Seven Nigerians have joined the honour roll of 20 richest pastors in the world with financial fortune pegged at $485 million, according to Forbes report.
The richest among them is Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide also known as Winners Chapel. Occupying the fifth position in the world, his services hold up to 50,000 followers. He has four private jets and houses in London and other cities. He is the founder of Covenant University and Faith Academy, an elite secondary school. His financial fortune is pegged at $150 million.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God worldwide. He is the sixth in the world. His fortune is put at $130 million.
Next is Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, the immediate past President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Founder of Word of life Bible Church, he is investing in banking, real estate, transportation and media. He created ABN, Christian channel broadcasting via satellite in 75 countries. He occupies the seventh position among other pastors in the world. He is financially worth $120 million.
The fifth Nigerian pastor occupying the ninth rung in the world among other pastors is Chris Oyakhilome, founder of Christ Embassy Church. Pastor Oyakhilome has more than 40,000 members and three million followers in Twitter and Facebook. His services are available in 143 languages. The book, Loveworld Publications, co-authored with his divorced wife, is sold in more than two million copies at S1 per copy. He is also into channels, newspapers, magazines, hotels and fast food chain. His financial prowess is put at $50 million.
Prophet T.B. Joshua is among the most controversial pastors in Nigeria and he is a philanthropist. The name of his church is Synagogue Church of All Nations. He is worth up to $15 million. He occupies the 19th position among the world’s richest pastors.
Founder of Kingsway International Christian Center located in the United Kingdom, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo is among the world richest. He was converted to Christianity at 20. He is a teacher of the word and an author. Positioned at 20th, he is worth over $10 million.
Chris Okotie was a pop star before switching to preaching as a pastor. His hit song ‘Show Me Your Backside’ was popular in the 80s. The name of his church is Household of God Church. He is worth $10 million and tied up 20th position with Pastor Ashimolowo.
However, Edir Macedo is a Brazilian pastor is the richest pastor in the world. A preacher worth $1.1 billion, Macedo is the founder of Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. He is also the founder of Grupo Record and Record News.
Kenneth Copeland is the second richest pastor in the world. A founder and owner of Kenneth Copeland Ministries, his church is located on a 1,500 acre campus and the property has loads of structures. He has a net worth of $760 million.
The third richest pastor in the world is Pat Robertson. His net worth is $500 million. Pat Robertson is an executive chairman, media tycoon, and a Southern Baptist minister. Robertson has amassed this wealth from setting up many corporations and organizations, and is the founder of Regent University with more than 9.000 students.
The International Family Entertainment Inc. (ABC Family Channel), the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ, the Christian Coalition, Regent University, Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation, a Boeing 757 Flying Hospital, and CBN Asia were founded by Pat Robertson.
George Foreman is a former professional boxer who is worth $250 million. He is a preacher at the The Church of Lord Jesus Christ in Houston. Recently, he released a book entitled God in My Corner: A Spiritual Memoir. He is the fourth richest pastor in the world.
Uebert Angel occupies the eighth position. He is the founder of Spirit Embassy Church, sitting $60 million project. At 39, he was a young native pastor of Zimbabwe travelling in helicopter. The prophet has 33 branches in 15 countries.
Evangelist Benny Hinn is worth $42 million. He manages the Miracle Crusade Programme. The Israel pastor, who occupies the 10th position, told CNN in 1977 that his annual income revenues were $1 million.
The 11th position is occupied by Joel Osteen who is worth $40 million. He is televangelist and author of many books. His church- The Lakewood Church- is located in Houston, Texas. His best book, Your Life Now, has been sold in millions.
Tshfina Irene, televangelist pastor has a financial fortune put at $35 million. Her church is located in South Africa and attends to many including the rich pastors.
Creflo Dollar is a pastor and a teacher of the Word of God. He is the 13th richest pastor in the world. His church is World Changers Church International. He is a popular pastor in the United States and he is worth up to $27 million.
Pastor Ray Macaulay based in South Africa is the 14th richest pastor. The name of his church is Rhema Bible Church. He received his training in 1979 and he started his church afterwards with his family. He was a bouncer who worked in night club and late became a body builder winning the third position in the World Body building Championship.
Billy Graham is a very popular televangelist and preaches on many radio and television stations. His net worth is $25 million. He occupies the 15th position in the world rating. He is one of the most admired American personalities who is an advisor to different Presidents of United States of America.
Rick Warren is the 16th richest pastor and the founder of Saddleback Church Lake Forest California. He is worth $25 million.
Bishop T.D. Jakes is worth $18 million. He produces movie and he is a preacher and a writer. His house costs up to $1,700,000. He occupies the 17th position.
Juanita Bynum is an American televangelist, author, singer and actress. She is worth $10 million. She ties up the 20th position with two other pastors.
StraightNews team was not convinced of the indices used by Forbes in measuring particularly Nigerian pastors. Wealthy pastors like Dr. Daniel K. Olukoya, General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries; Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder of Salvation Ministries; Pastor William F. Kumuyi, General Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church; Rev. (Dr. Uma) Ukpai of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Inc. and Paul Adefarasin, General Overseer of House on the Rock, among others equally would have entered the list of the richest pastors in the world.
