Net Worth: $2.5 million Born in North Dakota in 1970, Mark Driscoll founded the incredibly popular Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington, which at one time boasted fourteen thousand members in five states and fifteen locations. He’s also founded or co-founded numerous religious organizations, such as The Gospel Coalition, which seeks to educate the next generation of christian leaders.
However, in 2014, Driscoll faced criticism from Mars Hill Church staffers and congregants due to perceived abusive behavior. He resigned in October of that year, and went on to found The Trinity Church in 2016. He currently has a net worth of $2.5 million.
Supreme Master Ching Hai
Net Worth: Unknown This member of our list is somewhat of a mystery. “Supreme Master Ching Hai” is said to be a multimillionaire, but her net worth is unknown. As the creator of the vegan chain restaurant Loving Hut, even though she seems to be about nothing but yummy spring rolls and “Supreme Master TV,” you might be surprised to find SMCH is seen as something of a cult leader.
Espousing the Quan Ying method, a pseudo-religious philosophy, the community around SMCH has been described by cult expert Margaret Singer: “It appears to be one of the most well-organized and fastest-growing cults in the United States and the world.”
Sri Chinmoy
Net Worth: $1.6 million While he “only” had a net worth of $1.6 million at the time of his death in 2007, Sri Chinmoy was widely known during his time, having created the first meditation center in Queens, New York. You can't swing a yoga mat in Queens without hitting a meditation center these days.
Sri advocated a path to God through prayer and meditation, influenced by Hinduism, though not within the bounds of the religion—some even considered Sri's religion a cult. Chinmoy also advocated athleticism along with his spiritual beliefs, and was an avid distance runner, swimmer, and weightlifter even in his old age.
Avdhoot Baba Shivanandji Maharaj
Net Worth: $6 million Avdhoot Baba Shivanandji Maharaj (who we'll refer to as Avdhoot from here on out) is a spiritual leader in India popular for sharing ancient stories, and is the founder and leader of ShivYog, a non-profit organization that offers meditation programs. He's also received various honors from communities for his social activism and work at community development.
Avdhoot's net worth is around forty crore INR, or about $6 million. Avdhoot is a self-realized master, and is continually engaged in spiritual and social activities on his mission to improve the spiritual health and welfare of humanity and the common man.
Baba Ramdev
Net Worth: $230 million Known around the world as a Yoga Guru, Baba Ramdev is a political activist in India, famous for providing medicines and agricultural products around the immense country. He teaches a healthy lifestyle to millions, inside and outside of India, and is said to have a net worth of around $230 million. He is also the founder of Patanjali Yogpeeth and Patanjali Ayurved, two of India's fastest-growing companies.
But this well-respected man is not without his controversies. His medicinal products have been reported to contain animal bones, or even human bones! In addition, many have lodged complaints against him for controversial statements.