When we speak of some of the most influential televangelists in American history, Oral Roberts is one of the most recognizable names. The author of numerous books, the founder of Oral Roberts University, and known for his mighty preaching voice, healing ministry, and power gospel, his legacy continues to irritate and intrigue to this day. One of the most popular questions people have is about Oral Roberts net worth. How valuable was he while he was alive? What were his chief sources of wealth? And how is his legacy being sustained economically through the institutions that he established?
In this article, we will explore the enigmas behind Oral Roberts’ net worth, his life achievements, career journey, controversies, and philanthropic endeavors in the realm of faith-based education.
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Who Was Oral Roberts?
Oral Roberts, American televangelist, faith healer and educator. Birthdate 24 Jan 1918 in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma-died 15 Dec 2009 in Newport Beach, California, Roberts was one of the most influential men in modern Christianity. His ministry spread to millions through television and radio programming, revival meetings and publications. He concentrated on the healing, wealth and faith in daily life.
And he is remembered as the founder of Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, one of the largest charismatic Christian universities in the USA to this day.
Oral Roberts Net Worth
At one point Oral Roberts had a net worth of about $10 million to $15 million. The income from donations, television broadcasts, book sales and talks was his main source of money. Although not as rich as some current televangelists, Roberts had an impact that was impressive for his day, particularly given the extent of his ministry and his ability to construct institutions.
His capital became not only personal, but also institutional. Millions of dollars were raised through Oral Roberts Ministries and Oral Roberts University to support buildings, scholarships, hospitals and missionary endeavors.
Oral Roberts Biography / Wiki
Here’s a quick glance at Oral Roberts’ biography and personal details.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Granville Oral Roberts |
| Oral Roberts Date of Birth | January 24, 1918 |
| Oral Roberts Place of Birth | Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, USA |
| Oral Roberts Date of Death | December 15, 2009 |
| Oral Roberts Occupation | Televangelist, Author, Educator |
| Oral Roberts Net Worth (at peak) | $10 – $15 million |
| Oral Roberts Notable Work | Founder of Oral Roberts University |
Oral Roberts Early Life and Background
Oral Roberts grew up in poverty farming Oklahoma. His spiritual leaders while he was a child were strongly influenced by the Pentecostal-Holiness movement in which his parents were baptised. At 17 he developed tuberculosis that almost killed him. As he often testified, the crisis in his life was the miraculous cure he experienced through faith and prayer.
The feeling of getting healed from that paralysis and various other ailments gave him a mission to preach faith healing to millions worldwide.
Career and Ministry
Roberts entered the ministry in the 1940s and soon became one of the first evangelists to make widespread use of the radio and television. His healing crusades went on television and attracted large audiences of people who claimed to have been cured by prayer.
In 1963, he founded Oral Roberts University, an experiment that was to serve as the flagship of his vision for culturally combining law and higher education with Christian values and principles. The campus of the university was recognised for its futuristic architecture, which was paid for by millions of dollars in donations.
Oral Roberts also built the City of Faith Medical and Research Center in Tulsa, a huge hospital complex designed to marry prayer into medicine. Though it shut down in the 1980s because of money issues, it was an example of big ideas.
Oral Roberts Dpartum net worth analysis
To get an idea of the Oral Roberts Net Worth it helps to look at the main outlets that led to his riches:
| Source of Wealth | Estimated Contribution |
| Television Ministry | $3 – $5 million |
| Book Sales & Publications | $1 – $2 million |
| Speaking Engagements | $500,000+ |
| Donations to Ministry | Tens of millions (used for ORU and hospitals, not personal) |
| Investments & Assets | $2 – $3 million |
Legacy of Oral Roberts University
Oral Roberts University (ORU), chartered in 1963, is one of Roberts’ highest accomplishments. The university put academic goodness in contact with the soil of Christian faith. It had thousands of students studying from all over the world and it’s still running successfully today.
While Roberts personally amassed great affluence, the greater financial legacy came through ORU, whose endowment (now greater than one billion dollars) and worldwide educational impact exist to this day.
Quest For Money: Arguments That Emerge
Like many televangelists Oral Roberts was no stranger to controversy. In 1987, Roberts made national headlines by telling a television audience that God “will call him home” if he did not raise $8 million for his ministry promptly. This drew criticism from the masses around the nation as many believed him to receive funding through creating a process that grants a lot of money is made through witchcraft.
It was assembled eventually, but incidents like this one caused controversy about the riches of televangelists, including Roberts.
About Oral Roberts Family & Personal Life
Roberts was married to Evelyn Lutman Fahnestock from 1938 up until 2005. The couple had four children. Sadly, two of his children died — Rebecca Nash in a plane crash in 1977 and his son Ronnie in 1982.
Despite this personal disaster, Roberts continued to minister until the very end of his life. He died at the age of 91 in 2009.
Looking at Changes in a Net Worth by Year
The below table shows how Oral Roberts’ net worth is expected to grow during his lifetime:
| Year / Era | Estimated Net Worth |
| 1950s | $500,000 – $1 million |
| 1970s | $5 – $7 million |
| 1980s (Peak Ministry) | $10 – $15 million |
| 2009 (At Death) | $10 million approx. |
Oral Roberts’ Influence on Modern Christianity
Roberts was laying the foundation for the birth of televangelism. Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, and Joel Osteen all followed a similar approach to the same end, messaging through media around the word of faith.
Though rife with controversy, Roberts’ obsession with healing, prosperity, and education shifted the meaning of what it meant to practice Christianity in a new way. His impact can be seen on the students and ministry associated with ORU.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Oral Roberts
What was Oral Roberts’ estate worth at the time of his death?
When he died in 2009, Oral Roberts was estimated to be worth $10 million.
How did Oral Roberts earn his money?
His main income came from television ministry programs, the sale of his books, speaking engagements and donations to his ministry.
Was Oral Roberts a well-to-do preacher?
His lifestyle wasn’t as lavish as some contemporary televangelists, but seeing how successful his ministry was, he did benefit from his ministry.
What has Oral Roberts University become worth today?
While the figures fluctuate, ORU has over a multi-million dollar budget and continues to be recognized as one of the top Christian universities.
Has Oral Roberts ever been embroiled in a cash flow scandal?
Yes, especially in 1987 when he was claiming God would take him home if his ministry could not raise $8 million.
As a noted minister, an educator, and a televangelist, Oral Roberts’ net worth is estimated to be to the tune of $10-15 million. His individual wealth did increase over the years, but one of the larger impacts stemming from his legacy was his founding of Oral Roberts University and being a visionary in the field of televangelism.
His was a life of religious passion, economic controversy, and continuing influence. Whether respected for his faith or criticized for his tactics, Oral Roberts played a role in American Christianity that continues her influence even today.