Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Paula White

Discover the career path of Paula White, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Paula White-Cain is an American televangelist and a key figure in the Independent Charismatic movement. She is known for her advocacy of prosperity theology, a controversial belief that financial blessing and success are God's will for devout Christians. White gained prominence through her television ministry and has served as a religious advisor to prominent political figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump. She has faced scrutiny regarding her finances and theological stances, sparking debate and criticism within and outside the Christian community.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1991: Co-founding Without Walls International Church

In 1991, Paula White co-founded Without Walls International Church in Tampa, Florida, with her then-husband Randy White.

1991: Founding of Tampa Christian Center

In 1991, Paula and Randy White founded the Tampa Christian Center in Tampa, Florida.

2000: Speaking at Woman Thou Art Loosed Conference

In 2000, T.D. Jakes invited Paula White to speak at his "Woman Thou Art Loosed" conference.

December 2001: First Broadcast of Paula White Today

In December 2001, Paula White recorded the first broadcast of "Paula White Today".

2004: Participation in MegaFest

In 2004, Paula White participated in the MegaFest hosted by T.D. Jakes in Atlanta.

2005: Participation in MegaFest

In 2005, Paula White participated in the MegaFest hosted by T.D. Jakes in Atlanta.

October 4, 2006: Appearance on The Tyra Banks Show

On October 4, 2006, Paula White appeared on "The Tyra Banks Show" in an episode about promiscuity, as Tyra Banks' personal life coach.

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2006: Paula White Today on Nine Television Networks

By 2006, Paula White's show "Paula White Today" appeared on nine television networks, including Trinity Broadcast Network, Daystar, and Black Entertainment Television.

2008: Participation in MegaFest

In 2008, Paula White participated in the MegaFest hosted by T.D. Jakes in Atlanta.

July 12, 2009: Becoming Senior Pastor of Co-Founded Church

On July 12, 2009, Paula White became the senior pastor of the church she co-founded, replacing her former husband, Randy White.

January 1, 2011: Senior Pastor of Without Walls Central Church

On January 1, 2011, Paula White became the senior pastor of the Without Walls Central Church in Lakeland, Florida, after the resignation of Scott Thomas.

December 31, 2011: Appointment as Senior Pastor of New Destiny Christian Church

On December 31, 2011, the New Destiny Christian Church board announced the appointment of Paula White as the new senior pastor, succeeding Zachery Tims.

January 1, 2012: Senior Pastor of New Destiny Christian Center

On January 1, 2012, Paula White became the senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center.

2012: Senior Pastor for New Destiny Christian Center

In 2012, Paula White became senior pastor for New Destiny Christian Center (later renamed City of Destiny).

2012: Became an Apostolic Leader

Since at least 2012, Paula White has been an "apostolic leader" in Independent Charismatic Christianity.

2014: Senior Pastor of New Destiny Christian Center

In 2014, Paula White became the senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Florida.

2016: Chair of Evangelical Advisory Board

In 2016, Paula White chaired the evangelical advisory board for Donald Trump's campaign.

January 20, 2017: Invocation at Trump's Inauguration

On January 20, 2017, Paula White delivered the invocation at Donald Trump's inauguration, becoming the first female clergy member to do so.

May 5, 2019: Stepping Down as Senior Pastor

On May 5, 2019, Paula White announced she was stepping down as senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center, with her son and his wife succeeding her. She also announced plans to start 3,000 churches and a university.

May 2019: Stepping Down as Senior Pastor

In May 2019, Paula White stepped down as senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Florida.

November 2019: Appointment as Special Advisor

In November 2019, Paula White was appointed by Donald Trump as special advisor to the Faith and Opportunity Initiative at the Office of Public Liaison.

2019: Installed Son as Church Senior Leader

In 2019, Paula White installed her son, Bradley Knight, from her first marriage, as her church senior leader.

2019: Appointment to Advisory Role

In 2019, Paula White was appointed to an advisory role at the White House's Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiative.

June 2020: Supports Trump Reelection Campaign

In June 2020, Paula White supported Donald Trump in his 2020 reelection campaign, delivering a prayer at his campaign launch event. She warned that Christians who don't support President Trump will have to answer to God.

November 4, 2020: Prayer service for Trump

On November 4, 2020, after election results showed Trump losing to Joe Biden, Paula White led a prayer service streamed via Facebook Live. She spoke in tongues and called on "angelic reinforcement" from "angels" from Africa and South America to secure Trump's reelection, as well as "an abundance of rain".

2020: Opening Remarks for National Day of Prayer

In 2020, Paula White delivered the opening remarks for a National Day of Prayer ceremony.

January 6, 2021: Opening prayer at pro-Trump rally

On January 6, 2021, Paula White offered an opening prayer at the pro-Trump rally that preceded the attack on the U.S. Capitol, before Trump's speech.

December 2021: Participation in "Prayer Rally for Peace on the Korean Peninsula"

In December 2021, Paula White participated in the "Prayer Rally for Peace on the Korean Peninsula," hosted by the Unification Church's Universal Peace Federation. During the event, she called Hak Ja Han Moon, the widow of Unification Church founder Sun Myung Moon, "a jewel from God".

February 6, 2025: Appointment to White House Faith Office

On February 6, 2025, shortly after his re-inauguration, Trump announced the creation of a White House Faith Office, with Paula White as its leader. This appointment has drawn criticism from Christian leaders due to her qualifications, past marriages and alleged scandals, and accusations regarding her teachings.