Who is the richest Reverend Father in the world?

It is no secret that many men of faith own large fortunes nowadays. However, some people’s wealth is not even on the same level as others’. Some have so much money that they end up on the top 10 lists of the richest people on the planet. So who is the richest Reverend Father in the world? We will give you a small hint: he is Nigerian.

Who is the richest Reverend Father in the world?

If you are reading this article, then you have probably been wondering about the man who managed to become the richest Rev. Father in the whole world. Well, you do not have to wonder any longer, as we can tell you right now who this Reverend Father is. It is none other than Nigeria’s own David Oyedepo.

David Olaniyi Oyedepo is one of the most prominent and revered pastors in Nigeria. He was born in Osogbo, Nigeria on September 27, 1954. David most likely acquired his spirituality with his mother’s milk, as she belonged to the Cherubim & Seraphim movement. David’s father was a Muslim healer.

However, it is most obvious that David’s faith in the Lord came to him through his grandmother’s teachings. She was the one that introduced him to Christianity and its rites. During Oyedepo’s childhood in Osogbo, his grandma taught him how to pray, interpret spiritual texts and pay tithes.

In addition to having his grandmother as a spiritual guide, David also had Betty Lasher, who was his schoolteacher at the time. As a result of her influence, when David was 15 years old, he became a born-again Christian.

Before devoting his life fully to God, David studied Architecture at the Kwara State Polytechnic and worked at the Federal Ministry of Housing in Ilorin. He also received a PhD in Human Development from the Honolulu University, United States.

35 years ago, David married his wife Faith (also known as Florence) Abiola Oyedepo. Together, they have four grown and successful children.

Many say that it was David Oyedepo who pioneered the Christian charismatic movement. People attend his church in order to hear one of his very powerful preaches. Of course, no man is without fault, and Oyedepo sometimes becomes too emotional and carried away during his speeches. One time, he even physically and verbally assaulted a woman who he suspected of witchcraft.

Nevertheless, many of his parishioners have nothing but love and respect for David Oyedepo. That is why every year on September 27 (Oyedepo’s birthday) people celebrate a Day of Service in his name. How many people can say that they have their own holiday?

Biggest achievements of one of the most powerful pastors in the world

David has said many times that 1981 was the year when God spoke to him and ordered to spread Lord’s words. For that reason, Oyedepo opened his first church that he called Liberation Faith Hour Ministries. What started as just one church has grown into a large church network known to many as Living Faith Church World Wide. The church has presence in over 40 countries in America, Europe and Africa.

In 1983, both David and Florence became pastors after being ordained by Enoch Adeboye. Five years later, Oyedepo became a Bishop. Two of Oyedepo’s sons followed their father’s example and also became pastors. One of them, namely Isaac, looks over the parish of the Winners’ Chapel International in Abuja, while his brother David Jr. presides over Faith Tabernacle.

Now that we mention it, Faith Tabernacle could be considered one of David Sr.’s (literally) biggest achievements in life. In case you do not know, Faith Tabernacle earned itself a title of the biggest church in the world. Its auditorium can fit up to 50,000 people. This enormous house of God can be found in Ota, Ogun State, where it occupies over 20 square kilometres, including the surrounding grounds.

As a matter of fact, the surrounding grounds are so big that they even have a name. The location of the church is called Canaanland, and it also fits several educational institutions, including a whole university and its campus. Since 2012, Canaanland grew into Canaan City. This almost full-fledged city with its own infrastructure resides over 60 square kilometres.

However, the church is not the only thing David Oyedepo has. He is a Chief Executive Officer of a large organisation called David Oyedepo Ministries International (or DOMI for short). It unites most of his enterprises, among which are the church network, World Mission Agency, the missions on social development, Covenant University and Dominion publishing house.

While we are on the topic of publishing, David is a very prolific writer, and he uses his publishing house to print his works. Since 1992, he has published over 70 pamphlets and books on the topics of motivation and religion under his name. Winning Prayer, Success Strategies, The Blood Triumph and Pillars of Destiny, to name a few.

Net worth of the richest pastor in the world

All of David’s hard work and entrepreneurship have not gone to waste. In 2011, David was named the richest pastor in Nigeria. And if gazettereview.com is to be believed, then his net worth amounts to the staggering $150 million.

Come to think of it, this is really not that surprising. When you are the owner of the world’s biggest church, as well as several other enterprises, it is no wonder they all amount to such a fortune.

Despite being this rich, David does not show off his wealth too much. Yes, he has a few mansions and private jets to his name, but he never flashes them around, unlike some other billionaires. David also gives back to his community as much as he can. With his money, David has built many hospitals, schools and other important institutions, and we are certain he is going to build many more.

All in all, even though David Oyedepo is one of the richest men in Nigeria, he stays humble. He does not forget to give back to his people and does not show off his enormous fortune. Many Nigerians consider him to be their spiritual leader and even father. God bless him.

READ ALSO: Highest paid coach in the world