Pauline Joyce Meyer is a renowned American author, speaker, and president of the ministry called Joyce Meyer Ministries. Together with her husband, Dave, they have raised four grown children and currently reside in the outskirts of St. Louis, Missouri. The headquarters of her ministry is located near the Fenton suburb of St. Louis, Missouri.
Who is Joyce Meyer?
Pauline Joyce Hutchison, also known as Joyce Meyer, was born in 1943 in southern St. Louis. Shortly after her birth, her father enlisted in the military to serve in World War II. In subsequent interviews, she has revealed that upon his homecoming, he began to sexually assault her. This topic is openly discussed in her gatherings.
After graduating from O’Fallon Technical High School in St. Louis, she got married to a part-time car salesman soon after her senior year. Their marriage only lasted for five years. She claims that her husband was unfaithful and convinced her to commit theft by taking payroll checks from her job. The money was spent on a trip to California.
Years later, she mentioned that she gave back the money. Following her divorce, Meyer was a regular at nearby bars until she crossed paths with Dave Meyer, who worked as an engineering draftsman. They tied the knot on January 7, 1967.
Career
According to Joyce Meyer, she had a powerful religious experience while driving to work in 1976. She heard God speak to her and felt a renewed sense of faith after feeling unhappy. Later that day, after a beauty appointment, she came home feeling very loved. That night, at a bowling alley, she felt very close to the Spirit of God.
For a short period, Joyce Meyer was part of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in St. Louis, which belongs to the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. She started teaching a Bible class in the early hours at a nearby cafeteria and became involved with Life Christian Center, a charismatic church located in Fenton.
After a short period, Meyer took on the role of associate pastor at the church. Her popularity as a Bible teacher greatly contributed to the church’s rise as one of the top charismatic churches in the region. Additionally, she started hosting a 15-minute radio show on a St. Louis station every day.
In 1985, Joyce Meyer stepped down from her position as associate pastor and established her own ministry, originally named “Life in the Word.” She then proceeded to broadcast her radio program on six additional stations, spanning from Chicago to Kansas City.
In 1993, her husband Dave suggested starting a TV ministry. They called it “Life in the Word” and it aired on WGN-TV in Chicago and BET. In 1998, it was one of the first religious shows on KTBU, then owned by Lakewood Church. The program, now called Enjoying Everyday Life, is still on air today.
In 2002, Hachette Book Group, a well-known publisher, acquired the rights to Meyer’s previously self-published books for a sum of over $10 million.
In 2004, the Rev. Larry Rice of New Life Evangelistic Center, who runs St. Louis Christian television station KNLC, decided to stop airing Meyer’s shows.
Despite being a long-time supporter of Meyer, Rice cited her lavish lifestyle and teachings that strayed from biblical principles as the reasons for this decision. The following year, Meyer was named one of Time magazine’s “25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America.”
Net Worth
Joyce Meyer is a well-known figure in the field of biblical education, writing, and inspiring talks. With a net worth of $8 million, she was asked to take on the role of an Associate Pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church located in St. Louis.
