Early Life and Education of Paula White: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Paula White, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

April 20, 1966: Paula White's Birth

On April 20, 1966, Paula Michelle White-Cain (née Furr) was born. She is an American televangelist and proponent of prosperity theology.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Conversion to Christianity

In 1984, while living in Maryland, Paula White converted to Christianity at the Damascus Church of God.

1985: Marriage to Dean Knight

In 1985, Paula White married local musician Dean Knight, after becoming pregnant the year after converting to Christianity.

1987: Met Randy White

In 1987, Paula White met associate pastor Randy White at Damascus Church of God in Maryland, which was headed by his father.

1989: Divorced spouses

In 1989, Paula White and Randy White divorced their spouses.

1989: Divorce from Dean Knight

In 1989, Paula White divorced Dean Knight.

1998: Relocation and Renaming of the Church

In 1998, the Tampa Christian Center secured property on North Grady Avenue, changed its name to Without Walls International Church, after moving locations three times since 1991.

1999: Attendance at Without Walls International Church

In 1999, Without Walls International Church reported 5,000 attendees a week, while holding services in an outdoor tent.

2002: Expansion with Carpenter's Home Church Location

In 2002, Without Walls International Church expanded by purchasing the defunct Carpenter's Home Church location in Lakeland, Florida, reporting 14,000 members and 200 ministries.

2003: Personal Pastor to Darryl Strawberry

In 2003, after Darryl Strawberry completed a prison sentence, Paula White became his personal pastor.

2004: Peak Congregation Size

In 2004, Without Walls International Church reported a congregation of 20,000, becoming the largest in the area and seventh-largest in the US.

2005: Purchase and Renaming of Carpenter's Home Church

In 2005, Without Walls International Church purchased Carpenter's Home Church for $8 million and renamed it Without Walls Central Church.

August 23, 2007: Divorce from Randy White Announced

On August 23, 2007, Randy White announced that he and Paula White were divorcing. According to The Christian Post, Paula White stated that the divorce was amicable, and they remain friends.

2009: Riva Tims' Lawsuit Dropped

In 2009, Riva Tims dropped the lawsuit she filed against the board of directors, citing a hold harmless clause in her 2009 marital settlement agreement.

2009: Settlement with Credit Union

In 2009, selling two parcels of land to the city of Lakeland allowed Without Walls International Church for a settlement with the Evangelical Christian Credit Union, modifying the mortgage through 2013.

August 2011: Search for Replacement After Zachery Tims' Death

In August 2011, New Destiny Christian Center began searching for a replacement after the death of Zachery Tims.

June 20, 2012: Randy White Resumes Leadership

On June 20, 2012, Paula White's ex-husband, Randy White, resumed leadership of the Tampa location of Without Walls International Church.

2013: Mortgage Modified

In 2009, the mortgage with Evangelical Christian Credit Union was modified through 2013.

September 2014: Use of Canada Dry Warehouse as Main Sanctuary

Until September 2014, Without Walls International Church used a remodeled Canada Dry warehouse at 3860 West Columbus Drive as its main sanctuary after purchasing the adjacent property.

2014: Engagement to Jonathan Cain

At the close of 2014, Jonathan Cain of the rock band Journey finalized his divorce from his second wife and became engaged to Paula White, whom he had seen during his marriage.

April 27, 2015: Married Jonathan Cain

On April 27, 2015, Paula White married Jonathan Cain, becoming stepmother to his children.

June 2016: Credited for Trump's Conversion

In June 2016, Paula White was credited by James Dobson for having converted Donald Trump to Christianity.

2017: Support of Jerusalem Recognition

In 2017, Paula White enthusiastically supported Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

February 27, 2020: Prayer with President Trump

On February 27, 2020, Paula White initiated prayer with President Trump at the African American History Month Reception in the Cabinet Room, leading black leaders to lay hands on him.