25 most influential and famous pastors in the world: Who are they?

Pastors hold a special place in the hearts of many, offering guidance, hope, and inspiration to millions worldwide. Some have risen to international prominence, becoming household names. But who are the most influential and famous pastors shaping faith and spirituality today?

The list of famous pastors in the world is evaluated based on various factors, such as their theological contributions, leadership, influence, and international fame.

25 most influential and famous pastors in the world

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Who are the most influential pastors in the world?

The most influential pastors in the world are known for their positive and motivational messages. Some are known for holding big crusades and are founders of some of the largest and fastest-growing churches in the world.

25. Charles Swindoll

• Full name: Charles Rozell Swindoll
• Date of birth: 18 October 1934
• Age: 90 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Ministry: Stonebriar Community Church

Charles Swindoll is an evangelical Christian pastor, author, teacher, and radio preacher. He founded Insight for Living, which is based in Frisco, Texas, and broadcasts the same-named radio show in 15 languages on over 2,000 stations worldwide.

He is also the founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, and serves on the elder board. Charles Swindoll became President of Dallas Theological Seminary and is now the Senior Pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.

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24. Rick Warren

• Full name: Richard Duane Warren
• Date of birth: 28 January 1954
• Age: 70 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Ministry: Saddleback Church

Richard Duane founded Saddleback Church, an evangelical Baptist megachurch in Lake Forest, California.

He has also served as the executive director of the Finishing the Task mission coalition since 2022. Rick Warren graduated with a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

23. John MacArthur

• Full name: John Fullerton MacArthur Jr.
• Date of birth: 19 June 1939
• Age: 85 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Ministry: Grace Community Church

John MacArthur is a prominent American pastor, author, and teacher known for his in-depth Bible expositions and conservative evangelical theology. John MacArthur has been the pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, since 1969.

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MacArthur founded this radio and media ministry to distribute his teachings. His sermons are broadcast worldwide. He has authored numerous books, including the popular MacArthur Study Bible, which offers comprehensive commentary on the scriptures.

22. Andy Stanley

• Full name: Charles Andrew Stanley
• Date of birth: 16 May 1958
• Age: 66 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Ministry: North Point Ministries

Andy Stanley is the founder of North Point Ministries, a network of churches based in Alpharetta, Georgia. Andy Stanley is the son of the late Dr. Charles Stanley, a renowned pastor and founder of In Touch Ministries.

Founded in 1995, North Point Ministries has grown into a network of multiple campuses and partner churches worldwide. The flagship church, North Point Community Church, attracts thousands of attendees weekly.

21. John Piper

• Full name: John Stephen Piper
• Date of birth: 11 January 1946
• Age: 78 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Ministry: Reformed Baptist tradition

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John Piper has been a significant voice in Reformed theology and evangelical Christianity. John Piper earned his Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College and later studied at Fuller Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity.

Piper’s Christian Hedonism teaches that seeking joy in God is essential to glorifying Him. He has written extensively on themes such as God's sovereignty, Christ's centrality, missions, and biblical inerrancy.

20. Steven Furtick

• Full name: Larry Stevens Furtick Jr.
• Date of birth: 19 February 1980
• Age: 44 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Ministry: Elevation Church

Steven Furtick is one of the top 20 powerful pastors in the world. He is the founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Elevation Church is known for its contemporary worship style and rapid growth. Steven Furtick is also a prolific author, writing several books that often focus on personal development, faith, and Christian living.

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19. David Ibiyeomie

• Full name: David Ibiyeomie
• Date of birth: 21 October 1962
• Age: 62 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Ministry: Salvation Ministries

David launched Salvation Ministries in 1997 and has grown the church's membership to hundreds of thousands. David Ibiyeomie addresses millions through his television ministry, Hour of Salvation, and live services. He is also an author and host of an internet radio show.

18. Paula White

• Full name: Paula Michelle White-Cain
• Date of birth: 20 April 1966
• Age: 58 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Ministry: New Destiny Christian Center

Paula White is a pastor, author, and televangelist. She is the senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Florida. Paula White is known for her energetic and charismatic preaching style. She has been involved in various television programs and has authored several books.

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17. Joby Martin

• Full name: Joby Martin
• Date of birth: 1982
• Age: 43 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Ministry: The Church of Eleven22

Joby Martin is an American pastor and the lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22, a non-denominational Christian church based in Jacksonville, Florida. Joby Martin is known for his dynamic preaching style and commitment to teaching the Bible in a way relevant to contemporary issues.

16. Jesse Duplantis

• Full name: Jesse Duplantis
• Date of birth: 9 July 1949
• Age: 75 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Ministry: Jesse Duplantis Ministries

Jesse Duplantis has been preaching since 1976, when he established Jesse Duplantis Ministries. Many people enjoy how he incorporates comedy and music into his sermons. Jesse Duplantis has published several books, including Why Isn't My Giving Working?: The Four Types of Giving and One More Night with the Frogs. God Is Not Enough; He Is Too Much!.

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15. Joyce Meyer

• Full name: Pauline Joyce Meyer
• Date of birth: 4 June 1943
• Age: 81 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Ministry: Joyce Meyer Ministries

Joyce Meyer is a well-known American author, speaker, and Bible teacher. She is the president of Joyce Meyer Ministries, a non-profit organisation that shares the gospel and provides humanitarian aid worldwide.

Her teachings emphasise the importance of applying biblical wisdom to everyday challenges and fostering spiritual growth.

14. T. D. Jakes

• Full name: Thomas Dexter Jakes
• Date of birth: 9 June 1957
• Age: 67 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Ministry: The Potter's House

T.D. Jakes is a prominent American bishop, author, and filmmaker. He is the founder and bishop of The Potter's House, a non-denominational church in Dallas, Texas.

The Potter's House is one of the largest and most influential churches in the United States. T.D. Jakes is well known for his dynamic preaching style and has gained international recognition for his faith, prosperity, and self-help messages.

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He is also a prolific author with numerous best-selling books covering spirituality, personal development, and relationships.

13. Creflo Dollar

• Full name: Creflo Augustus Dollar, Jr.
• Date of birth: 28 January 1962
• Age: 63 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Ministry: Christian World Changers Church International

Creflo Dollar is the founder of the non-denominational Christian World Changers Church International. The church is based in College Park, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta.

The preacher has written many books, including 8 Steps to Create the Life You Want (2008). Creflo Dollar also speaks at conferences and writes about his gospel of wealth and his involvement in televangelism.

12. Pastor Paul Adefarasin

• Full name: Paul Adeolu Adefarasin
• Date of birth: 1963
• Age: 62 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Ministry: House on the Rock

Paul Adeolu Adefarasin is the Prelate and Metropolitan Senior Pastor of the House on the Rock Church, based in Lagos, Nigeria. Paul Adefarasin has written, authored, and self-published over 20 inspirational Christian mini-books and multimedia materials.

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11. Alph Lukau

• Full name: Alph Lukau
• Date of birth: 25 October 1975
• Age: 49 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: South African
• Ministry: Alleluia Ministries International

Alph Lukau is the General Overseer of Alleluia Ministries International. This is a gospel denomination in South Africa, founded in 2002. Pastor Alph Lukau is also a coach, mentor, father, and leader of leaders. He is an outstanding businessman and a market figure.

10. Ray McCauley

• Full name: Ray McCauley
• Date of birth: 1 October 1949
• Age: 75 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: South African
• Ministry: International Federation of Christian Churches

Ray McCauley ranks among the 10 most powerful pastors in the world. He started his ministries in the late 1970s and became a well-known speaker at church events.

McCauley has also been a strong opponent of gay rights. Ray McCauley has authored several books, including Our God Is An Awesome God (1993), Walk-In Faith (1998) and Making Your World Different (2000).

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9. Uebert Angel

• Full name: Uebert Angel Mudzanire
• Date of birth: 6 September 1978
• Age: 46 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: British-Zimbabwean
• Ministry: Spirit Embassy

Uebert became famous thanks to the activities of the Spirit Embassy, an organisation he founded and led. Uebert Angel and his wife are involved in charity projects in Africa and Asia.

They founded the Uebert Angel Foundation to help poor children get scholarships, while their Free Earth Humanitarian Organisation helps poor people satisfy their daily needs.

8. Prophet Shepherd Bushiri

• Full name: Shepherd Bushiri
• Date of birth: 20 February 1983
• Age: 41 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: Malawian
• Ministry: Enlightened Christian Gathering

Pastor Shepherd Bushiri founded and leads the Enlightened Christian Gathering, a Christian non-denominational evangelical church.

He has established numerous churches in Ghana, Malawi, South Sudan, South Africa, and other countries. He is one of the world's wealthiest pastors and one of Africa's richest individuals.

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7. Joel Osteen

• Full name: Joel Scott Osteen
• Date of birth: 5 March 1963
• Age: 61 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Ministry: Lakewood Church

Joel Osteen is one of the top 10 famous pastors in the USA. He is a televangelist and the author of numerous Christian books, with over 7 million readers worldwide in more than 100 countries.

Osteen's preachings emphasise the power of a positive attitude and love. He says one should concentrate more on God's goodness than on sins. Joel Osteen is also an author, and one of his best-selling books is Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential.

6. Benny Hinn

• Full name: Toufik Benedictus "Benny" Hinn
• Date of birth: 3 December 1952
• Age: 72 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American-Canadian
• Ministry: World Healing Center Church

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Benny Hinn is a televangelist of Israeli origin. People love him because of his "Miracle Crusades," a faith-healing summit usually held in a stadium and translated worldwide.

Benny Hinn originally comes from Jaffa, but the Arab-Israel War forced his family to move to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. As a young boy, Benny Hinn showed a great interest in religion.

One of the most memorable events he attended was a "miracle service" by the evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman in Pittsburgh. His television show, This Is Your Day, is one of the world's most popular Christian shows, airing daily in 200 countries.

5. Chris Oyakhilome

• Full name: Christian Oyakhilome
• Date of birth: 7 December 1963
• Age: 61 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Ministry: Christ Embassy

Oyakhilome is the founder of the Christ Embassy and is widely known as Pastor Chris. His sermons are translated into 143 languages, attracting more than 40,000 faithful people to his church.

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His church now includes politicians and entrepreneurs. He is one of those famous Nigerian pastors with thousands of followers worldwide. Chris became well-known thanks to many healings, his philanthropic work (including helping the poor), and a high level of spiritual development.

4. Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor

• Full name: Ayodele Joseph Oritsegbubemi Oritsejafor
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Ministry: Word of Life Bible Church

Ayo Oritsejaforis one of the top pastors in the world. He has vigorously defended quality, freedom rights, and the church's existence in Nigeria. Bishop Ayodele has received several awards for his humanitarian initiatives and actions aimed at peace. He has also released many books about the church's power and faith.

3. Enoch Adeboye

• Full name: Enoch Adejare Adeboye
• Date of birth: 2 March 1942
• Age: 82 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Ministry: Redeemed Christian Church of God

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Pastor E. A. Adeboye belongs to the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Enoch Adejare Adeboye's career began as a lecturer in math at the universities of Lagos and Ilorin. In 1973, he decided to devote his activity to religion, got involved in the church and started spreading the gospel.

Later, he was formally anointed as pastor. His duties at Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) included translating sermons into English. He also organised Bible Study gatherings, Revivals, Crusades, evangelistic programs, and Outreach.

2. David Oyedepo

• Full name: David Olaniyi Oyedepo
• Date of birth: 27 September 1954
• Age: 70 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Ministry: Living Faith Church Worldwide

David Oyedepo is one of the most popular pastors in the world. He is currently the president of the World Mission Agency Incorporated (WMA) and Christian Ministry Organization. His grandmother raised him and taught him to pray and other vital things in life.

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He studied architecture at the Kwara State Polytechnic and worked with the Federal Ministry of Housing in Ilorin. David Oyedepo owns two leading Nigerian private universities, Covenant University and Landmark University, and is a chancellor.

1. Kenneth Copeland

• Full name: Kenneth Max Copeland
• Date of birth: 6 December 1936
• Age: 88 years old (as of 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Ministry: Eagle Mountain International Church

Kenneth Max Copeland is the most famous pastor in the world. Kenneth Copeland is a public speaker, an American author, a musician, and a televangelist whose main aim is to help people and change their lives through the power of God's Word. His Texas-based Kenneth Copeland Ministries (KCM) specialises in biblical teaching.

Who are the famous preachers who died?

Some of the best preachers in the world who recently passed away are Jack W. Hayford, Charles Stanley, George Verwer, Rabbi Harold Kushner and Tim Keller.

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Who is the greatest evangelist of all time?

According to the Preaching, some of the greatest preachers include James S. Stewart, Billy Graham, George Buttrick, and Martin Luther King. Others are Jr., Harry Emerson Fosdick, G. Campbell Morgan, William Edwin Sangster, John R.W. Stott, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Clarence Macartney.

Who is the popular pastor in Africa?

Some of the most popular African pastors are David Oyedepo, Enoch Adeboye, Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and Uebert Angel.

What is prosperity gospel?

The prosperity gospel teaches that following its principles leads to financial prosperity and good health. It emphasizes generous giving, unwavering faith, and constant prayer.

Who are the famous prosperity preachers?

According to Vox, some of the famous prosperity preachers are the late Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Oral Roberts, and Joel Osteen.

Who are the famous pastors in Europe?

Some of the most well-known pastors in Europe include Nicky Gumbel, Christine Caine, Ulf Ekman, Henk Stoorvogel and Stephen Cave.

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What is TD Jakes' net worth?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, T.D. Jakes has a net worth of $20 million. He is an actor, producer, author, and founder of a non-denominational church.

Which pastor is popular in the USA?

The United States has several prominent pastors known for their influence on Christianity, particularly in evangelical and non-denominational circles. They include Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, and Andy Stanley.

Who is the famous millionaire pastor?

One of the most famous millionaire pastors is Pastor Kenneth Copeland. His net worth is around $300 million. He founded Eagle Mountain International Church Inc. (EMIC) under the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (KCM).

Who is the richest pastor in the whole world?

According to Bussiness Elites Africa, Kenneth Copeland is arguably the richest pastor in the world, with an estimated net worth of $300 million. He is the founder of Eagle Mountain International Church Inc.

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The world's most influential and famous pastors are perfect examples of how the power of faith can work miracles. Their honest belief has helped them find the right path in life, become stronger, and help others heal completely.

Legit.ng recently published an article about the richest people in Nigeria. These people are worth millions or billions of dollars. They are financially astute people who have invested in key sectors of the country's economy.

They have multiple income streams, including investments in various sectors of the Nigerian economy. Their wealth has made them prominent locally and internationally.

Source: Legit.ng