It’s been a while that religion and wealth have been examined together. And in this modern era it is hardly seen. But the pastors engaged in televangelism and megachurches have so much influence and honor that are worth cherishing.
In the studies of 2026, pastors not only succeeded with spiritual influence but also with other financial empires. This can be through media, publishing, real estate, and so on.
Let us now explore the richest pastor in the world and see how rich they are.
Top 5 List of the Richest Pastor in the World
Here are some of the most influential pastors you can see in this world.
1. Edir Macedo
Country: Brazil
Estimated Net Worth: ~$1.9 billion
Ministry: Universal Church of the Kingdom of God
Primary Wealth Sources: Record TV Network, global media and real estate empire
Edir Macedo is a brazilian businessman, writer, and an evangelical bishop. He is the one to establish the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. Now, Edir Macedo is recognized as the richest pastor in the world in 2026.
Macedo was born on February 18, 1945. He started as a civil servant of Rio de Janeiro in 1963. Now, he has his own media empire, most notably Record TV Network. It is one of the largest television networks in Brazil. His extensive wealth mainly comes from media sources. Besides, Macedo is linked to real estate holdings, publishing companies, and financial investments. These all put a significant portion to his wealth. From 2013 to 2015, Edir was seen on the list of Forbes billionaires.
2. Alph Lukau
Country: South Africa
Estimated Net Worth: ~$1+ billion
Ministry: Alleluia Ministries International
Primary Wealth Sources: Real estate, global broadcasting, international ministry operations
Alph Lukau is an African bible scholar. He founded the church, Alleluia Ministries International on February 24, 2002. Till now, Alph is famous for founding this church. His main source of income primarily comes from his profession as a pastor.
Well, Lukau was born on October 25, 1975. He started his career as a pastor itself. Now, he is one of the most talked-about pastors in Africa.
Apart from the church, Lukau earns from many other sources. Such as real estate investments, global broadcasting platforms, ministry operations, and private business ventures.
Currently, Lukau’s ministry operates internationally. It means his church has a massive following now. Besides, he has other sources to generate revenue. Like conferences, media distribution, and donations.
3. Kenneth Copeland
Country: United States
Estimated Net Worth: ~$300–$400 million
Ministry: Kenneth Copeland Ministries
Primary Wealth Sources: Television ministry, books, donations, aviation assets
Kenneth Copeland is an American televangelists. He owns the Eagle Mountain International Church. Since he founded the church, his personality is becoming influential day by day. Right now, Kenneth is seen as a leading figure in the Word of Faith movement.
Copeland was born on December 6, 1936. He started his career as a recording artist in Imperial records in the 1950s. And now, he has his own ministry that reaches millions globally.
Copeland primarily earns from television the ministry revenue. Besides, he is associated with book sales, donations, and aviation assets. Moreover, he owns multiple properties in Texas.
4. David Oyedepo
Country: Nigeria
Estimated Net Worth: ~$200 million
Ministry: Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel)
Primary Wealth Sources: Publishing, universities, real estate, ministry enterprises
Bishop David Oyedepo is a Nigerian preacher. He was the one to found Living Faith Church Worldwide which is also known as Winners’ Chapel. Right now, the church is located in more than 300 cities around the world.
David Olaniyi Oyedepo was born on September 27, 1954. His career started while working with the Federal Ministry of Housing. He not only earns as a pastor, but also through publishes, education, and real estate involvements. Oyedepo even oversees two of Nigeria’s most prestigious private institutions. They are Covenant University and Landmark University. These all played a major role to give him financial success.
5. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
Country: Nigeria
Estimated Net Worth: ~$100 million
Ministry: Christ Embassy
Primary Wealth Sources: Media networks, book sales, global crusades
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is a Nigerian televangelist. He is the founder of Christ Embassy, also known as LoveWorld Incorporated. It’s a Christian Ministry in Lagos. Now, his ministry has a strong international presence and branches in many countries.
Well, Pastor Chris was born on December 7, 1963. He started his career with his Christ Embassy when he was at Ambrose Ali University. Now, he mainly earns from media operations and Christian literature. And of course, he is a part of many large-scale international events too. Then he participates in humanitarian and outreach programs, giving a significant portion to his net worth.
Final Thoughts on the Richest Pastor in the World
When we talk about the richest pastors in the world in 2026, we see a new era of religious leadership. Many aspects are included here, like faith, media, business, and influence intersect. Like, we can see Edir Macedo’s billion-dollar media empire increased his net worth to another level.
Then we can see Joel Osteen’s publishing success has given him a ladder to his financial success.
In short, all the pastors here have built financial legacies. And they will always be in the words of people.
