You cannot deny the power of the modern church to influence their congregants, and the biggest gripe non-religious people often have with religion is its ability to exploit whilst retaining a smug sense of moral superiority.

Most of the pastors on this list have been embroiled in bitter controversy in the past, displaying traits unbecoming a man of God, yet they retain their power because people place them on a certain pedestal and they continue to grow rich off the spoils.

Controversial US site MediaTakeOut has made a list of the 7 richest black preachers in the world, and to no one’s surprise it’s made up largely of Nigerians. From top to down, we have pastors embroiled in controversy; whether it is private jet related, or disaster at their churches due to poor planning.

But the money just keeps flowing in…

Hit the jump to see the list of the world’s richest black pastors.

7. T.B Joshua

Joshua is the head of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), and is the first of many Nigerian preachers on the list. Joshua’s SCOAN is one of the most controversial churches in Africa, with the preacher’s Emmanuel TV representing a powerful media tool to gain followers.

SCOAN was embroiled in scandal last year when a building at their main auditorium in Lagos collapsed, killing over 100 people. Preliminary investigations point to shoddy work being the cause, but Joshua and his people maintain it was an attack from outsiders.

Joshua is believed to be worth about $10m.

6. Matthew Ashimolowo

Matthew Ashimolowo heads the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC). Based in London, Ashimolowo has branched out his church to most other parts of the world.

He is worth in excess of $20m.