BIography of Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer is an American preacher, author, and president of Joyce Meyer Ministries. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1943. Shortly after her birth, her father joined the army to fight in World War II. In several interviews, Joyce Meyer has shared that upon his return from the war, he began to abuse her sexually.

Joyce Meyer graduated from O'Fallon Technical School in St. Louis. Shortly after her senior year of high school, she married a part-time car salesman, but the marriage lasted only five years. She has stated that her husband frequently cheated on her and even persuaded her to steal payroll checks from her employer.

Years later, she returned the stolen money. Shortly after her divorce, she met Dave Meyer, an engineering draftsman, and they got married on January 7, 1967.

Although Joyce Meyer never attended church during her childhood, she claims to have known the Lord personally. She deepened her relationship with God after an encounter with the Holy Spirit. One morning in 1976, while praying and driving to work, she heard God call her name. Later that day, she described feeling overwhelmed and filled with the Holy Spirit.

She then joined Our Savior's Lutheran Church in St. Louis, a congregation of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. She began leading an early morning Bible class at a local cafeteria and later became active in Life Christian Center, a charismatic church in Fenton, Missouri. Within a few years, the church became one of the leading charismatic churches in the area, largely due to her growing popularity as a Bible teacher.

In 1985, she resigned as an associate pastor and founded her own ministry, initially called "Life in the Word." She began airing her radio show on six stations, from Chicago to Kansas City. In 1993, she expanded to television alongside her husband, and the program initially aired on WGN-TV in Chicago and Black Entertainment Television (BET).

In 1998, "Life in the Word" became one of the first religious programs to air on KTBU, which was then owned by Lakewood Church and Humanity Interested Media, Inc. Today, her program, now called "Enjoying Everyday Life," is still on the air.

In 2005, she was listed by Time Magazine as one of the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America. She holds a PhD in theology from Life Christian University in Tampa, Florida, an honorary doctorate in divinity from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and an honorary doctorate in sacred theology from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.

Joyce Meyer has authored over 90 self-help nonfiction books and a handful of fiction books. She also owns a private jet, currently a Gulfstream G-IV.

Joyce Meyer's journey from a troubled childhood to becoming one of the most influential Christian teachers in the world is a testament to resilience, faith, and transformation. Despite enduring personal struggles, she built a ministry that has impacted millions through books, television, and humanitarian efforts. Her teachings emphasize the power of faith, personal growth, and overcoming adversity through God's grace.

Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she continues to spread the message of hope, healing, and practical Christian living, helping believers apply biblical principles to their daily lives. Her story serves as an inspiration that no matter one's past, God can redeem and use anyone for His purpose.

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