20 Influential Black Pastors Across The World

20 Influential Black Pastors Across The World

As a Christian who attends church regularly, I look up to pastors who serve God faithfully. I admire pastors who work hard to share God’s love and bring more people to Jesus. In this piece, we will learn about 20 black pastors from around the world who have made a big impact. These pastors have grown large churches and helped many people find hope in God.

Some have also fought against injustice in their countries. All have served God for a long time with passion. As we read their stories, I hope it inspires more Christians to spread God’s Word globally. Though they face big challenges, God does powerful things through them. These pastors show that with faith in God, we can make a difference everywhere. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to the most influential black pastors.

 

Influential Black Pastors from the US

1.   The Rev. Raphael G. Warnock

 

preaches from the historic pulpit of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once pastored during the civil rights movement. Rev. Warnock is known for passionately addressing pressing social and political issues from the pulpit, carrying on Dr. King’s legacy.

This includes wearing a hoodie during a moving sermon in honor of Trayvon Martin after his tragic death and strongly advocating against the death sentence in the high-profile Troy Davis case in Georgia. Rev. Warnock continues Dr. King’s legacy of activism for justice while spreading the hopeful message of the gospel. He inspires his congregation and the broader community to work towards positive change. 

2.    The Rev. Arthur Price Jr.

Leads the historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, a church forever linked with the civil rights movement. This congregation faced immense tragedy and hardship when it was targeted in a horrific Ku Klux Klan bombing attack in 1963 that killed four young African American girls. However, Rev. Price and the resilient members of 16th Street Baptist church refused to give into hatred.

For decades since, Rev. Price and his congregation have thoughtfully commemorated pivotal moments in civil rights history through education, remembrance events, and scholarships in honor of those four girls. At the same time, 16th Street Baptist remains intensely focused on looking forward to spread the hopeful message of Jesus Christ with their local community.

3.   Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie

Made history by courageously becoming the first woman to ever be elected as a Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, shattering gender barriers. She is a renowned biblical scholar and prolific author who has broken new ground throughout her pioneering career, capably presiding over the AME Church’s Council of Bishops for multiple terms.

Bishop McKenzie is an influential voice who champions both women’s rights and empowerment through taking on more leadership roles across all levels of church life – from the pulpit to the pews. Her personal motto inspires other women: “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough!” 

4.    The Rev. Calvin O. Butts III

 

He’s the influential and longest serving Pastor of the historical Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. He has led an incredible revival in this congregation. Rev. Butts has also served as President of SUNY College at Old Westbury for over 30 years, demonstrating his steadfast commitment to education. His passion for academic excellence and opportunity is evident through initiatives like the innovative Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change. A public high school in Harlem he founded in partnership with the NYC Department of Education to specifically prepare students for higher education. Rev. Butts is a tireless advocate and vocal champion for academic achievement in underserved communities.

5.    Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell

Led Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas for decades. Under his servant leadership, the congregation experienced impressive growth from 25 original members to over 17,000 diverse members at its peak, making it the largest United Methodist congregation in America. Caldwell was also a long time trusted spiritual advisor and pastor to multiple U.S. Presidents over his distinguished career before retiring recently after allegations related to fraudulent investment practices. His dynamic preaching empowered generations of people before, during, and after his fall from grace.

6.   Bishop Joseph W. Walker III

Leads the rapidly growing Mount Zion Full Gospel Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, which has expanded to 5 campuses. His vibrant ministry extends online, and he actively utilizes social media and technology to reach out and connect with college students across campuses in Tennessee and Kentucky. Bishop Walker is also a Grammy-nominated gospel music artist and songwriter known for his musical sermon series “You’ve Been So Good”. He passionately communicates messages about hope, encouragement and living life to the fullest.

7.    Bishop T.D. Jakes

Leads the globally influential Potter’s House megachurch in Dallas, Texas, which over 30,000 members locally. His rousing sermons broadcast on television networks and distributed online reach many millions more worldwide. T.D Jakes is known for his charismatic and dramatic preaching style and writing numerous top-selling inspirational books. He champions personal growth and fulfillment through ongoing spiritual development across all of life’s ups and downs. His messages tackle real life struggles and focus on healing.8. Noel Jones (City of Refuge Church – USA)

8.     Rev. Eugene Rivers

The founder and director of the Azusa Christian Community in Boston, Massachusetts. He has been active in anti-violence efforts in Boston’s inner city since the 1990s. Reverend Rivers helped negotiate truces between rival gangs and worked with police to reduce homicide rates. He has advised multiple U.S. presidents on policies related to urban violence and poverty.

Reverend Rivers promotes church-based community organizing and empowering neighborhoods to lead change. He is known for directly engaging with gang members and young people at risk of violence. Rev. Rivers believes the church should be a peacemaking force from within distressed communities. His violance prevention work focuses on personal transformation through faith to break cycles of retaliation.

 

Influential Black Pastors from the UK

9.   Rev.  Tim Stephens

The pastor of Windsor Park Baptist Church in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Born in Jamaica, Rev. Stephens studied theology in the United States before moving to the UK. He leads a racially diverse church with members from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa and more. Rev. Stephens works to promote reconciliation and forgiveness in Northern Ireland in the aftermath of The Troubles.

He has built relationships across divided Protestant and Catholic communities. Rev. Stephens facilitates storytelling and honest dialogue between former paramilitaries to encourage healing. His vision is for churches to be inclusive communities that break down historic divides. Windsor Park Baptist has partnerships across Ireland and hosts events focused on justice and rhythm.

10.   Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin

 

He is the Chaplain to the Speaker of the British House of Commons. She was also the first black woman to serve as Chaplain to the Queen of England. Reverend Hudson-Wilkin was born in Jamaica and grew up in one of Britain’s top Anglican churches. She has called for the Church of England to take responsibility for its links to slavery and colonialism and to address ongoing racial injustice.

Rev. Hudson-Wilkin is also known for her pioneering work supporting urban youth, immigrants, and encouraging young minorities to find their voices as leaders. As a black woman in prominent chaplain roles she serves as an example of empowerment. She speaks openly about experiencing discrimination even as an Anglican priest. 

11.   Dr. John Azumah

A professor of World Christianity and Islam at Columbia Theological Seminary in Georgia, USA. Originally from Ghana, Dr. Azumah has written extensively about relationships between Christians and Muslims in Africa as global religions meet local cultures. His books and leadership training equip churches for interfaith community engagement and effective ministry in religiously diverse contexts.

Dr. Azumah has served as an adviser to the World Council of Churches on issues from combating extremism to HIV/AIDS care. He also founded the Centre for Islamic Studies and Muslim-Christian Relations at the London School of Theology which resources Christian leaders serving majority Muslim nations.

12.   Pastor Kingsley Appiagyei

 

He was the Senior Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Manchester, England. He was also the President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain in 2009. Pastor Appiagyei was born in Ghana and studied theology in Russia before becoming a pastor in the UK. As President he provided leadership and care for over 2000 Baptist churches across Britain, promoting unity and common witness to Christ.

Pastor Appiagyei served on national committees focused on racial justice, poverty alleviation, and effective engagement with young adults both within and outside of the church. Under his leadership, the Baptist Union also took a strong public stance in advocating for international religious freedom. He retired from Trinity Baptist Church in 2015 after over two decades of ministry.

 

Influential Black Pastors from Africa

13.   David Oyedepo – Nigeria

David Oyedepo is a Nigerian pastor who founded the Faith Tabernacle megachurch in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria in 1981. With over 50,000 members, Faith Tabernacle is one of the largest churches in the world. Oyedepo is considered one of the wealthiest pastors in Africa and has built educational institutions like Covenant University and Landmark University. He is known for his prosperity gospel teachings and bold style of preaching. Oyedepo has started over 5,000 churches in Nigeria and several African nations and aims to have a church within 5 minutes of every person.

14.   Shepherd Bushiri – Malawi

Shepherd Bushiri, also known as Major 1, is a popular Malawian Christian preacher, prophet, businessman, motivational speaker and author born in 1983. He founded the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church based in Pretoria, South Africa which has over 100,000 members across Africa. Bushiri is known for his lavish lifestyle, prosperity gospel teachings and claims of performing miracles. He owns several businesses including a mining company, real estate ventures and a private jet. Bushiri has attracted controversy due to allegations of money laundering and criminal activities.

15.   Pastor Mensa Otabil – Ghana

Mensa Otabil is an influential Ghanaian pastor who founded the International Central Gospel Church in Accra, Ghana in 1984. His contemporary style of preaching and leadership training programs have made him popular especially among youth and professionals. Under Otabil’s leadership, ICGC has grown to have hundreds of branches across Africa, Europe, and North America. Otabil is also an educator, author and motivational speaker. He established the Pan-African Christian University College which runs undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

16.   Aloysius Bugingo – Uganda 

 

Aloysius Bugingo, commonly known as Aloyo, is a prominent Ugandan pastor who founded the House of Prayer Ministries in Kampala, Uganda in 1995. The church has over 20,000 members and emphasizes prayer, deliverance and prosperity. Bugingo was known for his bold preaching style, revelation gifts and conducts many crusades across Uganda. He hosted a popular weekly television program called Ekitabo Kya Laba aired across East Africa. Bugingo  attracted some controversy regarding his personal life and relationships.

17.   Michael Mahendere – Zimbabwe

Michael Mahendere is a popular Zimbabwean pastor known for his lively church services that blend contemporary worship and gospel music. In 2010, he founded the Embassava Stadium Church in Highfield, Harare which has grown tremendously. Mahendere is acclaimed for his preaching, teaching and gospel music albums which have won several awards. He hosts crusades, conferences and leadership summits across Africa. Mahendere also founded Behind the Name, a community organization supporting disadvantaged youth through educational scholarships and life skills training. 

18.   Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye – Nigeria

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye is the influential leader of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Adeboye initially worked as a lecturer in mathematics at universities in Nigeria and the University of Lagos before taking over as the General Overseer of RCCG in 1981 from the church’s founder.  Under Adeboye’s leadership over the past four decades, the RCCG has expanded explosively across the world from having less than 40 parishes to having a presence across over 196 countries and territories. Estimates suggest RCCG may have 5 million or more members globally making it one of the largest contemporary Christian denominations.

The church is renowned for its monthly Holy Ghost service held at the Redemption Camp in Ogun State, Nigeria which attracts over 2 million attendees on-site and virtually. Adeboye has an admirable reputation as a teacher of the Bible and through Leadership Conferences, disciples pastors around the world. Even now, Pastor Adeboye continues to provide remarkable vision and leadership over RCCG’s international network of parishes and massive mission initiatives which include hospitals, schools and universities across Africa.

19.   Ayo Oritsejafor – Nigeria

Ayo Oritsejafor is an influential Nigerian pastor who founded the Word of Life Bible Church located in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. The church has grown to have branches in Nigeria, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. Oritsejafor served as the national president of the Christian Association of Nigeria.

He pioneered the first Miracle Crusade from Africa to the world proclaiming Christ. Oritsejafor is known for organizing prayer summits and providing socioeconomic assistance to people in Nigeria. He owns the African Broadcasting Network which operates several media outlets across the continent.

20.   Alph Lukau – South Africa 

 

Alph Lukau is an internationally acclaimed South African pastor and author known as the “Apostle of Faith.” He is the founder and leader of Alleluia Ministries International based in Johannesburg which he founded in 2002. Under his leadership, the church has over hundreds of thousands of members across several countries.

Lukau hosts miracle healing and deliverance crusades in stadiums which draw massive crowds. His television ministry, Power TV, broadcasts across Africa and Europe. Lukau has written several bestselling books and his preaching style which emphasizes faith, prosperity and overcoming adversity resonates widely with the modern audience.

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These pastors faced poverty, racism, violence and injustice, but relied on God’s strength. Their faith and dedication to serving God no matter the obstacles is so motivating. Some started churches in tiny buildings that grew into megachurches reaching thousands. Their boldness in preaching the gospel has transformed many lives across continents. They have brought hope and love to so many desperate people. These pastors remind us that with God’s help, ordinary folks can do extraordinary things. Though few of us will attain the global influence that these pastors have, we can still share God’s message locally.