Nigerian bloggers have a reputation for writing just about anything to get traffic to their site. Today what is trending is the list of wealthiest pastors in the world, and the source is being attributed to Forbes.
However Forbes has not published such a list and have never officially published such a list. The closest Forbes ever came to richest pastors was a 2011 article published by a Forbes contributor Mfonobong Nsehe, which has close to a million views on the site.
Forbes a respected publication that publishes business, financial, economic and personal finance news, usually publishes a rich list for celebrities, athletes and businessmen. The publication actually distanced itself from the Pastor rich list written in 2011, issuing a disclaimer that the opinions of contributors are their own.
This is not to say that the Pastors making the rounds in the latest richest list are not fabulously wealthy and/or blessed of God. Some of them are worth more than their weight and a significant number of their congregants weight in gold. However there is no truth to the fact that the list is as authoritative as a Forbes ranking.
It is very difficult to measure the wealth of the clergy, as a lot of that wealth is scattered across ministries bank accounts across the world, real estate holdings, businesses, charities and other assets that cannot be quantified easily, but trust our bloggers, they can imagine a figure and ascribe it to hapless persons all in the name of getting clicks.
Just for kicks, here is a list of the richest pastors, that is not authoritative and has not been endorsed by Forbes or any other reputable auditing and/or verification company.
- Edir Macedo is a Brazilian pastor and 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. Macedo is the richest pastor in the world.
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Kenneth Copeland is the 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.
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Pat Robertson’s 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 a University too.
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.
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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.
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Bishop David Oyedepo is a Nigerian preacher. He is the founder of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota; Living Faith Church Worldwide A.K.A Winners Chapel International World Headquarter. Oyedepo has two universities – Landmark and Convenant University. He is worth $150 million. He is the richest pastor in Nigeria and Africa.
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Pastor E.A Adeboye is General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God. He is worth $130 million. He has exotic lifestyle like many other rich Nigerian pastors. His net worth is $130 million
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Bishop Ayodele Oritsejafor is one of the richest pastors in Nigeria. He is also worth $120 million he has investment in banking, real estate, transportation and also media.
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Prophet Uebert Angel is the founder of the Spirit Embassy Church. He is very popular and associates with both the less privilege and widows in his country. He is rumored to be worth $60 million.
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Chris Oyakhilome is the founder of Christ Embassy and his church boast of up to 40,000 membership. He is worth up to $50 million. Many of his church members are politicians and entrepreneurs.
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Benny Hinn runs a program tiled Miracle Crusade and the programs are usually held in big stadiums. He is worth up to $42 million.
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Joel Osteen is a pastor, televangelist and has also written a number of Christian books. The name of his church is Lakewood church Houston Texas. His net worth is $40 million.
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Pastor Tshifinwa Irene is Divine Truth World Restoration Services for World peace by Jesus Christ. She is a televangelist and her church is situated in Venda.
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Creflo Dollar is a pastor and a teacher of the Word of God. Name of his church is World Changers Church International. He is a popular pastor in the United States and he is worth up to $27 million.
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Pastor Ray Macaulay is based in South Africa. The name of his church is Rhema Bible Church. He received his training in 1979 and he started his church afterwards with his family.
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Billy Graham is a very popular televangelist and preaches on many radio and television stations. His net worth is $25 million.
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Rick Warren is the founder of Saddleback Church Lake Forest California. He is worth $25 million.
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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.
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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.
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Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo is the founder of Kingsway International Christian Center located in the United Kingdom. He is worth over $10 million.
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Juanita Bynum is an American televangelist, author, singer and actress. She is worth $10 million.
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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.