Pastors offer teachings that will guide us into the afterlife, but they still have to meet the financial demands of this life. It is not uncommon for a pastor to leave a church because of payment issues, but churches tend to remain quiet about these events. Just like musicians or actors, certain pastors can earn celebrity status, preaching to stadiums filled with people who paid hefty ticket prices to be there. Of the top 10 richest pastors in the world, five are Nigerian. Let’s take a look at four of the richest pastors in Africa.
David Oyedepo, Nigeria, net worth $150 million: David Oyedepo is the richest pastor in the world, and founder of mega church Living Faith, which he started in 1981. Through his church, his idea was to preach on seven topics he says God spoke about to him. He said God instructed him to put his teachings in writing, which led the pastor to start the Dominion Publishing House. Dominion has produced over 7 million books, and Oyedeopo’s original humble church has grown to an organization with branches and educational institutions all over the world offering Internet services.
How he spends his money: In addition to owning Dominion Publishing House, Covenant University and an elite secondary school called Faith Academy, Oyedepo has a private airline company called Dominion Air. Dominion owns all of its aircraft–none are leased. Critics say most of his followers can’t afford to fly his airline or attend his schools. 
T.B. Joshua, Nigeria, $15 million: T.B. Joshua owns The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN), which runs Emmanuel TV. Over 15,000 people attend SCOAN’s weekly services, and the church has special structures built for outside where visitors can stay in Nigeria when attending services. Joshua has over a million Facebook fans, has published several films in which he allegedly healed cases of HIV/AIDS, and—according to some reports—predicted the Boston Marathon attacks and Michael Jackson’s death.
How he spends his money: Joshua has donated over $20 million to education, healthcare and rehab programs for former Niger Delta militants. He spends money on lavish items too, recently purchasing a $60 million private jet that could cost up to $3 million a year to maintain. 
Matthew Ashimolowo, Nigeria, $10 million: Pastor Matthew Ashimolo earns a $200,000 annual salary, but most of his wealth comes from business interests like his media company, Matthew Ashimolowo Media, which produces Christian literature and documentaries. The pastor and media mogul makes a show called “Winning Ways” which airs daily on top radio stations in London and Amsterdam, and on TV in Nigeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe.
How he spends his money: Ashimolowo put some of his wealth towards making more money, including investing in one of the largest auditoriums in the U.K. Ashimolowo has a 24-acre auditorium in the U.K. that he purchased for slightly over $4 million. Chris Okotie, Nigeria, $10 million: Pastor Chris Okotie’s fame didn’t come through the church but through music. Okotie was a pop musician in the 1980s and eventually opened the Household of God Church, which has a reputation for being one of the most flamboyant congregations. Some friends and community members from his days as a musician followed him to his church. His congregation includes many celebrities.
How he spends his money: Pastor Okotie has been described as a “car freak.” His fleet of vehicles includes a Rolls Royce Phantom valued at $280,000 and a Range Rover Autobiography worth $140,000. His Rolls Royce is one of a limited edition series designed especially for the extremely wealthy.
