Over the years, we have seen a rise and expansion of many churches led by black pastors. While they may seem to be doing the ministry work flawlessly, it is interesting to know that behind these famous men of God are wives who give them all the support they need in leading their congregations.
Notable among these famous black pastors and their wives are people like Bishop T. D. Jakes and Serita Jakes, Pastor Enoch A. and Foluke Adebayo, and Creflo and Taffi Dollar.
Famous Black Pastors and their Wives that You Should Know
1. T.D. Jakes and Serita Jakes
Thomas Dexter Jakes also known as T.D. Jakes is married to Serita Jakes. They have been a couple for over forty years. While the American preacher is the leading pastor of The Potters House Church in Dallas Texas, Serita offers him support. Notably, she experienced abuse till she later gave her life to Christ.
At the time, she also met T.D. Jakes during a service at a church she was attending. Since then, the two have remained inseparable. They are the parents of 5 children.
2. Bishop Noel Jones and Loretta Jones
The Jamaican-born preacher and televangelist, Noel Jones is the senior pastor of the City of Refuge in California. He spent many years in ministry during which he got married to his first wife, Ruth Jones.
However, that marriage ended in 1992 and he got married to his second wife, Loretta Jones on June 4, 2022. Before their marriage, the Bishop and Loretta were in a long-time relationship. They met in 1998 and kept a non-s*xual relationship.
Also, they revealed details of their love life on the reality show Preachers of L.A. Aside from this, the bishop has had his share of controversies including affairs with other women as a paternity case.
Regardless of these challenges, the reality stars cum church ministers chose to be together and from what we have seen so far, they intend to keep it this way.
3. Enoch A. Adeboye and Foluke Adeboye
82-year-old Enoch A. Adebayo is the general overseer of one of Nigeria’s largest churches, Redeemed Christian Church of God. He has been married to Foluke Adebayo since 1967.
The couple are parents to four children made u of three boys Dare, Leke, and Adeolu, and a daughter, Bolu. Sadly, they lost their son Dare who died at the age of 42 on May 4, 1942.
Focusing on their union, the pair have been deeply involved in running the church.
4. David O. Oyedepo and Faith Abiola Oyedepo
Bishop David O. Oyedepo and Faith Oyedepo got married in 1982 and for most of their life, they have served in the ministry since 1983 when they founded the Faith Tabernacle based in Ota, Nigeria. Over the years, their ministry has expanded and now serves as the headquarters of Living Faith Church Worldwide.
As one of Nigeria’s largest denominations, the Oyedepo’s leads over 6 million members in more than 45 countries. Notably, Faith who is also known as Florence keeps a low profile while her husband is known for his faith-based teachings on prosperity, books, and many businesses.
Away from their ministry work, David and Faith are the parents of four children namely David Jr., Isaac, Joyce, and Love.
5. Creflo Dollar and Taffi L. Dollar
The American prosperity preacher has suffered his share of controversies yet his marriage with Taffi L. Dollar has continued to wax strong. The couple pastor the World Changers Church based in Atlanta.
They got married in 1988 and together, they share five children namely Gregory, Jeremy, Jordan, Lauren, and Alexandria. They welcomed their two children Gregory and Jeremy through adoption before later having the three youngest.
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6. David and Claudette Copeland
They are based in Windcrest, Texas from where they lead the New Creation Christian Fellowship. A close look at their love life shows that they have been together since the age of 21. The pair were high school sweethearts and after leaving school, they continued with their romantic relationship.
Eventually, they got married on July 20, 1974. For most of their lives, the pair have been working as Christian ministers.
7. Matthew Ashimolowo and Yemisi Ashimolowo
From his base in the UK, the Nigerian pastor leads Kingsway International Christian Center. Aside from this, Pastor Matthew has been married to Yemisi Ashimolowo since 1981. Through this union, they welcomed two children.
Before fame, Matthew grew up as a Muslim and got converted at the age of 20.
Like many celebrities, Matthew and Yemisi have dealt with some controversies. However, these mostly had to do with Matthew’s dealings with KICC’s charity The King’s Ministries Trust.
Between 2002 and 2005, he was investigated by the Charity Commission of England and Wales. The commission reported irregularities in the finances of his business and the church. Also, his family were found to be beneficiaries of the charity. In the end, the pastor was asked to repay £200,000.
