Dr. Bill Winston is more than just a prominent preacher—he’s a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, former IBM executive, published author, and real estate investor. With decades of dedication to ministry and entrepreneurship, Dr. Bill Winston’s net worth is estimated at $6 million as of 2024. His wealth reflects his extensive contributions to the faith, business, and broadcast communities through real estate, books, and media outreach.
Early Life and Military Career
Born William Samuel Winston on May 6, 1943, in Tuskegee, Alabama, Bill grew up in a deeply rooted African-American community known for its history of excellence and resilience. He graduated from Tuskegee Institute in 1967 and immediately embarked on a bold career in the U.S. Air Force, where he flew fighter jets during the Vietnam War.
During his six years of service, he was honored with several prestigious awards, including:
- The Distinguished Flying Cross
- The Air Medal
- The Squadron Top Gun Award
These accolades are a testament not just to his bravery, but to his precision, leadership, and excellence under pressure—traits that would later define his ministry and business endeavors.
Transition to Corporate America
After retiring from military service, Winston shifted gears and entered the business world. He joined IBM Corporation as a marketing representative, eventually becoming a Regional Marketing Manager for the Midwest Region. At IBM, he oversaw a portfolio generating more than $35 million in annual revenue.
Although his corporate career was thriving, Winston felt a divine calling he could no longer ignore. “I knew God had called me into full-time ministry, but I did not have the strength, at first, to step out and leave my good-paying job at IBM,” he once shared. In 1985, he finally made the leap, leaving behind his secure role to follow his spiritual purpose.
Founding Living Word Christian Center
In 1988, Bill and his wife Veronica Irene Winston launched a small storefront ministry. By 1990, the ministry had grown enough to be renamed Living Word Christian Center, now based in Forest Park, Illinois. What began with a modest group of believers eventually became a megachurch with over 22,000 members.
In 1998, Winston purchased Forest Park Plaza, a struggling shopping mall in Illinois, to house his growing church. The purchase was supported with a $13.2 million mortgage, but over time, the venture proved successful—both spiritually and financially. This bold move helped cement his legacy as a business-minded pastor who believed in combining faith with enterprise.
Winston also owns Washington Plaza in his hometown of Tuskegee, further contributing to his real estate holdings and overall net worth.
Business and Educational Initiatives
In the basement of Forest Park Plaza, Winston founded the Joseph Business School (JBS) in 1998. This initiative was designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the practical and spiritual tools needed to launch successful businesses. JBS operates both locally and internationally, helping individuals connect faith to the marketplace.
He also established the Living Word Bible Training Center, providing spiritual development and biblical education to church members and students worldwide.
In 2008, Winston led an acquisition of Covenant Bank, which later struggled during the 2008–2012 financial crisis. Despite his congregation’s financial support, the economic downturn made it difficult to raise additional regulatory capital. The bank was eventually closed by regulators in 2013. Nevertheless, Winston’s willingness to step into the banking sector demonstrates his belief that faith-based leaders should influence every area of society—including finance.
Media and Ministry Reach
Dr. Winston founded Bill Winston Ministries, a global outreach organization that produces the Believer’s Walk of Faith television and radio broadcasts. These programs air on major networks like:
- BET
- Daystar
- The Word Network
- The God Channel
This expansive reach allows Winston to share his teachings with millions across the globe, significantly increasing his influence and revenue streams.
Book Publications and Sales
Dr. Winston is a prolific author with 16 published books, many of which focus on faith, prosperity, leadership, and biblical economics. Some of his most notable works include:
- Faith and the Marketplace
- Law of Confession
- Transform Your Thinking, Transform Your Life
- The Power of the Tongue
- The Kingdom of God in You
His books have collectively earned over 2,000 Amazon reviews, which indicates estimated sales between 100,000 and 200,000 copies. These book sales, combined with speaking engagements and media syndication, contribute significantly to his personal wealth.
Personal Life and Family
Bill has been married to Veronica Winston since 1983. The couple met while Bill was still working at IBM. Veronica is deeply involved in the ministry and serves as a spiritual leader within Living Word Christian Center. They have three children: David, Allegra, and Melody.
Their son David Winston now serves as the director of Bill Winston Ministries and leads Go Hard for Christ Youth Ministry, continuing the family’s spiritual legacy.
Awards and Honors
In 2006, Winston received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Friends International Christian University in Florida. This was one of many recognitions honoring his contributions to both the church and the business world.
Quotes That Reflect His Philosophy
- “If something is too big for your mind, it will be too big for your hand.”
- “Abundance is a mindset. God wants to train you in trusting Him to fill you back up.”
- “The kingdom of God inside of you is designed to produce for you everything you have need of in this earth in abundance.”
Final Thoughts
As of 2024, Dr. Bill Winston’s net worth is estimated at $6 million, derived from his vast real estate investments, bestselling books, ministry media empire, and leadership institutions. More than a preacher, Winston is a pioneer in merging biblical principles with business success, proving that faith and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand.