Pastor Paula White, an American Christian evangelist, author, and television personality, has an estimated net worth of $5 million. While her ministry has been lucrative, it is noteworthy that her husband since 2015, Jonathan Cain, has accumulated a significantly higher net worth through his five-decade-long career as a musician with the rock band Journey. White has become one of the most well-known and controversial televangelists in the U.S., with her prosperity gospel teachings and deep political connections elevating her influence.
Her rise to prominence took her from humble and troubled beginnings to a powerful position as the spiritual advisor to former President Donald Trump. In February 2025, Trump further cemented her political influence by appointing her as the head of the White House Faith Office, making her the first leader of the newly created initiative.
Early Life and Path to Ministry
Born Paula Michelle Furr in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1966, White’s early years were fraught with hardship. Her father died by suicide when she was just five years old, leading to years of instability and trauma. She has openly discussed her struggles with poverty and abuse during childhood, which she credits as formative in her ministry’s mission to help others overcome adversity through faith.
White underwent what she describes as a profound religious conversion at age 18. This transformation set her on a path toward ministry, and in the late 1980s, she moved to Tampa, Florida, where she began her evangelical work. She gained a following due to her compelling preaching style and emphasis on faith-based financial success.
Building a Ministry and Televangelism Success
Paula White’s ministry is rooted in the prosperity gospel, a theological framework that teaches financial success is attainable through faith and donations to religious organizations. Her television program, Paula White Today, which aired on major Christian networks like BET and the Trinity Broadcasting Network, helped her reach a national audience. Her teachings resonated with viewers seeking hope, leading to a significant expansion of her influence.
She co-founded Without Walls International Church in Tampa alongside her then-husband Randy White in 1991. The church grew rapidly, drawing thousands of followers and generating substantial donations. However, financial mismanagement led to severe financial distress for the ministry in the years that followed.
Financial Struggles and Church Bankruptcy
Despite her emphasis on financial blessings, White’s own ministry faced major financial challenges. Without Walls International Church eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2014, with debts reportedly reaching tens of millions. This financial downfall followed years of scrutiny, including a U.S. Senate investigation from 2007 to 2011 into the financial practices of several high-profile televangelists, including White. While the investigation did not find any definitive wrongdoing, it raised questions about her financial dealings.
White has also been criticized for her fundraising techniques, particularly her endorsement of “seed faith” donations, in which followers are encouraged to contribute money with the promise of receiving divine financial blessings in return. This has drawn condemnation from mainstream Christian leaders who argue that such teachings distort biblical scripture.
Political Rise and Influence with Donald Trump
White’s connection with Donald Trump began in the early 2000s when the businessman-turned-politician reportedly became a fan of her television sermons. Over time, she became a trusted spiritual advisor to Trump, eventually playing a key role in his 2016 presidential campaign.
Her influence peaked when she was chosen to deliver the invocation at Trump’s 2017 inauguration. She subsequently served as chair of the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative throughout his presidency. In February 2025, as Trump sought to bolster his evangelical support base, he appointed her as the first leader of the newly established White House Faith Office, a role that underscores her ongoing influence at the highest levels of government.
Her political engagement has further polarized opinions about her ministry. While many evangelicals celebrate her proximity to power as a way to advocate for Christian policies, others criticize the blending of religion and politics, arguing that it compromises spiritual integrity.
Personal Life and Marriages
White’s personal life has been a subject of public intrigue. She has been married three times: first to Dean Knight (1985-1989), then to Randy White (1990-2007), with whom she built her early ministry. In 2015, she married Jonathan Cain, the renowned keyboardist from the rock band Journey. Their marriage brought her into the spotlight of secular media, further fueling discussions about her personal and financial life.
White has defended her personal choices, stating that her experiences—including divorce—have helped shape her into a more compassionate and understanding leader. However, some conservative Christian circles have criticized her divorces, arguing that they contradict traditional biblical teachings on marriage.
Real Estate and Assets
Despite her financial controversies, White has invested in high-end real estate. In 2016, she and Jonathan Cain purchased a luxurious 6,000-square-foot mansion in Apopka, Florida, for $1.125 million. This property serves as their primary residence and is reflective of the prosperity message she preaches.
Her financial and real estate dealings continue to raise questions, particularly regarding the extent to which ministry donations have contributed to her personal wealth.
Ongoing Controversy and Criticism
White remains one of the most debated figures in American Christianity. Her teachings, which link financial success with faith, have drawn sharp rebuke from mainstream Christian leaders, who argue that her interpretation of scripture is self-serving. Her fundraising tactics, especially those encouraging followers to donate substantial sums in exchange for promised blessings, remain one of the most contentious aspects of her ministry.