Jentezen Franklin Bio, Age, Wife, Children, Family, Salary, Free Chapel Career, Net Worth, Books, Israel Advocacy & Facts

Jentezen Franklin is an American evangelical pastor, televangelist, and New York Times best-selling author who has built one of the most influential ministries in modern American Christianity. As senior pastor of Free Chapel, a multi-campus megachurch based in Gainesville, Georgia, he reaches millions through his television broadcast Kingdom Connection, his books on fasting and spiritual warfare, and his outspoken advocacy for Israel. From his beginnings as a saxophone player in North Carolina to becoming a spiritual advisor to presidents and a top-ranked Christian Zionist, Franklin’s ministry spans four decades and crosses international borders.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Jentezen Franklin was born on July 21, 1962, in Wilson, North Carolina, to Billy and Katie Franklin. He grew up in a Christian household with four siblings—two older brothers, Doyle and Richie, and two younger sisters, Jennifer and Jill. His father, Billy Franklin, was a minister who passed away in 1991.

Franklin initially pursued a musical career, studying tenor saxophone under Frank Mayes at Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in his hometown of Wilson. He and his brother Richie played in the college jazz band. However, Jentezen felt called by God to ministry and quit college after his brother graduated to follow his father’s path into evangelism.

Career Journey

From Saxophone to Sanctuary: The Calling (1980s–1989)

Before entering full-time ministry, Franklin was on track to become a professional saxophone player. His musical training gave him a unique platform—he still plays the saxophone today as part of his ministry expression. But a divine calling redirected his path toward evangelism.

He began visiting Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia, annually as a Church of God evangelist. The church was founded in 1953 and had a modest congregation. When senior pastor Roy Wellborn died in 1989, Franklin was scheduled to preach that very week. The congregation of approximately 300 people asked him to become their new pastor.

Building Free Chapel: From 300 to Megachurch (1989–2004)

Franklin accepted the pastorate and began building what would become a spiritual empire. In 2004, Free Chapel moved to a new location featuring a 3,000-seat auditorium, marking its transition from a small congregation to a major regional church. The ministry grew exponentially under his leadership, expanding beyond a single campus to become a multi-site megachurch with locations across the Southern United States.

Going Global: Kingdom Connection and Television (2004–Present)

Franklin launched his television broadcast “Kingdom Connection”, which airs on major Christian networks including TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) and The Church Channel. The program reaches millions globally with messages focused on prayer, spiritual renewal, fasting, and biblical prophecy. As of 2026, new episodes continue to air weekly, with recent titles including “What Will Happen The Day After The Rapture,” “The Multiplication Blessing,” and “Strength Over Struggle.”

His media presence extends to YouTube, where his channel features full sermons and clips, and social media platforms where he maintains active engagement with followers.

Expanding West: Free Chapel Orange County (2007)

In 2007, Franklin opened the second Free Chapel location in Irvine, California (Orange County). The inaugural service on August 5, 2007, drew about 163 attendees. Since then, the California campus has expanded radically, serving as a West Coast hub for the ministry’s national and international reach.

The Fasting Movement: Best-Selling Author (2004–Present)

Franklin has authored over a dozen books, with his most influential work being the Fasting series. His 2007 bestseller Fasting: Opening the Door to a Deeper, More Intimate, More Powerful Relationship with God became a New York Times bestseller, with a foreword written by his close friend, pastor Tommy Tenney.

Other notable works include:

• Right People, Right Place, Right Plan (2007, New York Times bestseller)
• Fear Fighters: How to Live with Confidence in a World Driven by Fear (2009)
• The Spirit of Python: Exposing Satan’s Plan to Squeeze the Life Out of You (2013)
• Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt (2018)
• Acres of Diamonds: Discovering God’s Best Right Where You Are (2020)
• The Fasting Edge: Recover Your Passion, Recapture Your Dream, Restore Your Joy (2011)

His books have been translated and distributed internationally, establishing him as a leading voice on spiritual disciplines and personal breakthrough.

Israel Advocacy and Christian Zionism (2010s–Present)

Franklin has become one of the most prominent Christian Zionists in America. His support for Israel includes:

• Millions in donations to support Holocaust survivors and terror victims in Israel
• Funding fortified playschools near Gaza
• Providing medical aid to vulnerable Israeli populations
• Leading Christian humanitarian relief efforts benefiting Israeli communities

In 2025, he was ranked #3 on The Jerusalem Post‘s list of Top 10 Christian Zionists and named one of the Israel Allies Foundation’s Top 50 Christian Allies for his work fighting antisemitism. He has been described as a spiritual advisor to Donald Trump and has preached that “whether we like it or not, [the Jews] are still his chosen people,” urging congregations to vote for pro-Israel candidates.

He received the White Rose Society Award for his ministry’s steadfast support of Israel and the Jewish National Fund’s Tree of Life Shalom Peace Award.

Awards and Honors

• Martin Luther King Jr. Mantle of Destiny Award — for work in racial reconciliation
• National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference Micah Award
• Jewish National Fund Tree of Life Shalom Peace Award
• White Rose Society Award
• Top 10 Christian Zionists (The Jerusalem Post, 2025, #3)
• Top 50 Christian Allies (Israel Allies Foundation, 2025)
• New York Times Best-Selling Author (multiple titles)

Career Stats & Milestones

Personal Life

Marriage to Cherise

Jentezen and Cherise Franklin married in September 1987, nearly two years before he became pastor of Free Chapel. Their marriage has spanned nearly four decades and produced five children: Courteney, Caressa, Caroline, Connar, and Drake. The couple also has five grandchildren.

The Franklins reside in Gainesville, Georgia, where they maintain active involvement in both the church and community.

Family Legacy

Franklin’s father, Billy Franklin, died in 1991, just two years after Jentezen took the Free Chapel pastorate. His brother Richie played alongside him in the Atlantic Christian College jazz band before Jentezen left school for ministry. The Franklin family maintains deep roots in North Carolina and Georgia.

Controversies

Franklin’s outspoken Christian Zionism and political engagement have drawn both praise and criticism. His 2024 sermon declaring that voting for anti-Israel candidates means “voting against every part of this book, from Genesis to Revelation” positioned him as a spiritual influencer in the MAGA movement. Critics have noted the geopolitical implications of Christian Zionist funding in Israel and the West Bank.

His ministry has also been scrutinized in broader discussions about evangelical political influence, though Free Chapel maintains ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) membership, providing financial transparency to donors.

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“Whether we like it or not, [the Jews] are still his chosen people. God has blessed America because we have blessed and stood with the nation of Israel. And when you vote for anyone who is anti-Israel, you literally are voting against every part of this book, from Genesis to Revelation.”
— Sermon on godly voting, summer 2024

“There is power in consistent, simple prayer.”
— On prayer and persistence

Favorites

• Musical Instrument: Tenor saxophone
• Ministry Focus: Prayer, fasting, spiritual renewal, Israel advocacy
• Cities: Gainesville, GA (home); Wilson, NC (hometown); Irvine, CA (West Coast campus)
• Biblical Themes: Prophecy, the supernatural, Holy Spirit encounters
• Hobbies: Music, prayer, humanitarian outreach
• Causes: Israel support, Holocaust survivors, anti-semitism combat

Earnings

As of 2026, Jentezen Franklin’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million. His income derives from:

• Church Salary: As senior pastor of a multi-campus megachurch
• Book Royalties: Multiple New York Times bestsellers with ongoing sales
• Speaking Engagements: Conferences and events worldwide
• Television Broadcast: Kingdom Connection syndication and donations
• Donations to Ministry: Free Chapel is ECFA-accredited for financial accountability

Interesting Facts

• Franklin was originally training to be a professional saxophone player before his ministry calling.
• He became pastor of Free Chapel at age 27 in 1989.
• He has written over 15 books, with multiple New York Times bestsellers.
• He was named the #3 Christian Zionist by The Jerusalem Post in 2025.
• He has donated millions to Israeli humanitarian causes, including fortified playschools near Gaza.
• He is a spiritual advisor to Donald Trump and has been featured in Mother Jones for his political preaching.
• His brother Richie played in the same college jazz band before Jentezen left for ministry.
• His father Billy Franklin died in 1991, just two years into Jentezen’s pastorate.
• Free Chapel grew from 300 members to a multi-campus megachurch under his leadership.

Did You Know Already?

• Franklin’s Kingdom Connection broadcast airs on TBN and reaches millions globally.
• He opened the Free Chapel Orange County campus in 2007 with just 163 attendees.
• He received the White Rose Society Award for his steadfast support of Israel.
• His book Fasting has a foreword by pastor Tommy Tenney.
• He is a Pentecostal Christian with a focus on spiritual renewal and the supernatural.
• Free Chapel is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).

Social Media Links

• Official Website: jentezenfranklin.org
• Twitter/X: @Jentezen
• Instagram: @jentezen
• YouTube: Jentezen Franklin
• Facebook: Jentezen Franklin
• Free Chapel: freechapel.org

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Jentezen Franklin?
Jentezen Franklin was born on July 21, 1962, making him 63 years old as of 2026.

Who is Jentezen Franklin’s wife?
He married Cherise Franklin in September 1987. They have five children and five grandchildren.

What church does Jentezen Franklin pastor?
He is the senior pastor of Free Chapel, a multi-campus megachurch based in Gainesville, Georgia, with additional campuses including Orange County, California.

What is Jentezen Franklin’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is $1–$5 million as of 2026.

What is Jentezen Franklin’s most famous book?
His best-known work is Fasting: Opening the Door to a Deeper, More Intimate, More Powerful Relationship with God, a New York Times bestseller.

What is Kingdom Connection?
Kingdom Connection is Franklin’s television broadcast that airs on TBN and other Christian networks worldwide, featuring his sermons on prayer, fasting, and spiritual renewal.

Is Jentezen Franklin a Christian Zionist?
Yes. He is one of America’s most prominent Christian Zionists, ranked #3 by The Jerusalem Post in 2025, and has donated millions to Israeli humanitarian causes.

Where is Jentezen Franklin from?
He was born and raised in Wilson, North Carolina.

Conclusion

Jentezen Franklin’s journey from a North Carolina saxophone student to a globally recognized pastor, best-selling author, and Israel advocate is a testament to the power of spiritual calling and relentless ministry. At 63, he continues to expand Free Chapel’s reach, broadcast Kingdom Connection to millions, and champion Israel with conviction and resources. Whether preaching on fasting, playing his saxophone, or funding fortified schools near Gaza, Franklin remains one of the most influential evangelical voices in America—a pastor who believes that prayer, prophecy, and political engagement are all part of the same divine mission.

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