In the wake of the tragic accident that befell congregants of the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Nigeria (claiming over 80 South African lives), care to know how paid some clergymen are? Below is the five top spots that make up Africa’s richest pastors. The list compiled by Forbes looks at the top ten richest pastors in the world with five in that list being African pastors, Nigerian nationals to be precise. Judging from the money these pastors make, salvation has a very hefty price tag, it seems.
1. Bishop David Oyedepo
He heads up the Living Faith World Outreach Ministry which has Africa’s largest worship center that accommodates 50 000 people. The bishop apparently has four private jets, and property in the United Kingdom and the United States. He founded and is the owner of Covenant University and owns an elite high school called Faith Academy.
Estimated net worth: $150 million
2. Chris Oyakhilome
Popularly knows as Pastor Chris, the pastor managed to fill up Cape Town Stadium during a rally he had in 2012 where a Paarl resident unfortunately died due of renal failure while waiting to see the pastor. But I digress (I just had to put that in there because I have always wanted to say it while writing an article)… A leader of Believers Loveworld Ministries, Pastor Chris has around 40 000 church members, some of which are politicians and business executives. He owns a christian television network, a record label, some hotels and real estate.
Estimated net worth: $30 million to $50 million
3. Temitope Joshua
He is also known as T.B Joshua and a leader and founder of the now infamous Synagogue Church of All Nations. A guest house belonging to the church recently collapsed in Nigeria killing 115 people (about 84 South Africans). The church has branches in Ghana, theUK, South Africa and Greece and a membership of 15 000 during their Sunday services. He is the owner of Emmanuel TV, a christian television network.
Estimated net worth: $10 million to $15 million.
4. Matthew Ashimolowo
Matthew Ashimolowo is the founder and leader of Kingsway International Christian Centre who earns an annual salary of $200 000. He is the owner of Matthew Ashimolowo media. His church recorded profits of around $10 million and $40 million worth of assets in 2009.
Estimated net worth: $6 million to $10 million.
5. Chris Okotie–
Chris Okotie is the leader and founder of Household of God Church which has a membership of over 5000. The church is mostly made up of Nollywood stars and musicians. Pastor Okotie was a pop musician in the 1980s – maybe that is why his church attracts celebrities. An advent vehicle lover, he owns a S600 Mercedes Benz, a Hummer, and a Porsche among other cars.
Estimated net worth: $3 million to $10 million.
Source: Forbes.com
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