How Much Your Favorite TV Evangelists Make

Hello there! Here you can learn the heavenly wages of our nation's preachers. With all these new churches sprouting like mushrooms, it's no surprise you're feeling holy! Well, some pastors didn't receive the news about storing up riches from heaven and went straight for the world's bank account. They're not to blame—heaven doesn't take Visa. If you want to make it rain, preaching may be a great option. 

At least this way you'll have a direct connection to the big man above. In other words, cash! Baby, it's a moneymaker! Prepare to meet the holy rollers, as we unveil the topmost loaded preachers in the world, their flocks, and their riches. Ah, we're envying the Hollywood and music business elites. "Only those who feature in blockbuster hits or sell millions of albums can afford such luxury" say some. That's cute. 

If anyone said some church pastors are as wealthy as Kim Kardashian, would you believe them? Well, we're here to show you, and we've got evidence! Some gospel preachers make more than Scrooge McDuck! 

Some people may wonder whether these pastors are performing the Lord's work or simply living it up on the congregation's cash. We've looked into it, so now you can know the truth. Let's check out the world's most loaded TV Evangelists.

Pat Robertson was the head of "The 700 Club," and a holy roller on cable television. Having started the program, this guy was the CBN's chairman and CEO! He started that bad boy way back in 1960. Robertson is a conservative political commentator, author, and former Southern Baptist preacher. After his death, his wealth was valued at over $100 million! 

It has been theorized that his annual compensation, including perks, was in excess of $1 million.  Robertson was an attention-seeker, and in 1986, he got his big break. He claimed Hurricane Gloria was "God's punishment" for the gays. His statements sparked widespread outrage and prompted a passionate discussion about the role of televangelists in American culture.

Since 2005, Joel Osteen has been preaching the good word. This affluent man presumably uses $100 bills as Kleenex. His books, radio program, and public speaking earn him over $70 million annually and word says he makes nothing from his church endeavors. Who needs a money tree with this guy's career? His fanbase rivals that of the top boy bands, with millions worldwide.  

Hurricane Harvey certainly caused Osteen some serious drama way back in 2017! Lakewood Church "forgot" they're the common folk's sanctuary. His church disregarded their Christian beliefs and didn't shelter the destitute from the storm, while they were banging on his doors. This resulted in national shock, and in politicians even discussing taxing sacred sites like his.

He's a preacher, author, televangelist, and the leader of Dallas's massive Potter's House congregation. Jakes is a rockstar preacher who can seriously enchant anybody.  This guy's rich rich! He makes $2 million a year and is worth more than $30 Million. Preaching, writing, making movies, and talking a lot pays dividends! Well Jake's public image outwardly seems clean, we promise it's not.

This holy man neglected to mention his references when he made a public sermon in 2015! This minister was discovered plagiarizing another speaker's works. Well, well, well, the ministry was caught with their hands in the cookie jar! Many congregations after that debacle had some hard debates on whether holly rollers should be required to be more imaginative and ethical after the occurrence.

Self-proclaimed author and prosperity gospel preacher Kenneth Copeland has been known to quickly lighten checkbooks with his charm! Fort Worth's KCM leader, Copeland, promotes faith, money, and healing. He's wildly popular because of his ministry's massive wealth. He makes over $18 million each year and has a net worth of a staggering $780 million. 

A video of this "holy" man yelling at a reporter for calling commercial flights a "Tube Full of Demons" went viral in 2020, where he was seen defending his private jet usage and refusing to fly commercial, despite criticism and calls for assistance to those in need. The incident sparked public outrage and raised questions about the ethical responsibilities of televangelists and their stewardship of resources.

Franklin Graham leads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) as its president and chief executive officer. Like his famous father, Billy Graham, he has dedicated his life to evangelical outreach and service. He has a net worth of over $10 million and earns $880,000 each year after taxes and perks. His BGEA runs on contributions and supports a number of different philanthropic initiatives.

Graham's conservative views on social and political issues have gotten him into heated debates and drawn criticism. He was criticized for calling Islam "a very evil and wicked religion" after the terrorist events that took place on September 11th of 2001. He again received further backlash for a sermon he gave during a Good Friday service at the Pentagon in 2003.

Joyce Meyer is basically the Beyoncé of Christian teachings - engaging, practical, and always slaying. She's the founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries, a non-profit that spreads like wildfire through TV, conferences, books, and the interwebs. Her net worth has been estimated to be $8 million, and each year she makes $1.3 million. 

This holy roller got caught with her hand in the collection plate back in the early 2000s. She had been living their best life on the ministry's dime! She took millions from the nonprofit to fund her lifestyle. Too bad someone spilled the holy beans! Public televangelists then came under fire and people demanded they come clean about their shenanigans. Transparency and accountability, anyone?

John Hagee, founder and senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, must believe Jesus was a Republican, because boy is he conservative. He founded both Christians United for Israel (CUFI) and Global Evangelism Television (GETV) to spread the word. Oh yeah, he's a millionaire who's published a few books and is worth over $5 Million too. 

Each year he rakes in $500,000 from his works. The 2008 presidential election was when Hagee raised a stir. He made some spicy comments on the Catholic Church and its "history" by blaming the Catholic Church for instigating the Dark Ages.  What a guy.  Many of his sermons tend to be about the end of the world and his passion for Israel. 

This woman is the senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Florida, and has gained recognition for her focus on prosperity gospel teachings.  Through her work in the church, her books, and her public speaking, she has amassed a sizeable fortune. She earns $500,000 per year and has a net worth of over$5 million. 

She was assailed when she was announced as President Donald Trump's spiritual advisor in 2019. This was in part due to her administration's many ethical difficulties and conflicts. There were others who were concerned about potential conflicts of interest and the place of religious leaders in politics who said she was too involved in both.

This founder and former senior pastor of In Touch Ministries also served as the pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta for many decades. Stanley is widely known for his Bible teaching and his conservative evangelical beliefs. His ministry, book sales, and public appearances are all significant sources of income for him. 

His net worth is estimated to be $2 million, and his take home salary was $530,225 before he retired. Despite Charles Stanley's low profile, the divorce he went through in 1995 was mired in scandal. The issue of divorce among Christian ministers and leaders became wildly debated as a result of his life event. Many Christians still look up to him go to his talks and buy his books.

The Reformed Christian views of John Piper have had a significant impact on the Rust Belt Christian world. There he has served as the preaching and vision pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota and a writer for over 30 years. His books include "Desiring God" and "Don't Waste Your Life." He since has retired and his congregation has been mired with allegations of abusive leadership.

Thanks to his many works he has a net worth of $5 million. At his peak, his approximated annual salary was $88,000. Instead of accumulating wealth for himself, he used it to support his frequent philanthropic endeavors. Some people disagree with his views on gender roles and the sovereignty of God. These controversies have sparked debates within Christian circles and led to discussions about the interpretation of biblical teachings.

Robert Jeffress is well-known in the Christian right for his conservative beliefs. So, the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, is one of the biggest Southern Baptist congregations in the United States, and he happens to be the senior pastor there. This fella is famous for his "no-nonsense" approach to preaching and his emphasis on applying the Bible to current events.

It's been estimated that he earns over $2 million year through his ministry, book sales, and public speaking engagements. His net wealth is estimated to be around $17 million. This guy has taken a lot of heat for his outspoken views on Islam, homosexuality, and politics. His comments have been criticized as divisive and have sparked arguments about religion's place in public life.

This American gospel singer, televangelist, and author Jimmy Swaggart. His 1980s TV program, "Jimmy Swaggart Telecast," included sermons and gospel performances that aired globally. At his height, he was bringing in $1.2 million a year between his ministry, record sales, and donations from followers. He has an estimated $14 million net worth.

This guy's career was derailed in 1988 when it was discovered he was shaking sheets with women of the night. He soon resigned and issued an apology for his scandal. Despite the turmoil, Swaggart has since resumed his ministry work of preaching and broadcasting. His dirty linen has garnered him both supporters and critics who label him hypocritical.

Israeli American Benny Hinn is a worldwide sensation of a televangelist and public speaker. His faith-healing ministry was shown on the international show "This Is Your Day." as a result he owns countless luxury goods, such as cars, mansions, and personal jets. It is because of this lifestyle he has been called out for the waste of ministry funds on many occasions.

This fella he pulls in $8 million annually, and his net worth is $60 million USD. It's so crazy that in 2017 the United States Senate looked into Hinn's business dealings. While no charges were filed, the investigation did shed light on a lack of transparency and accountability on the part of certain televangelists and their money.

Former Assemblies of God minister turned televised evangelist Jim Bakker made his first appearance in his 1980s TV program, "The PTL Club," — a Christian talk show. Bakker and his wife, Tammy Faye, established a philanthropic foundation, satellite television network, and theme park as part of their Christian media empire. This is the guy your parents warned you about.

This holy dude earns over $100,000 per year and presently has a net worth of $1 million.

Back in the 80s he was involved in a public scandal involving financial mismanagement, sexual assault, and an adulterous affair! Several counts of fraud and conspiracy led to Bakker's incarceration. After he did his time, Bakker got back into preaching, daily. Now, on his television program, "The Jim Bakker Show," he shares messages of doomsday apocalyptic survivalism.

Tammy Faye, born Tamara Faye LaValley, was an American televangelist, singer, and television personality. As Jim Bakker's wife, she became famous for being the "The PTL Club" co-host and was loved for her beautiful voice and captivating attitude. Her ministry, TV program, and charitable activities made her and Jim Bakker extremely wealthy. 

At her peak she earned an estimated $100,000 a year and had a $5 million net worth with her spouse. This brick house of a woman supported Jim Bakker in the 80s through his scandal, but became dependent on drugs for a long while. She was treated and soon separated from Jim. This gal then went on to resume public appearances, was praised for her LGBTQ+ advocacy, and honesty. There have been a few touching documentaries on Tammy Faye's life and accomplishments.