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35 Most Famous TV Preachers of All Time

Originally Published by Charity K in September 2023 and Updated by Nellian in May 2024.

Since the beginning of television programs, several churches have opted for online preaching and radio stations designated for preaching, counseling, and advice on various topics. These were very influential, especially in helping many more people know about God and his love for us. For the longest time, TV preachers were praised for their relatable topics and ability to communicate to a wider audience.

It is now a recent trend for an upcoming church to include a media presenter who can communicate with the youth and elderly. Even though these segments are mainly live on Sundays, they can be repeated during the week or find new shows on channels dedicated to faith and spirituality. Some of the famous TV preachers of all time include Jerry Falwell, Joel Osteen, Bishop David O. Oyedepo, Reinhard Bonnke, Benny Hinn, T.L Osbourne, Apostle Joshua Selman Nimmak, Oral Roberts,  Jim Bakker, Tammy Faye Bakker, Pat Robertson, Paula While,  Thomas D. Jakes and, Joyce Meyer among many others.

Here are the 35 Most Famous TV Preachers of All Time;

1. Billy Graham

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He was an American Protestant evangelist who is noted for being among the religious figures of the 20th century. He was born on November 7, 1918 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Billy hosted numerous television specials and crusades. His estimated audience was over 2.2 billion people. His shows were famous because of his simple and straightforward message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Billy held crusades in over 185 countries and territories where he talked to millions of people around the world. It should be noted that he authored over 30 books including the autobiography Just As I Am.

2. Oral Roberts

He was an American Pentecostal evangelist who is known for founding the Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His crusades and appearances on television made him a popular preacher. Oral was born on January 24, 1918, in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma. Oral is noted for being able to connect with people from all walks of life.

He held healing crusades all over the world during which he would heal millions of people. He also had programs that were watched by millions of people. Although he is loved by many, Oral has been criticized for his use of faith healing.

3. Apostle Joshua Selman Nimmak

He was born on June 25, 1980, in Jos, Plateau State in Nigeria but hails from Zaria in Kaduna, northern part of Nigeria where he acquired his early education. His parents were Christians but his maternal grandfather, Rev. Rindap Damina Bawado, was the first president of a Christian movement known as the Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN). In his growing up, he never engaged in playing with other children, rather, he engaged in reading the word of God and prayers, an exercise that helped him grow strong in love for God.  He received Jesus Christ as his Lord and the Holy Spirit baptism when he gave his life to God in secondary school after a visit by several ministers of the word of God who preached to students during school morning assemblies.

In his university days, he preached to fellow students and in the university neighborhood sharing the word of God. However, after graduating with an undergraduate within Chemical Engineering, he began his full-time ministry. He began as assistant pastor and later became the senior pastor at Christ Gospel Church, Samaturu, Zaria northern part of Nigeria a place known as Kaduna. He founded Eternal Network International (ENI) with a focus on encouraging people to live out of the fullness of God’s life on earth with a mission statement to seek and save the lost to demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit revealing the Kingdom’s wealth and finance God’s end-time agenda. The ministry has two other organizations known as Koinonia Global and ENI School of Ministry.

He has respect for men of God who he says are his mentors like Bishop David O Oyedepo, Benny Hinn, Reinhard Bonnke, and T. L Osbourne. He has traveled to the nations preaching the word of God in Africa, America, and Europe. He is therefore a Gospel minister, conference speaker, and more importantly, a televangelist.

4. Jerry Falwell

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He was an American Southern Baptist minister known for founding the Moral Majority. Jerry was the host of the television program known as The Old-Time Gospel Hour. He was born on August 11, 1933, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Jerry was the founder of the Thomas Road Baptist Church which grew to become among the largest churches in the United States.

However, Jerry has been criticized for his views on homosexuality, abortion, and other social issues. Even after the criticism, he is still seen as a popular figure among most Christians.

5. Jim Bakker

He is an American televangelist who is known for founding the PTL Club which is a Christian television network. Jim was born on January 2, 1940, in Muskegon, Michigan. The PTL Club is noted for being a popular Christian program in the world. Jim has also published several books as well as an autobiography which is known as I Was Wrong.

6. Pat Robertson

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He was an American media mogul, political commentator, Southern Baptist Network, and religious broadcaster. Pat founded the Christian Broadcasting Network which is a long-running television program. Even though he has faced criticism for his views on various social issues, he is still a popular figure among many Christians. He is also credited for helping to shape the religious right in American politics.

7. Tammy Faye Bakker

She was born on March 7, 1942, in International Fall, Minnesota. Tammy was an American televangelist, author, talk show host, and singer known for her willingness to talk about her struggles. She is the co-founder of the PTL Club which was a popular Christian program in the world. Tammy is noted for being the first televangelist to speak out on gay rights.

8. Joel Osteen

He is an American televangelist and pastor of Lakewood Church in Texas. He was born on March 5, 1963, in Houston, Texas. Joel is known for his focus on prosperity theology as well as his positive messages. His sermons are often broadcast on television and radio. Joel is known for teaching that God will reward those who have faith with material blessings.

9. Thomas D. Jakes

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He was born on June 9, 1957, in South Charleston, West Virginia. Thomas is an American non-denominational Christian preacher who is known for being the senior pastor of The Potter’s House. Most of Thomas’ sermons are broadcast on television and radio. He became famous for his messages of hope, self-improvement, and empowerment. He is greatly praised for his ability to reach a wide audience.

10. Joyce Meyer

She is an American Christian author and speaker who is the president of Joyce Meyer Ministries. She was born on June 4, 1943, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  She hosts a daily television program known as Enjoying Everday Life which is broadcast in over 200 countries. Aside from her program, she has written over 100 books which have sold over 100 million copies. Joyce is a strong advocate for women and teaches that people can overcome their challenges.

Read more about Joyce Meyer here.

11. Paula White

She was born Paula Michelle White on April 20, 1966, in Tupelo, Mississippi, United States of America.  She is an American televangelist who believes that material prosperity is proof of God’s grace. She is known for being the chair of the evangelical advisory board in Donald Trump’s administration. She was born on April 20, 1966, in Tupelo, Mississippi. Paula was the first female clergy member to deliver the invocation. She also founded the Without Walls International Church in 1991. The church is among the largest churches in Florida. Her sermons are broadcast on television and radio.

Read more about Paula White here.

12. Myles Munroe

He was born on April 20, 1954, as Myles Egbert Munroe, in Nassau Bahamas. He became a Christian in his early years. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts in Education and Theology in 1978. He later attained a master’s degree in administration from the University of Tulsa in 1980. Further, he attained an honorary doctoral degree from different schools.

In addition, he was an adjunct professor at Oral Roberts University at the Graduate School of Theology.  He was an ordained minister, professor of the Kingdom of God, teacher, and inspirational and motivational speaker respectively. He authored many books, and various study guides and did many Bible study recordings. He started Bahamas Faith Ministries International after he graduated from the University of Tulsa in 1980.

Read more about Myles Munroe here.

13. Creflo Dollar

He is an American televangelist and pastor. Creflo was born on January 28, 1962, in College Park, Georgia. He is the founder of the non-denominational Christian World Changers Church International which is based in Georgia. Creflo is also the head of the Creflo Dollar Ministerial Association which was known as International Covenant Ministries.

14. Franklin Graham

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He is an American evangelical Christian missionary. He was born on July 14, 1952, in Asheville, North Carolina. Franklin is known for being the president of the Samaritan’s Purse which is an international Christian relief organization. He is a gifted preacher as well as a tireless advocate for Christian causes.

15. Rick Warren

He is an American megachurch pastor, author, and public speaker. Rick is the founding pastor of Saddleback Chruch in California. The church is among the largest evangelical churches in the United States. Rick is known for his book The Purpose Driven Life which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. Rick was born on January 28, 1954, in San Jose, California.

16. Benny Hinn

He was born on December 3, 1952. He is an Israel-born and known American-Canadian televangelist. In addition, he is also known as a Lebanese-American televangelist and faith healer with Miracle Crusade and revival meetings. He is known for founding the World Healing Center Church in Florida. Benny is known for his Miracle Crusades which are large events where Rick heals people through the power of prayer. Benny has been featured in several television programs including Larry King Live and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

17. Jimmy Swaggart

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He is an American televangelist and gospel singer. He was born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana. Jimmy is the founder of the Family Worship Center and the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. He became famous for his fiery sermons as well as his emphasis on the importance of personal holiness. Jimmy is noted for being a gifted preacher who has inspired many people.

18. Kenneth Copeland

He is an American televangelist and author known for being the founder of Kenneth Copeland Ministries. It is a non-denominational Christian organization that reaches many people through television, radio, and the Internet. Kenneth has faced criticism for claiming to have the ability to heal people.

19. Charles Stanley

He was an American Southern Baptist pastor and writer. He was the founder of the In Touch Ministries which mainly focuses on his sermons through television and radio. Charles was born on September 25, 1932, in Dry Fork, Virginia. Charles also launched the half-hour religious television program known as The Chapel Hour in 1972.

20. Victoria Osteen

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She is an American author and co-pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. She is the wife of Joel Osteen and the co-host of the church’s television program known as Joel Osteen Live. Victoria is a popular speaker who has traveled around the world on a mission to share her message of hope. However, she is known for her notable works including Love Your Life, Exceptional You!, and Our Best Life Together.

21. Priscilla Shirer

She is an American author, Christian media personality, and actress. She was born on December 31, 1974. Priscilla is a popular speaker who has traveled around the world sharing her message of hope and inspiration. She is also a frequent guest on television and radio programs. She is noted for being a positive role model and for having a lasting impact on the lives of millions of people.

22. Bobbie Houston

She is a New Zealand-born Australian who is a Pentecostal pastor in the Australian Christian Church. She was born on January 16, 1957. Bobbie is the co-founder of Hillsong church in Sydney, Australia. She is the founder of Colour Conference as well as the Colour Sisterhood which is a global movement of women. Bobbie is a passionate advocate for women in ministry.

23. Kathryn Kuhlman

Kathryn was born on May 9, 1907, near Concordia, Missouri. Her parents were German-American parents, Joseph Adolph Kuhlman as the father and the mother, Emma Walkenhorst. Her experience began at the age of 14 years old and preached with her sister and brother-in-law in Idaho. Her ministry started when she was ordained by the Evangelica Church Alliance. She was mentored by 1rev. Mother Amanda H. Williams of Brooklyn, New York was a great minister and trailblazer in terms of women in Ministry. She was a famous TV preacher known as a Christian evangelist who was known for hosting healing services known as Faith Healer.

24. Bishop David O. Oyedepo

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He was born in September 1954 in Osogbo which is in the Southern Region of Nigeria. He is the founder of Winner’s Chapel International, a network of churches that is on various continents but more importantly, various churches are in different countries in Africa including Kenya. It has branches in over 300 cities. It is located in Dubai, Asia, the United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In addition, he is among the pioneers of the Christian charismatic movement in Africa.

He is among the first and most powerful and influential pastors to originate from Nigeria who has made an impact in the world through spreading the word of God. Like Apostle Joshua Selman’s Eternal Network International which began in Kaduna, his ministry also began in Kaduna as Living Faith Church then later moved to Lagos in 1989 and changed the name to Winners Chapel International.

He has been rated the wealthiest preacher in the world according to Forbes with over US$150 million net worth. He has published over 70 periodicals and is the chairman of the publisher of  Dominion Publishing House which is the publishing branch of the ministry. He, under the church, owns several jets and buildings in Nigeria, London, and the United States of America. What is remarkable about his ministry is that, under God’s instructions, he built a church known as Canaanland, a 530-acre or 2.1 km facility, which is the headquarters of the ministry and also has a sitting capacity of 50,000 people known as Faith Tabernacle. The building was recorded by the Guinness Book of Records. 

25. Reinhard Bonnke

He was born on April 19, 1940. He was a German-American Pentecostal evangelist. His father was a pastor. He gave his life to Christ at the age of nine. His call was to do missionary work in Africa. He was ordained in Germany and pastored a church together with his wife Anni up to 1967. He obeyed his early years call and headed to Lesotho in Africa. In 1974, the Holy Spirit again appeared to him many times about a blood-washed Africa. In 1974, he founded Christ for All Nations, a ministry that had the vision to populate heaven. His ministry was filled with healing, deliverance, and salvation. He was dedicated to preaching the word of God.

In 1984, he led in commissioning of the world’s largest mobile structure construction of the time with a sitting capacity of 34,000 congregants. In addition, the structure was too small as the congregation swelled to 150,000 people pushing him to start open-air meetings that spread across Africa. His meetings were aired by local TV stations in every country where he preached including Kenya’s national television Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. More importantly, he equipped church leaders and church workers for evangelism globally. In addition, he developed the Full Flame Film Series. He preached the gospel of Jesus Christ until his death on December 7, 2019.

26. T.L Osborn

Tommy Lee was born on December 23, 1923. His parents were Charles Richard Osborn and Mary. He was known as a famous American Pentecostal televangelist, teacher, singer, and author of various Christian books. Referred internationally as T.L. Osborn was based in Tulsa Oklahoma and hosted a religious television program known as Good News Today. He gained popularity after returning from India, he became the evangelist on the Big Tent Revival circuit in both Canada and the United States of America. His congregation was as big as not less than 10,000 people. There is Holy Spirit revival with the supernatural healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ and salvation. Together with him in the revival meetings were Billy Graham, A.A. Allen, R.W. Schambach, and Jack Coe as young pastors.

27. John Hagee

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He was born on April 12, 1940, in Baytown, Texas in the United States of America. He is the founder of the John Hagee Ministries and the Christians United for Israel, John Hagee has also established the Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, and has grown his ministry by becoming a known televangelist. He has authored various bestseller books, such as Absolute Power, and is also known for his controversial concepts, such as the blood moon prophecy. 

28. Pastor Joseph Prince

He is a Singaporean pastor, author, and televangelist who is known for his positive messages of hope and inspiration. Pastor Joseph is the founder of New Creation Church which is among the largest churches in Singapore. With over 30,000 members, the church has become famous for teaching that we can receive God’s grace. Pastor Joseph has traveled around the world sharing his message of hope and inspiration.

However, he has faced several controversies for his teachings. Some people have argued that his preachings are not based on biblical facts but on the need to preach. He was also criticized for his lavish lifestyle which seemed unruly for a pastor. Even though many didn’t approve of his work and lifestyle, he is still a popular figure among many Christians.

29. Adrian Rogers

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He was an American Baptist pastor and author. He was born on September 12, 1931, in West Palm Beach, Florida. He joined Christian ministry when he was nineteen years old. Rogers earned a Bachelor of Arts from Stetson University in DeLand, Florida in 1954. then he studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and earned a Bachelor of Divinity in 1958.

Subsequently, he was ordained by Northwood Baptist Church (now Family Church Village) in West Palm Beach. His first role as senior pastor was at Fellsmere Baptist Church. From 1972 to 2005, he became the senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. He pastored the church until his retirement. During his leadership, the church’s membership increased from 9,000 to 29,000, forcing them to move to a megachurch facility.

Throughout his career, he preached on both radio and television. As an author, he wrote at least eighteen books. His teachings are featured on the radio and television program, Love Worth Finding. It is available internationally in English and Spanish languages. He became pastor emeritus after his retirement in March 2005 and died in November of the same year.

30. Frederick K. C. Price

Price was an American televangelist cum author. He was born in Santa Monica, California, on January 3, 1932. He is remembered as the founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC) in South Los Angeles, California. As a televangelist, he gained prominence with his Ever Increasing Faith ministries broadcast. This weekly show aired on television and radio.

Besides, Price grew up with his parents practicing Jehovah’s Witnesses. After marrying Betty Scott in 1953, he started attending church services with her. Soon after, he gave his life to Jesus Christ. From 1955, he began as an assistant pastor in a Baptist church until 1957. He then went on to pastor in the Methodist and Presbyterian faiths. Alongside his wife Betty, they founded the Crenshaw Christian Center in 1970. His teachings were centered on speaking in tongues, divine healing, and prosperity.

31. Andrew Wommack

The US televangelist was born in Marshall, Texas on April 30, 1949. He is the founder of Andrew Wommack Ministries which began in 1978. Wommack is also credited as the founder of Charis Bible College (formerly Colorado Bible College) in 1994. His televangelism work is appreciated through the program, Gospel Truth. It started as a radio show and became a television program in 1980. It has been aired since then. Gospel Truth with Andrew Wommack is the show’s latest version broadcasted on Trinity Broadcasting Network.

32. David Jeremiah

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Jeremiah is an American evangelical Christian author best known as the founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries. He was born on February 13, 1941 in Toledo, Ohio. He follows in his father’s footsteps who was also a Baptist Church preacher. Jeremiah founded Blackhawk Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1969. The congregation grew from seven families to 1,300 members. Since 1981, he has been the senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California. The megachurch is an affiliate of the Southern Baptist Convention. The church has expanded to atleast nine campuses that include Hispanic and Arabic congregations.

´³±ð°ù±ð³¾¾±²¹³ó’s Turning Point for God broadcast ministry was founded in 1982. It aims to deliver the unchanging Word of God to an ever-changing world. Its radio and television programs have reached international influence. Following the program’s success, Jeremiah has received induction to the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Hall of Fame. He also won the NRB President’s Award in 2020.

33. Charles Capps

Capps was an American Christian preacher and an influential teacher in the Word of Faith movement. He was born in Arkansas on January 4, 1934. He began farming in the Lonoke County area after graduating from high school. In 1978, he retired from farming to focus on full-time ministry. He championed the Word of Faith movement through appearances on different broadcasts as well as on his own radio and TV broadcast programs.

34. Jack Van Impe

He was an American televangelist nicknamed the “Walking Bible”, for memorizing most of the King James Version of the Bible. He was born on February 9, 1931 in Freeport, Michigan. He is acclaimed for the weekly half-hour television series, Jack Van Impe Presents. The show has gained global reach through religious broadcasters and several commercial television stations. The program gained popularity due to its eschatological (end times) commentary on current affairs through the lens of the Bible.

35. Robert Schuller

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He was an American Christian televangelist, pastor, motivational speaker, cum author. He was born in Alton, Iowa on September 16, 1926. Schuller became a famous televangelist through his weekly Hour of Power television program. He hosted the show from 1970 until his retirement in 2006. The motivation to start the broadcast came from his longtime friend, Billy Graham (earlier). The show is now hosted by his grandson, Bobby Schuller.

During the 1990s, his televised sermons boasted a regular viewership of about 20 million. This kind of televised church service was the first of its kind during this era. Schuller oversaw the construction of two churches under his leadership, the Garden Grove Community Church Chapel and the Crystal Cathedral.

All in all, the TV preachers are many and cannot be concluded in one article but the above 35 most famous of all time are a representation of many others who are using the mass media to spread the word of God.