Craig Groeschel

Craig Groeschel is an American pastor, author, and speaker. He is the founder and senior pastor of Life.Church, an evangelical multi-site church with locations across 12 U.S. states. He is also a New York Times bestselling author and the host of the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, one of the most popular leadership podcasts globally.

Groeschel is known for his practical, tech-savvy approach to ministry, most notably creating the YouVersion Bible app, which has become one of the most downloaded Bible applications in the world. His influence extends through his books, podcast, and speaking engagements at major conferences and events. [edit]

Craig Groeschel was born on December 2, 1967, in Houston, Texas. He grew up in Texas and attended Oral Roberts University, where he earned his degree. His early path to ministry included serving as a youth pastor, a role that shaped his calling and leadership style.

In 1996, Groeschel launched Life.Church, originally known as Life Covenant Church, in Edmond, Oklahoma, with just a handful of attendees. This marked his transition from supporting ministry roles to leading his own congregation. The small start would eventually grow into one of the largest and most innovative churches in the United States. [edit]

Craig Groeschel's breakthrough came through his innovative use of technology and the multi-site church model. Life.Church expanded rapidly, becoming a pioneer in multi-site ministry and growing to 12 states. In 2008, he launched the YouVersion Bible app, which became a global phenomenon, transforming digital engagement with scripture.

Groeschel has published numerous books, including 'It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It' and 'Dangerous Prayers,' many of which became New York Times bestsellers. In 2015, he launched the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, which has become one of the most popular leadership podcasts worldwide. He has spoken at major events like Hillsong London and the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit. In recent years, he has focused on mental health and burnout, releasing books and messages that address these topics. [edit]

Craig Groeschel is recognized for his practical, tech-savvy approach to ministry. He is known for making biblical teaching relevant and applicable to modern life, often leveraging technology to reach broader audiences. His leadership podcast focuses on practical leadership principles, and his social media voice is warm and personal, emphasizing his roles as husband, father, and pastor. Fans appreciate his authenticity, especially his willingness to discuss personal struggles like anxiety. [edit]

The community surrounding Craig Groeschel is less a traditional fandom and more a vast, organized ecosystem of believers and professionals who engage through institutional channels rather than grassroots fan clubs. There is no formal name for his followers; instead, they are the congregation of Life.Church and the global listenership of his digital ministry, mobilized primarily for charitable giving and church planting rather than celebrity-driven chart pushes or viral marketing campaigns. While fans frequently share his sermons and books across social platforms, their engagement remains rooted in practical application and spiritual growth rather than the ritualistic adoration seen in pop culture. This audience values authenticity, particularly his willingness to discuss personal struggles like anxiety, creating a bond built on shared vulnerability rather than distant idolization. The legendary narrative of his career centers on the founding of Life.Church in 1995, where he transformed a small home gathering into one of the largest multisite churches in the United States, a feat that established him as a pioneer in tech-savvy ministry. More recently, his public admission of personal fragility and allegations regarding workplace culture have added complex layers to his legacy, shifting the story from purely inspirational success to a nuanced re-evaluation of his leadership style. These moments define his current standing in the public consciousness, blending decades of influence with contemporary challenges. In terms of global recognition, Craig Groeschel is currently the 78th most famous person in Pastors, a position noted in the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. This ranking represents a shift from his previous placement, reflecting the dynamic nature of his public profile. His prominence within this specific industry sector underscores his enduring impact on religious leadership and organizational strategy.[edit]

Craig Groeschel has openly struggled with anxiety, once noting that he knows what it feels like to 'smile in public' while battling internally. His daughter was gravely ill at one point, a trial that deepened his faith and became a key part of his personal testimony. He attended the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit in 2020, an event where several attendees later tested positive for COVID-19. His Instagram bio reads: 'Husband, dad, pastor of @life.church and host of the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast.' A widely retold story among his followers concerns the founding of Life.Church in Edmond, Oklahoma, in 1995. Starting with just four people meeting in a home, Groeschel grew it into a massive multisite organization, a narrative often cited as proof of his innovative approach to ministry. Another significant moment in his public persona is his transition from a traditional pastor to a 'leadership guru,' solidified by New York Times bestselling books such as *Shepherd Leader* and *It's Not About You*. These works are frequently referenced as the source of his influence beyond the pulpit. Recent developments have also entered the lore, including reports from April 2026 alleging a toxic work culture and accusations of assault against former staff members. Additionally, his May 2026 public discussion of anxiety framed within a biblical context marked a notable moment of vulnerability for a figure known for his authoritative leadership style.[edit]

Craig Groeschel is married to Amy Groeschel. They have been married for over three decades, and in May 2026, he shared the principles that have sustained their marriage. The couple has children, including a daughter who was gravely ill at one point, an experience Groeschel has referenced in his teaching. He often describes himself as a husband and dad first, and his family life is a central part of his public identity. [edit]

Amy Groeschel, his wife, and the pastors of Life.Church. He is also associated with the Global Leadership Network. [edit]

Craig Groeschel has been married to Amy Groeschel for over 30 years. They married in the early 1990s. In May 2026, Groeschel publicly shared principles that have sustained their marriage, including mutual respect and faith. There are no public records of previous relationships. As of 2026, Craig and Amy are still married and together. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Craig Groeschel's net worth is estimated at $10 million as of 2026. His income primarily comes from his pastoral role at Life.Church, book royalties from his bestselling publications, podcast revenue, and speaking fees. While Life.Church is a nonprofit organization, Groeschel's personal compensation is not publicly disclosed. His books have sold widely, and his podcast attracts a large audience, contributing to his financial standing.[edit]