Net Worth: $10 million Pastor, gospel singer and best-selling author, Juanita Bynum is a powerful force within the world of televangelism. So much so that Shaila Dewan of The New York Times, called her “the most prominent black female television evangelist in the country.” Juanita isn’t afraid to speak out on topics like domestic violence and promiscuity, dishing out blunt but kind words of wisdom to the masses.
Juanita has authored several books, some of which have appeared on The New York Times best-seller list. She’s also released a handful of gospel albums which have, again, been a big hit with the public, appearing on Billboard’s list of top contemporary Christian albums. All those royalties, along with her public appearances, have contributed to netting Juanita her impressive fortune.
Billy Graham
Net Worth: $25 million William Franklin Graham Jr. was arguably the most famous evangelist of our modern era. Known to most as Billy Graham, the pastor has delivered his sermons in churches, over the radio and on television. He was known for his strong religious and political views, ideas which he staunchly supported throughout his career.
By 1947, Graham was already presiding over the Northwestern Bible College in Minneapolis. At just 29 years of age at the time, his appointment to the position made him the youngest ever president of a United States college. Graham was known to be in friendly terms with the late Queen Elizabeth II of England and was regularly invited to events attended by the royal family. Like a couple of other preachers on our list, Graham also served as a presidential adviser. However, he had the remarkable distinction of offering spiritual counsel to not just one but three US presidents: Eisenhower, Johnson, and Nixon.
Charles Stanley
Net Worth: $1.5 million Here’s a fact that will send a chill down the spines of all There Will Be Blood fans: Charles Stanley was just a kid when he commenced his Christian ministry. At the tender age of 14, he was already building a name for himself among his flock. Stanley has attained a handful of degrees, starting with his bachelor’s degree and culminating with a master and doctorate in theology.
He got his star as a preacher for the First Baptist Church, and from there it was only ever onwards and upwards for this ambitious man. He founded the international Christian outreach organization, In Touch Ministries and has his hands in many money-making pies. He can be seen and heard on television and radio stations across the world. Stanley credits much of his wealth to having read the influential book, Think and Grow Rich in his younger years.
R.C. Sproul
Net Worth: $2 million Founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries, Robert Charles Sproul was also a theologian and author. He served as a presbyterian pastor for much of his life and, while he was definitely an old-school preacher, wasn’t afraid of making use of the internet in building his flock of followers.
R.C. Sproul was so enamored with the internet and it’s limitless ability to reach people, in fact, that he started an online radio station, which he called “the Reformation Network.” If you’re waiting for the controversy, well, there really isn’t any with Sproul. From all accounts, he was a highly educated theologian, accomplished author and all-around stand-up guy. Kind of what you hope for in a religious leader right?
George Foreman
Net Worth: $250 million You may know him more as a boxer (or the guy whose name is on that grill in the back of your kitchen cupboard), but this Olympic gold medalist and heavyweight champion is also a born-again Christian. Not only that but, when he wasn’t throwing punches and creating kitchen equipment, Foreman went so far as to become an ordained minister.
Since his retirement from boxing back in 1997, Foreman has been putting more and more energy into his religious pursuits. He claims he was inspired to take up this path after a post-fight near-death experience. After dropping from a heatstroke, Foreman says he descended into a hellish dimension, one he never wanted to return to, and this sparked his desire to spread the word of the Lord.