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.

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

Would you believe it? 8 of the richest pastors of 2024 – net worths, ranked (4)

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.

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 hom*osexuality 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.

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 USA? ›

Copeland has amassed significant wealth during his career and has referred to himself as a "very wealthy man". The Houston Chronicle referred to him as the wealthiest pastor in America, having a net worth of $750 million in 2021. As of 2024, Copeland's net worth was estimated to be $300 million.

How much is Joel Osteen worth in 2024? ›

What Is Joel Osteen's Net Worth and Salary? Joel Osteen is an American preacher, televangelist, and author who has a net worth of $100 million. Joel Osteen is most famous for being the pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.

Who is the famous millionaire pastor? ›

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 net worth of Joel Osteen? ›

It is hard to find a definitive net worth for Osteen, but reports list it at $40 million to $100 million. He owns a $2.9 million mansion in Houston and another $10.5 million home in River Oaks, according to reports. Begin your day with a curated outlook of top news around the world and why it matters.

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 Saints265.0United States
Catholic Church in Germany47.24 to 265.62Germany
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)31.11India
Muhammadiyah27.96Indonesia
10 more rows

What are the 5 largest churches in the US? ›

List
ChurchCityAv. weekly attendance
Christ's Church of the ValleyPeoria39,869
Christian Cultural CenterNew York32,000
Church of Eleven22Jacksonville12,000
Church of the HighlandsBirmingham60,000
66 more rows

How much money did Joel Osteen hide? ›

UPDATED: December 7, 2021 at 3:14 p.m. Seven years after an estimated $600,000 was stolen from a safe at Joel Osteen's Houston megachurch, envelopes full of money were found hidden in a bathroom wall there, the church has confirmed.

How big is Joel Osteens Church? ›

The church is located the building once known as The Summit and, later, Compaq Area, which was the home arena for the Houston Rockets from 1975 to 2002. The building has a capacity of about 16,800 people. Lakewood is the third largest megachurch in the U.S., according to the Hartford Institute for Religion Research.

What does Joel Osteen's daughter do? ›

Do pastors pay taxes? ›

Instead of a W-2, they receive a Form 1099-NEC from different churches where they provide services. And they file their income as self-employed. Pastors are required to make quarterly estimated tax payments. These dates are especially important to keep track of to avoid potential IRS penalties.

Who is the great pastor in the world? ›

Kenneth Copeland

Known globally as one of the influential pastors in the world, he is recognized as the leader among the most powerful pastors worldwide.

What does Joel Osteen's son do? ›

How much did Joel Osteen make off his books? ›

Joel Osteen is the author of more than 15 books, including seven #1 New York Times bestsellers. His 2005 book Become A Better You sold 4 million copies worldwide, earning Joel $13 million in advances and royalties. These days, he reportedly makes $55 million annually from book sales and speaking engagements.

How big is Kenneth Copeland's house? ›

The 85-year-old pastor's house spans 18,000 square feet and is made up of six bedrooms and six bathrooms, located on an exclusive lake community outside Fort Worth. The $7 million mansion is made up of six bedrooms and six bathrooms and is situated on one acre of land.

How much is John MacArthur worth? ›

When John died of cancer on January 6, 1978, the Foundation assumed his assets, estimated at $1 billion.

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