leaders.

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