Nigeria’s significant presence on the list is marked by Bishop David Oyedepo ($200M), Pastor Chris Oyakhilome ($110M), and Pastor Enoch Adeboye ($45M), whose wealth stems from vast church networks, universities, and media empires that extend their influence far beyond Africa.
According to online publication Zikoko, three Nigerians—Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, and Pastor Enoch Adeboye—are among the world’s wealthiest spiritual leaders, with their combined fortunes estimated at over $350 million.
Here is a look at the 10 richest pastors in the world, based on their estimated net worth in 2025.
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.
2. 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.
3. 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. He derives his wealth from his ministry’s assets, including private jets, luxury real estate, and income from books and speaking engagements.
- Key to Wealth: Televangelism, books, and ministry contributions.
- Global Influence: His “Believer’s Voice of Victory” program is broadcast worldwide.
4. David Oyedepo – Net Worth: $200 Million
A titan among Nigerian spiritual leaders, Bishop David Oyedepo is the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel). His immense wealth is attributed to his ministry, a publishing house, and multiple educational institutions, including Covenant University.
- Key to Wealth: Church operations, educational institutions, and publishing.
- Global Influence: His church has branches across over 300 cities globally.
5. Pat Robertson – Net Worth: $130 Million
The late Pat Robertson was an American televangelist and founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), which grew into one of the world’s largest Christian television networks and became the cornerstone of his wealth.
- Key to Wealth: Founding and operating a major Christian television network.
- Global Influence: CBN’s broadcasts reached millions of viewers globally.
6. Chris Oyakhilome – Net Worth: $110 Million
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is a Nigerian pastor and the founder of Christ Embassy. His wealth results from his church, a television network (LoveWorld), a music record label, and various publications.
- Key to Wealth: Televangelism, media, and publishing.
- Global Influence: His ministry broadcasts to a wide international audience.
7. Joel Osteen – Net Worth: $100 Million
Joel Osteen is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. His fortune comes from his bestselling books, speaking engagements, and public appearances rather than a church salary.
- Key to Wealth: Bestselling books, speaking fees, and public engagements.
- Global Influence: Televised sermons watched by millions in over 100 countries.
8. Benny Hinn – Net Worth: $60 Million
Benny Hinn is an Israeli-American televangelist known for his “Miracle Crusades.” His wealth comes from his crusades, books, and television broadcasts.
- Key to Wealth: Faith healing crusades, books, and media.
- Global Influence: He is one of the most recognised televangelists globally.
9. Enoch Adeboye – Net Worth: $45 Million
A highly respected leader in 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 and investments.
- Key to Wealth: Church expansion and investments.
- Global Influence: He is a highly influential figure in global Pentecostalism.
10. Creflo Dollar – Net Worth: $27 Million
Creflo Dollar is an American televangelist and founder of World Changers Church International. 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.