45 of the Most Famous US Pastors

45 of the Most Famous US Pastors

*Originally published by Charity K in October 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R in August 2023

The United States of America has been home to many reverend pastors of the modern day who have given new meaning to their religion. Most of them are divinely gifted and have big followings either online or physically.

Their congregations have grown over time. They are America’s most famous and highly sought preachers involved in the task of redeeming souls and fighting evil forces.

Most United States televangelists and preachers have gained the following worldwide. They have also become a darling to many Christians who are blessed by listening to their recording preaching or online services.

1. Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer in 2015 (5Cnll1B0h2Y).jpg Photo by Joyce Meyer Ministries Nederlands – Wikimedia Commons

She was born on June 4, 1943, in St. Louis. Charismatic Christian author, televangelist, and motivational speaker Joyce Meyer is the president of Joyce Meyer Ministries.

She has written countless self-help and religious books, including The Penny: A Novel. She is also known for her widely broadcast TV program Enjoying Everyday Life. She owns many homes and a private jet.

2. Billy Graham

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He was born on July 14, 1952, in Asheville. His son, Franklin Graham followed in his father’s footsteps to become a missionary and an evangelist. He now heads both the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse.

He has also produced Christian-themed movies and docu-dramas such as Second Chance and Facing Darkness.

3. Joel Osteen

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He was born on March 5, 1963, in Houston. Joel Osteen is an American pastor, author, and televangelist.

He is one of the most popular televangelists in the world, with his televised sermons being watched by millions of people every week in over 100 countries, including 10 million viewers in the US alone.

In 2006, he was named in the 10 Most Fascinating People list published by Barbara Walters.

4. John Hagee

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He was born on April 12, 1940, in Baytown, Texas, United States. 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. He has penned several bestsellers, such as Absolute Power, and is also known for his controversial concepts, such as the blood moon prophecy.

5. Paula White

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She was born on April 20, 1966, in Tupelo, Mississippi, United States. Better known as the spiritual advisor to Donald Trump, Paula White became the first female clergy to deliver the inauguration invocation of a U.S. president.

The televangelist and preacher also chaired Trump’s evangelical advisory board. She is also known for her Without Walls International Church and the show Paula White Today.

6. Adrian Rogers

Adrian Rogers.jpg Photo by Adrian Rogers – Wikimedia Commons

He was born September 12, 1931, in West Palm Beach. Adrian Rogers was an American conservative author and Southern Baptist pastor.

He was a three-time president of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Baptist denomination in the world.

From 1972 to 2005, he served as the senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church. During his pastorate, the membership of the church grew from 9,000 to 29,000.

7. Eddie Long

He was born May 12, 1953, in Huntersville. He died on January 15, 2017. He was the Senior Pastor of the megachurch New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Eddie Long made headlines when a few minor male congregants accused him of sexual abuse. He held a business administration degree and also worked as a sales representative. His long struggle with cancer eventually ended in his death at 63.

8. Charles Stanley

Dr. Charles Stanley, the senior pastor of First Baptist Church, and founder of In Touch Ministries, thanks U.S. Soldiers and their families for their service to the nation during his inspirational speech at 131106-A-PP444-045.jpg Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo – Wikimedia Commons

He was born on September 5, 1943, in Dry Fork, Pittsylvania County, Virginia. He is the Pastor of the First Baptist Church Charles Stanley had also established In Touch Ministries.

A born-again Christian since age 12, he later gained fame with his show In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley, which was translated into 107 languages. He has also penned countless books on religion.

9. Francis Chan

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The Cornerstone Church and Eternity Bible College founder Francis Chan is a popular Protestant preacher.

Apart from authoring the New York Times bestseller Crazy Love, Francis has also penned children’s books such as Halfway Herbert and Ronnie Wilson’s Gift. He has also co-launched the discipleship movement named Multiply.

10. Fulton J. Sheen

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He was born on May 8, 1895, in El Paso, Illinois. Catholic bishop Fulton J. Sheen was also a prominent radio and TV personality. Known for his stint on the NBC radio show The Catholic Hour.

He also hosted the popular TV programs Life Is Worth Living and The Bishop Fulton Sheen Show. He also wrote extensively on communism, love, and peace.

11. John Piper

Photo of John Piper, Oct 2010.jpg Photo by Micah Chiang – Wikimedia Commons

He was born on January 11, 1946, in Chattanooga. John Piper is a theologian and pastor. He is the chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Previously, he taught biblical studies at Bethel University and preached at Bethlehem Baptist Church.

He believes in the theological doctrine of sola fide. He is the founder of desiringGod.org, named for his 1986 book Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist.

12. Andy Stanley

He was born May 16, 1958, in Atlanta. North Point Ministries founder Andy Stanley has been the senior pastor of many churches, such as the North Point and the Browns Bridge community churches.

He has also penned several books, such as The New Rules for Love, Sex & Dating, and has created the show Your Move with Andy Stanley.

13. Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie is an American pastor and author who is currently serving as a pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship. He is also closely associated with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, serving on the association’s board of directors.

Greg Laurie has also authored over 70 books, including The Upside-Down Church which won a Gold Medallion Book Award in 2000.

13. Dr. John Monroe

Pastor and founder of Freedom that Lasts  Jesus Christ is the only source of freedom that Lasts received Christ as his savior at the age of eight while attending Children’s Church at Temple Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

He enrolled at Bob Jones University after he graduated from high school in 1984. However, in the university, the Lord ministered to his heart about full-time service to Him, and in 1985, God called him into the ministry.

He changed his major to Pastoral Studies where he pursued his MA in Pastoral Studies from BJU in 1991.

He went to Tabernacle Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia where he served on the pastoral staff for three years as he was working on his Ph.D. studies.

After his Ph.D. studies, he became the author of many books like a handbook for new Christians titled Basics for Believers, When Trouble Comes for Those Facing Trials a manual on helping others make biblical change titled Changed into His Imagine.

Other books that he authored include Created For His Glory, Essential Virtuals and God is More than Enough. He also became the developer and instructor for the popular personal counseling program Quieting a Noisy Soul.

However, his most recent work is Freedom That Lasts Freedom That Lasts Welcome Book, Freedom That Lasts Studen Manual – Level 1, Freedom That Lasts.

Student Manual – Level 2, Freedom That Lasts Spiritual Life Journal, and the Freedom That Lasts, Virtue Videos, which make up the core curriculum for Freedom That Lasts.

14. Rob Bell

He was born on August 23, 1970, in Michigan, United States of America. A former pastor and teacher Rob Bell has penned countless books, including the New York Times bestsellers Love Wins and What Is the Bible? 

He established the Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan in his late 20s. He has also made it to Time 100. He also hosts a podcast and is a sought-after speaker.

15. John F. MacArthur

John F. MacArthur Jr..JPG Photo by IslandsEnd – Wikimedia Commons

 He was born on June 19, 1939, in Los Angeles, California, United States. He is a pastor and also an author best known for his television and radio program Grace to You which is broadcast all over the world.

MacArthur has been playing an important role in the prosperity of a non-denominational, evangelical megachurch called Grace Community Church where he has been serving as a pastor-teacher since 1969.

16. T.D. Jakes

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He was born on June 9, 1957, in South Charleston, West Virginia, United States. Thomas Jakes Sr., known as T. D. Jakes, is an American bishop, author, and filmmaker.

He is the bishop of a non-denominational American Megachurch known as The Potter’s House. His church, which he founded services and Evangelistic sermons are broadcast on The Potter’s Touch.

Jake is a great advocate of sexual abstinence and has made appearances advocating it on Good Morning America and Dr. Phil. Therefore, his stand as a strong Christian is evident in his preaching against homosexuality.

17. Ted Haggard

New Life Church in Colorado Springs 2.jpg New Life Church in Colorado Springs 2.jpg Photo by David Shankbone – Wikimedia Commons

He was born on June 27, 1956, in Yorktown. He is a known evangelical pastor who founded New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

He is also the founder of the Association of Life-Giving Churches. He is against same-sex marriages. In 2006, it was revealed that he had paid a male sex worker for sexual favors and also purchased some illegal drugs from him. 

17. Charles R. Swindoll

He was born on October 18, 1934, in El Campo. He is an evangelical Christian author, pastor, educator, and radio preacher. He is credited with founding Insight for Living which airs a radio program on over 2,000 stations in 15 languages.

Over the years Swindoll has received several awards like RHA’s Clergyman of the Year award. He is currently serving as a senior pastor at Stonebriar Community Church. 

18. Robert Jeffress

President Donald Trump and Robert Jeffress.jpg Photo by Dan Scavino – Wikimedia Commons

He was born on November 29, 1955, in Texas, United States. Best known as a senior pastor of the Dallas-based First Baptist Church, Robert Jeffress is also a major Fox News contributor.

He boasts of multiple theological degrees and is married to his high-school sweetheart, Amy. He has reached millions through his religious program Pathway to Victory.

19. Mark Driscoll

Mark Driscoll preaching on the Ten Commandments at Mars Hill Church.jpg Photo by Ruthanne Reid – Wikimedia Commons

12He was born on October 11, 1970, at Grand Forks. In addition, he is an evangelical pastor and author. He is best known as the founder of Mars Hill Church.

He also founded The Resurgence, a theological cooperative, and co-founded  Acts 29 Network, a parachurch organization. He is currently serving as the senior pastor of The Trinity Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is the author of several books. 

20. Alistair Begg

He is an American pastor and author. Since 1983, Begg has been serving as the senior pastor at Cleveland’s Parkside Church.

His program Truth For Life, which broadcasts his sermons on the radio to stations across North America, is quite popular among his followers.

Begg has also penned several influential books like Preaching for God’s Glory and Pray Big.

21. Shaun King

Shaun King, who was born on May 29, 1977, is a co-founder of Real Justice PAC. King is a writer as well as a civil rights activist who has been a strong supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.

In addition, Shaun King had previously started the Justice Together campaign in 2015 to address police brutality.

22. John C. Maxwell

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John C. Maxwell, an American pastor, is one of the most well-known preachers in the country. Maxwell is the creator of several publications, with a main emphasis on leadership.

The 21 Indispensable Characteristics of a Leader and The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership are two of the books by John Maxwell.

23. Timothy J. Keller

Redeemer City to City, a company that develops churches and trains pastors, is led by American pastor Timothy J. Keller, who also co-founded the company.

The Prodigal God: Restoring the Hearts of the Christian Faith, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, and he Prodigal God: Recovering the hearts of the Christian Faith, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, and The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Scepticism.

24. Paul Washer

One of the most well-known American preachers is Paul Washer.  Washer spent several years working as a missionary in Peru as a devout Christian. He founded the HeartCry Missionary Organization to help native missionaries.

25. Jeremiah Wright

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Jeremiah Wright, a pastor from the United States, is a retired pastor in Chicago, Illinois’ from Trinity United Church of Christ. For more than 30 years, Wright led the church as its pastor. Over 8,000 members joined Trinity United Church of Christ during his time as pastor.

26. James MacDonald

He is a Canadian-born evangelical pastor, television evangelist, and author. James was born on October 4, 1960, in London, Canada. He was the senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel. James is known for hosting the Walk in the Word ministry at the church. He has a ministry known as James MacDonald Ministries which is active on social media.

27. Shirley Caesar

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She is a gospel singer, minister, and songwriter. She was born on October 13, 1938, in North Carolina, United States. Shirley has released over 40 albums throughout her career. Some of them have achieved gold and platinum status. She has won 11 Grammy awards, 15 Dove Awards, and 14 Stellar Awards. Shirley is the founder of the Shirley Caesar Outreach Ministries. 

28. Rick Warren

Pastor_Rick_Warren.jpg: All About You Godderivative work: UpstateNYer, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

He is a Baptist evangelical Christian pastor and author. He is the founder of Saddleback Church, an evangelical megachurch in Lake Forest, California. In 2002, he authored The Purpose Driven Life which sold over 35 million copies and was translated into over 80 languages. Rick is known for his teachings that emphasize finding purpose in life and living it out through biblical principles. He is known for also founding the PEACE plan, a global initiative focused on promoting peacemaking, and has been involved in various humanitarian efforts.

29. Susan Johnson Cook

She is a pastor, theologian, author, activist, diplomat, and academic. In 1983, she became the first African-American woman to be appointed senior pastor at Mariner’s Temple Baptist Church. Susan is also the founder of the Bronx Christian Fellowship Baptist Church. It should be noted that Susan served as a policy advisor to President Bill Clinton.

30. Bobbie Houston

She is a New Zealand-born Pentecostal pastor. She was born on January 16, 1957. She is known for being the former co-senior Pastor of Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. Bobbie is also the founder and leader of Hillsong’s annual women’s gathering, Colour Conference, and the Color Sisterhood. The Color Your World Women’s Conference is hosted annually by Bobbue and the Hillsong team in London, Sydney, the United States, Cape Town, and Kyiv.

31. Holly Wagner

She was the co-founder of Oasis Church in 1984. It is a multi-cultural church located in Los Angeles. She is also the founder of She Rises. Holly has written several books including Find Your Brave, Awakened, Love Works, and WarriorChicks. She has an active Instagram account where she shares bible verses and short preachings.

32. Nadia Bolz-Weber

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She is the founding pastor of House for All Sinners and Saints in Colorado. She has published three New York Times bestselling memoirs which share her struggles, and faith journey. Nadia also hosts The Confessional podcast. She is known for addressing issues such as social justice and addiction through an open lens. Before becoming a pastor, Nadia was a stand-up comedian. 

33. Victoria Osteen

She is the co-pastor of Lakewood Church in Texas. It is one of the largest churches in the United States. Victoria is known for empowering women through various programs and events. She has published books such as Exceptional You! and Lover Your Life: Living Happy, Healthy, and Whole. Victoria is involved with organizations such as Feed the Children and The Bridge which is a shelter for battered women,

34. Christine Caine

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She is an Australian-born evangelist, activist, and author. She is known for founding Propel Women which is a global organization focused on empowering and encouraging women. Christine also founded The A21 Campaign. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to combatting human trafficking. Christine travels the world preaching to audiences. She is also the author of several books that focus on leadership and Christian life. 

35. Anita C. Hill

She is a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ and Lutheran religious communities. She is known for her fight for inclusion for openly gay clergy members. Anita is one of the first openly lesbian pastors ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. For over 30 years, she served as a pastor at St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church. In 2015, she retired as a pastor and is now working as a real estate agent. Anita continues to advocate for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights.

36. Carol Howard Merritt

She is a conservative Christian minister and author. Carol is known for serving as the Senior Pastor of Bedford Presbyterian Church in New York. Carol has served as a pastor for two decades at Presbyterian churches. She is also an award-winning author of Tribal Church: Ministering to the Missing Generation and Reframing Hope: Vital Ministry in a New Generation.

37. Heidi Neumark

She is a Lutheran pastor, author, and speaker. She is known for her advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church. Heidi served as a pastor of Transfiguration Lutheran Church in the South Bronx. She currently serves as a pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Manhattan. Heidi has published several books including Hidden Inheritance: Family Secret, Memory, and Faith and Breathing Space: A Spiritual Journey in the South Bronx.

38. Bernice King

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She is an ordained minister, She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University. Bernice is the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. She is known for serving as an Assistant Pastor at Greater Rising Star Baptist Church in Atlanta. Bernice is also the CEO of the King Center which is a non-profit organization that was founded by her mother. She actively participated in social justice causes such as racial equality, economic justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and peacebuilding.

39. Susie Owens

She is a minister, preacher, and counselor. She is the author of three books such as Unless Two Agree and Soaring Above the Ceiling. Susie has hosted several conferences, retreats, seminars, and services. 

40. Becky Fischer

She is the founder and director of Kids in Ministry International. It is a multi-faceted ministry that is dedicated to equipping children, teens, and children’s ministers to experience God in their lives. Becky is known for emphasizing children’s ministry through prayer, and faith. She is also known for her experience as a children’s pastor. Becky has trained individuals in over 50 nations through Bible schools, mission trips, and conferences.

41. Bimbo Odukoya

She was a Nigerian pastor, televangelist, and youth mentor. She is known for being the co-founder of the Fountain of Life church. She was the receiver of over 60 national and international awards. Bimbo hosted a television program that dealt with practical issues people face in marriage and relationships. She died in 2005 at the age of 45. Her legacy continues to inspire many through her teachings.

42. Beth Moore

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She is an evangelist, author, and Bible teacher. She is the founder of Living Proof Ministries which was established in 1994. It is a Christian organization that aims to help women grow in their faith through studying the Bible. Beth has authored several bestselling books and Bible studies which have been translated into various languages and reached millions worldwide. She is also an advocate for sexual abuse survivors.

43. Priscilla Shirer

She is an author, motivational speaker, actress, and Christian media personality. She has written several bestselling books on faith and personal growth. Priscilla is known for her dynamic presentations on various Christian themes. She is also known for her ability to connect with people and communicate engagingly.

44. Juanita Bynum

She is a gospel singer, author, and pastor. She was born on January 16, 1959, in Illinois. Juanita is known as the most prominent black female television evangelist in the country. Her album Piece of My Passion reached No.55 on the Billboard 200 charts. Juanita shares inspiring messages on empowerment, faith, and overcoming challenges. She is also the author of The Threshing Floor.

45. Sheila Walsh

She is a Christian vocalist, songwriter, evangelist, author, and inspirational speaker. Her music blends contemporary and traditional Christian styles. She is the author of several inspirational books on various topics such as faith and personal growth. Sheila is also the host of the television show God’s Little Princess and Special Report With Sheila Walsh: Israel Under Fire.