April 20, 1966: Birth of Paula Michelle White-Cain
Paula Michelle White-Cain (née Furr) was born on April 20, 1966.
1984: Conversion to Christianity and Vision
In 1984, while residing in Maryland, Paula White converted to Christianity at the Damascus Church of God. She has shared that she received a vision from God shortly after her conversion.
1985: First Marriage and Pregnancy
Paula White married local musician Dean Knight in 1985 after becoming pregnant. This was her first marriage.
1987: Meeting Randy White
Paula White met Randy White, an associate pastor, while attending Damascus Church of God in Maryland in 1987. This meeting was a pivotal point in her life.
1989: Marriage to Randy White
A year after their respective divorces, Paula White and Randy White got married in 1989. They moved to Tampa, Florida, and founded Without Walls International Church.
1989: Divorce from Dean Knight
Paula White and Dean Knight divorced in 1989, ending their four-year marriage.
1991: Founding of Tampa Christian Center and Early Struggles
In 1991, Paula and Randy White established the Tampa Christian Center in Tampa, Florida. During its initial two years, the church faced financial hardship, compelling the couple to rely on government assistance and support from others.
1991: Co-founds Without Walls International Church
Paula White, alongside Randy White, co-founded the Without Walls International Church in Tampa, Florida in 1991.
1998: Securing a Permanent Location and Name Change
After relocating three times between 1991 and 1998, the Tampa Christian Center secured a property at 2511 North Grady Avenue in Tampa and was renamed to Without Walls International Church.
1999: Significant Growth and Outreach
By 1999, the Without Walls International Church had grown to 5,000 weekly attendees, with 230 outreach ministries serving 10,000 individuals outside the church. At this time, services were held in an outdoor tent.
2000: Speaking at "Woman Thou Art Loosed" Conference
Paula White, considering T.D. Jakes her spiritual father, was invited to speak at his "Woman Thou Art Loosed" conference in 2000.
December 2001: Launch of "Paula White Today"
Paula White recorded the first episode of her show, "Paula White Today," in December 2001.
2002: First Contact with Donald Trump
Donald Trump first contacted Paula White by phone in 2002 after watching her television show, marking the beginning of their association.
2002: Expansion to Lakeland and Community Outreach
In 2002, Without Walls International Church expanded by acquiring the former Carpenter's Home Church in Lakeland, Florida. The church had a reported membership of 14,000 and 200 ministries, including programs for job training, outreach in public housing, and a teen club. Initially, they rented the Lakeland property for Saturday night services.
2003: Spiritual Advisor to Darryl Strawberry
Paula White became Darryl Strawberry's personal pastor in 2003 after his release from prison for cocaine possession. Charisse Strawberry, Darryl's wife at the time, worked as an assistant to White.
2004: Growth and Recognition as One of the Largest Churches
In 2004, Without Walls International Church was recognized as the seventh-largest church in the United States, boasting a congregation of 20,000, making it the largest in its area.
2004: Participation in Mega Fest
Paula White participated in T.D. Jakes' Mega Fest in Atlanta in 2004.
2004: Start of Donation Period Under Scrutiny
The Senate Finance Committee's investigation into Without Walls International Church focused on a period from 2004 to 2006, scrutinizing the handling of donations received during this time.
2005: Participation in Mega Fest
Paula White participated in T.D. Jakes' Mega Fest in Atlanta in 2005.
2005: Purchase of Carpenter's Home Church and Renaming
Without Walls International Church purchased the Carpenter's Home Church in Lakeland, Florida for $8 million in 2005 and renamed it Without Walls Central Church.
October 4, 2006: Appearance on "The Tyra Banks Show"
On October 4, 2006, Paula White appeared as Tyra Banks's "personal life coach" on an episode of "The Tyra Banks Show" that focused on promiscuity.
2006: Senate Investigation and Financial Scrutiny
A United States Senate committee, led by Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley, conducted an audit revealing that Without Walls International Church received $150 million between 2004 and 2006. The audit found that the church, then operated by Paula White and her ex-husband, had used tax-exempt funds to cover personal expenses, such as a $900,000 waterfront mansion, over $1 million in salaries to family members, and a private jet. Neither White nor the church cooperated with the investigation.
2006: Expansion of "Paula White Today" Reach
By 2006, "Paula White Today" was being broadcasted on nine television networks, including Trinity Broadcast Network, Daystar, and Black Entertainment Television.
2006: End of Donation Period Under Scrutiny
The Senate Finance Committee's investigation into Without Walls International Church focused on a period from 2004 to 2006, scrutinizing the handling of donations received during this time.
August 23, 2007: Divorce from Randy White
Randy White announced his divorce from Paula White on August 23, 2007. Paula White has stated the separation was amicable.
2007: Senate Finance Committee Investigation Begins
In 2007, the Senate Finance Committee launched an investigation into the financial practices of Paula White's ministry, Without Walls International Church, and other televangelists.
2008: Participation in Mega Fest
Paula White participated in T.D. Jakes' Mega Fest in Atlanta in 2008.
2008: Financial Difficulties and Foreclosure Proceedings
By 2008, facing financial troubles, Without Walls International Church put both its locations up for sale. The Evangelical Christian Credit Union initiated foreclosure proceedings on both properties later that year.
July 12, 2009: Paula White Becomes Senior Pastor
On July 12, 2009, Paula White succeeded her ex-husband, Randy White, as the senior pastor of Without Walls International Church. Randy White stepped down due to health reasons but remained affiliated with the church in a different capacity.
2009: Settlement and Mortgage Modification
Without Walls International Church reached a settlement with the Evangelical Christian Credit Union in 2009, selling two parcels of land to the city of Lakeland. This settlement led to a mortgage modification that extended through 2013.
2009: Lawsuit and Hold Harmless Clause
Zachery Tims's ex-wife, Riva, filed a lawsuit against the board of directors of New Destiny Christian Church but dropped it due to a hold harmless clause in their 2009 marital settlement agreement.
2010: Photographed with Benny Hinn
In 2010, Paula White was photographed holding hands with televangelist Benny Hinn, sparking rumors of an affair. Both denied the allegations, stating it was a friendship that had since ended.
January 1, 2011: Leadership of Without Walls Central Church
Following Scott Thomas's resignation, Paula White assumed the role of senior pastor at Without Walls Central Church in Lakeland, Florida, on January 1, 2011, becoming pastor of both church locations.
August 2011: Death of Zachery Tims
Zachery Tims, the previous senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Church, passed away in August 2011.
November 2011: Potential Sale or Foreclosure of Lakeland Property
By November 2011, while Paula White was still the senior pastor, Randy White revealed that Without Walls International Church's Lakeland property was nearing a potential sale or foreclosure.
December 31, 2011: Appointment as Senior Pastor of New Destiny Christian Church
The board of New Destiny Christian Church in Apopka, Florida, appointed Paula White as their new senior pastor on December 31, 2011, succeeding the late Zachery Tims.
2011: Senate Report on Without Walls International Church
In 2011, Senator Chuck Grassley released a report detailing the findings of the Senate committee's investigation into Without Walls International Church's finances. However, no further action was taken.
2011: Senate Finance Committee Investigation Concludes
The Senate Finance Committee concluded its investigation into Without Walls International Church in 2011, finding no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing.
January 1, 2012: Senior Pastor at New Destiny Christian Center
Paula White became senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center on January 1, 2012.
June 20, 2012: Randy White Resumes Leadership
On June 20, 2012, Randy White resumed leadership of Without Walls International Church's Tampa location.
October 2012: Foreclosure Proceedings and Allegations
In October 2012, Without Walls International Church's Tampa property faced foreclosure proceedings by the Evangelical Christian Credit Union due to unpaid loans. The church countered by alleging that Paula White had removed audio equipment belonging to the church and taken it to her new church in Apopka.
2013: Mortgage Modification End Date
The mortgage modification that Without Walls International Church secured in 2009 was set to end in 2013.
March 4, 2014: Bankruptcy Filing and Denial of Involvement
On March 4, 2014, with Paula White as senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center, Without Walls International Church filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The Evangelical Christian Credit Union, claiming the church owed $29 million, deemed the filing a "litigation tactic" to avoid foreclosure on two church properties. White denied any involvement in the bankruptcy during a CNN interview with Erin Burnett.
September 2014: Expansion and Relocation to Canada Dry Warehouse
Without Walls International Church acquired the adjacent property at 3860 West Columbus Drive to accommodate its growth. This property, a former Canada Dry warehouse, was renovated and served as the main sanctuary for the church until September 2014.
2014: Becomes Senior Pastor of New Destiny Christian Center
In 2014, Paula White took on the role of senior pastor at New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Florida.
2014: Engagement to Jonathan Cain
Paula White and Jonathan Cain got engaged at the close of 2014, while Cain was still married to his second wife.
April 27, 2015: Marriage to Jonathan Cain
Paula White and Jonathan Cain, musician from the band Journey, got married on April 27, 2015, after Cain finalized his divorce from his second wife.
2015: Black Pastors' Call for Apology
In 2015, black pastors called on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump to apologize for his treatment of the African American community and for his rhetoric towards Mexicans.
June 2016: Credit for Trump's Conversion
In June 2016, James Dobson credited Paula White with converting Donald Trump to Christianity.
January 20, 2017: Paula White Delivers Inaugural Invocation
On January 20, 2017, Paula White became the first female clergy member to deliver the invocation at a presidential inauguration, doing so at the inauguration of Donald Trump.
2017: Support for Jerusalem Decision
Paula White publicly supported Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in 2017.
July 2018: Controversy over Immigration Comments
In July 2018, Paula White sparked controversy with comments on immigration. She stated that Jesus's migration to Egypt wasn't illegal, implying that breaking immigration laws is sinful. William Barber II criticized her stance, calling her a "Christian nationalist" and pointing out that Jesus was a refugee who did break Roman law.
May 5, 2019: Paula White Steps Down as Senior Pastor
On May 5, 2019, Paula White announced she was stepping down as senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center. Her son and his wife took over as the new senior pastors, renaming the church City of Destiny. White stated she would shift focus to establishing 3,000 churches and a university.
May 2019: Departure from New Destiny Christian Center
In May 2019, Paula White stopped serving as the senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center.
October 31, 2019: White House Advisory Role
The White House announced on October 31, 2019, that Paula White would take on an official advisory role for the Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiative.
November 2019: Appointment as Special Advisor
In November 2019, Donald Trump appointed Paula White as a special advisor to the Faith and Opportunity Initiative at the Office of Public Liaison.
2019: Son Becomes Senior Pastor
Paula White installed her son, Bradley Knight, from her first marriage as senior pastor of her church in 2019.
January 2020: Criticism over "Satanic Pregnancies" Sermon
In January 2020, Paula White faced backlash for a sermon in which she prayed for the miscarriage of "all Satanic pregnancies." She later clarified on Twitter that the phrase was metaphorical, referencing Ephesians 6 and spiritual warfare. While some deemed it insensitive, scholar André Gagné argued her words were misinterpreted, reflecting the destruction of evil schemes against Christians in the context of spiritual warfare.
February 27, 2020: Prayer at African American History Month Reception
On February 27, 2020, Paula White initiated a prayer with President Trump at the African American History Month Reception. White led black leaders to lay hands on Trump. This event was seen as beneficial to Trump's appeal with the black community after concerns raised during his campaign.
March 2020: COVID-19 Ministry Comments and Solicitation
During the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020, Paula White referred to her ministry as a "hospital for the soul sick" and, citing Psalm 91, solicited donations of $91 or any amount "God tells you to do." She clarified that the funds would not go towards victims of the disease, sparking criticism.
April 9, 2020: Arizona Fundraiser Cancellation
Paula White withdrew from a fundraiser in Arizona scheduled for April 9, 2020, after facing criticism for promising "supernatural protection" to attendees amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
May 7, 2020: National Day of Prayer Remarks
Paula White delivered the opening remarks at a National Day of Prayer ceremony on May 7, 2020.
June 18, 2020: Prayer at Trump's Reelection Campaign Launch
Paula White delivered the opening prayer at Donald Trump's reelection campaign launch on June 18, 2020.
November 4, 2020: Viral Prayer Service for Trump's Reelection
On November 4, 2020, as election results showed Trump losing to Biden, Paula White conducted a prayer service on Facebook Live to secure Trump's reelection. The video, featuring White speaking in tongues and calling for "angelic reinforcement," went viral and drew criticism and ridicule.
December 2021: Participation in Unification Church Event
Paula White participated in the "Prayer Rally for Peace on the Korean Peninsula" hosted by the Unification Church's Universal Peace Federation in December 2021. She praised Hak Ja Han Moon, widow of the church's founder, as "a jewel from God" and commended her spiritual leadership, drawing attention to her involvement with the controversial group.