Meet The Top 5 Richest Pastors Worldwide, According To Forbes 2025
In 2025, the intersection between faith and fortune remains a subject of global intrigue, particularly as some pastors continue to amass incredible wealth through ministry, business ventures, and media empires. These spiritual leaders influence millions while building financial empires that span continents.
This blog explores the top five richest pastors in the world, according to Forbes' 2025 report. We’ll look at their net worth, sources of income, and how they’ve leveraged their ministries to create global legacies—while also answering key questions in our FAQ section.
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1. Kenneth Copeland (USA) – Net Worth: $300 Million
Location: Texas, United States
Ministry: Kenneth Copeland Ministries
Primary Sources of Wealth: TV evangelism, book sales, music, private aviation, real estate
Kenneth Copeland holds the title of the world’s richest pastor in 2025. Known as the face of the “Prosperity Gospel,” Copeland has preached the idea that faith can bring not only spiritual but also financial abundance. His ministry owns a private airport and several aircraft, including a Gulfstream V jet, which sparked global attention.
Copeland's net worth is driven largely by his media empire, featuring the Believer’s Voice of Victory television program, extensive real estate holdings, and millions of dollars in book and music sales. Despite criticism, he remains one of the most influential religious figures in modern Christian evangelism.
2. Bishop David Oyedepo (Nigeria) – Net Worth: $200 Million
Location: Ogun State, Nigeria
Ministry: Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel)
Primary Sources of Wealth: Church donations, publishing, education, real estate
Bishop David Oyedepo is the richest pastor in Africa and second on the global list. He founded Winners’ Chapel in 1981, which has grown into one of the largest congregations in Africa with branches in over 50 countries. Oyedepo also founded Covenant University and Landmark University, two of Nigeria's most prestigious private institutions.
His wealth stems from a combination of ministry earnings, publishing houses (Dominion Publishing House), and substantial investments in education, real estate, and aviation. Known for his message of faith, leadership, and prosperity, Oyedepo remains a powerful force in Nigerian and global Christianity.
3. Silas Malafaia (Brazil) – Net Worth: $150 Million
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ministry: Assembleia de Deus Vitória em Cristo (Assemblies of God)
Primary Sources of Wealth: TV shows, book sales, public speaking, donations
Silas Malafaia is one of Brazil’s most prominent Pentecostal leaders and third on the global list. His dynamic preaching style and strong political voice have made him a staple in Brazil’s evangelical scene. Malafaia owns Victory in Christ TV, a widely broadcast network that reaches millions weekly.
His net worth reflects a combination of speaking engagements, media production, and a thriving publishing business. Malafaia is also well-known for his involvement in Brazilian politics and strong advocacy for conservative values.
4. Pastor Enoch Adeboye (Nigeria) – Net Worth: $130 Million
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Ministry: The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)
Primary Sources of Wealth: Church growth, real estate, media
Though not always at the forefront of public attention, Pastor Enoch Adeboye quietly maintains a vast religious empire. As the General Overseer of RCCG, he oversees tens of thousands of parishes across over 190 countries. The RCCG camp along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is virtually a city of its own, drawing millions for its monthly Holy Ghost Congress.
His wealth is largely tied to the exponential growth of the church and investments in properties, universities, and conference centers globally. Adeboye is revered as a humble and spiritual father figure in Nigeria and beyond.
5. Romildo Ribeiro Soares (Brazil) – Net Worth: $125 Million
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Ministry: International Grace of God Church (Igreja Internacional da Graça de Deus)
Primary Sources of Wealth: Book sales, TV broadcasting, music, real estate
Romildo Ribeiro Soares, popularly known as R. R. Soares, rounds out the top five. He is the founder of the International Grace of God Church, one of Brazil’s largest evangelical ministries. His television program, Show da Fé (Show of Faith), airs internationally and brings in millions of viewers.
In addition to church donations, Soares earns revenue from music production, publishing, and merchandise. His multilingual books and gospel albums continue to expand his influence throughout Latin America and among Portuguese-speaking nations.
Conclusion: Faith, Influence, and Fortune
While their methods and styles may differ, these five pastors share common traits—visionary leadership, media acumen, and an ability to build powerful ministries. Whether through preaching prosperity or delivering social change, they’ve impacted millions of lives and shaped the landscape of global Christianity.
Their financial success has sparked admiration and controversy alike, raising questions about the balance between spiritual leadership and material accumulation. Yet, for their followers, these leaders are symbols of divine favor and success in the service of faith.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How are these pastors’ net worths calculated?
A: Net worth estimates typically include income from churches, TV programs, book sales, investments, real estate, and other business ventures. Forbes and other financial platforms gather publicly available data and reports.
Q2: Is it ethical for pastors to be this wealthy?
A: This is a subject of ongoing debate. Supporters argue that prosperity is a blessing from God, while critics believe it contradicts teachings on humility and service. Transparency and accountability often become the focus.
Q3: Do these pastors personally own the wealth of their churches?
A: Not directly. However, as founders and overseers, they often draw substantial salaries, have business ties to church-run ventures, and may own intellectual property tied to the church (books, media rights, etc.).
Q4: Are there other wealthy pastors not included in this list?
A: Yes. Other influential and wealthy pastors include T. D. Jakes (USA), Chris Oyakhilome (Nigeria), and Creflo Dollar (USA), though recent estimates place them slightly below the top five.
Q5: What role does media play in their financial growth?
A: Media—especially television, social media, and streaming—has been a huge factor. Many of these pastors reach millions globally via these platforms, creating both spiritual and financial growth opportunities.
