Paula White is a televangelist and pastor. She grew up in poverty in Tupelo, Mississippi. She became a Christian at 18 and started preaching in churches across the US. In 1991, she founded Without Walls International Church in Tampa, Florida. It grew to become one of the largest churches in the country.
Critics have accused White of promoting a prosperity gospel that emphasizes material wealth over spiritual growth. She has faced scrutiny for her luxurious lifestyle. White has been politically active, serving as a spiritual advisor to former President Donald Trump. She strongly supported him throughout his presidency, which drew criticism in light of the January 6, 2021, storming of the US Capitol.
Paula White Bio/Wiki Table
Name | Paula White |
---|---|
Full Name | Paula Michelle White |
Age | 56 years old |
Birthdate | April 20, 1966 |
Birthplace | Tupelo, Mississippi, USA |
Nationality | American |
Religion | Christianity |
Church | Without Walls International Church |
Founded | 1991 |
Location | Tampa, Florida, USA |
Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
Spouse | Jonathan Cain (m. 2015), Randy White (m. 1990–2007) |
Children | 1 (from previous marriage) |
Net Worth | $5 million (estimated) |
Controversies | Promoting prosperity gospel, luxurious lifestyle, political involvement, support of Donald Trump |
Criticisms | Emphasizing material wealth over spiritual growth |
Notable Accomplishments | Preaching in churches across the USA, founding one of the largest churches in the country |
Young & Early Life
Paula White was born on April 20, 1966, in Tupelo, Mississippi, USA. She grew up in poverty, often living in trailer parks with her parents and siblings. Her parents’ marriage was troubled, and they divorced when she was five years old.
At the age of nine, White began attending church with a neighbor, and she became a born-again Christian at the age of 18. She has said that her conversion experience was a turning point in her life, giving her a sense of purpose and direction.
White attended Mississippi College briefly before dropping out to pursue her calling as a preacher. She began traveling across the United States, preaching in churches and holding tent revivals. She also started a family with her first husband, who she later divorced. Despite the challenges she faced as a young preacher and single mother, White continued to pursue her passion for spreading the gospel.
Without Walls International Church
Without Walls International Church is a non-denominational Christian church founded by Paula White and her former husband Randy White in 1991. The church’s mission is to create a welcoming community where people can come to worship, learn, and grow in their faith.
At its peak, Without Walls International Church had a congregation of more than 20,000 members and was one of the largest churches in the United States. The church also had a significant media presence, with its services broadcast on television and online.
Throughout its history, Without Walls International Church has been involved in a variety of outreach efforts. The church has partnered with local organizations to provide assistance to people in need, including homeless shelters, food banks, and disaster relief organizations.
However, the church has also faced its share of controversies. In 2014, Without Walls International Church filed for bankruptcy amid financial difficulties, and it has faced criticism over its leadership and the teachings of the prosperity gospel. Despite these challenges, the church continues to operate and is dedicated to its mission of spreading the gospel and serving its community.
Bankruptcy
Without Walls International Church filed for bankruptcy in October 2014 after facing significant financial difficulties. The church had been struggling with debt for several years and had been sued multiple times by creditors.
In its bankruptcy filing, Without Walls International Church listed debts of over $10 million and assets of less than $50,000. The church’s leadership cited declining attendance and revenue as the primary reasons for its financial troubles.
Following the bankruptcy filing, the church faced criticism from some members and former members who questioned the leadership’s management of church funds. In response, the church’s leaders acknowledged mistakes in their financial management but also defended their overall stewardship of the church’s resources.
In 2018, Without Walls International Church emerged from bankruptcy and has since been working to rebuild its congregation and its finances. The church’s leaders have expressed a commitment to transparency and accountability in their financial practices and have emphasized their dedication to the church’s mission of serving the community and spreading the gospel.
Paula White Ministries
Paula White Ministries is a non-profit organization founded by Paula White. The ministry’s mission is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching, teaching, and other forms of outreach.
Through Paula White Ministries, White has held numerous events and conferences, both in the United States and internationally, aimed at encouraging and equipping believers. The ministry has also produced a variety of resources, including books, DVDs, and study materials, to help people deepen their faith and grow in their understanding of God’s word.
In addition to its spiritual mission, Paula White Ministries has also been involved in humanitarian efforts. The ministry has partnered with organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse and the Dream Center to provide assistance to people in need, both domestically and abroad.
Overall, Paula White Ministries seeks to be a source of hope and inspiration to people of all backgrounds, helping them to develop a deeper relationship with God and to live out their faith in practical ways.
Donald Trump
Paula White was a spiritual advisor to former President Donald Trump during his administration. In this role, White frequently prayed with the president and provided guidance on spiritual matters.
White’s involvement with the Trump administration was controversial, with some critics questioning her support of Trump’s policies and her involvement in politics as a religious leader. White has been a vocal supporter of Trump, and she was one of several evangelical leaders who participated in his inauguration ceremony.
During her time as a spiritual advisor to the president, White also faced criticism for her teachings on the prosperity gospel, which emphasizes material wealth and financial success as signs of God’s favor. Some critics argued that this message was at odds with the teachings of Jesus and promoted a self-centered approach to spirituality.
Despite the controversy surrounding her involvement with the Trump administration. White has continued to preach and teach on spiritual matters and has remained an influential figure in the evangelical community.
Paula White & Her Political Career
Paula White has not held any political office or officially run for political office. However, she has been involved in politics in various ways throughout her career.
During her time as a spiritual advisor to former President Donald Trump, White was seen as a key influencer in the administration’s approach to issues such as religious freedom and the Israel-Palestine conflict. She also served on the Evangelical Advisory Board for Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016.
In addition to her involvement in national politics, White has also been involved in local politics in Florida, where she has lived for many years. In 2008, she served as a member of the New Destiny Christian Center’s board of directors, which was led by pastor Zachery Tims. Tims was also a political activist who supported Republican candidates, and he was reportedly involved in efforts to register voters in the Orlando area.
Overall, while Paula White has not held elected office, her involvement in politics has been significant, particularly in the context of her work as a religious leader and advisor to President Trump.
Theology
Paula White’s theology centers on evangelical Christianity and emphasizes the power of faith in Jesus Christ. She teaches the prosperity gospel, which stresses material wealth as a sign of God’s favor.
White prioritizes personal growth and transformation through prayer and spiritual practices. She also voices conservative opinions on social issues such as abortion and LGBTQ rights, aligning with conservative politicians.
Despite some criticism of her teachings, White remains an influential figure in the evangelical community. Her emphasis on the prosperity gospel has sparked controversy for promoting a self-centered approach to spirituality.
Husband, Divorce, Children
Paula White has been married three times. Her first marriage was to Dean Knight, and they have one son together named Bradley Knight. White’s second marriage was to Randy White, who she co-founded Without Walls International Church with. The couple had no children together.
Paula and Randy White divorced in 2007 after 18 years of marriage. Their divorce was reportedly amicable, and they both continue to lead separate ministries.
In 2015, Paula White married for the third time, to Jonathan Cain, a musician and member of the band Journey. The couple has been active in ministry together and have also collaborated musically.
Overall, Paula White has one child from her first marriage and no children from her second or third marriages. Her divorce from Randy White did not appear to have a significant impact on her ministry or her career as a religious leader.
Jonathan Cain
Jonathan Cain, the keyboardist for the rock band Journey, was born on February 26, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, and began his music career in the 1970s with the band The Babys.
In 1980, Cain joined Journey and played a crucial role in the band’s success, contributing to hit songs such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” He has also released several solo albums and collaborated with various musicians throughout his career.
Aside from his music career, Cain is also recognized for his Christian faith and his work as a worship leader. He has been married three times, and his current wife is Paula White, a prominent televangelist and spiritual advisor to former President Donald Trump. Cain and White have collaborated both in ministry and musically.
Net Worth Of Paula White
As of 2023, Paula White’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. The majority of her wealth comes from her work as a televangelist and leader of Paula White Ministries, which has a large following and a significant media presence.
In addition to her ministry work, White has also been involved in various business ventures over the years, including a line of clothing and accessories sold on the Home Shopping Network. She has also authored several books and has made appearances on a variety of TV programs and talk shows.
While White’s net worth is significant, it is important to note that her teachings on the prosperity gospel and the accumulation of wealth have been controversial within the religious community. Some have criticized her focus on material success as being at odds with traditional Christian values of humility and service to others.
FAQs
What is Paula White’s net worth?
Paula White’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million as of 2023.
What is Paula White’s theology?
Paula White’s theology is centered on evangelical Christianity and emphasizes the power of faith in Jesus Christ. She teaches the prosperity gospel, which stresses material wealth as a sign of God’s favor.
Who is Jonathan Cain?
Jonathan Cain is an American musician, singer, and songwriter who is best known as the keyboardist for the rock band Journey. He is also the husband of Paula White.
How many times has Paula White been married and does she have any children?
Paula White has been married three times. She has one son from her first marriage, but no children from her second or third marriages.
What is Without Walls International Church?
Without Walls International Church was a megachurch co-founded by Paula White and her former husband Randy White in 1991. The church grew to become one of the largest in the United States before declaring bankruptcy in 2014.
What is Paula White Ministries?
Paula White Ministries is a Christian ministry founded by Paula White that is focused on spreading the gospel and helping individuals to deepen their spiritual lives. The ministry has a large following and a significant media presence, including TV programs and online resources.