Considered one of the world’s leading practical Bible teachers, Joyce Meyer is a former housewife who credits her reliance on Jesus with empowering her worldwide ministry. “God has done so much in my life,” says Meyer, who suffered sexual abuse as a child. “My desire is to help others who are hurting to receive His love and get the healing they need.”
The New York Times best-selling author has written more than 100 books, including the forthcoming The Mind Connection. Battlefield of the Mind (1995) is her top-selling book, with more than 4 million copies in print.
Her Enjoying Everyday Life program is broadcast in more than 80 different languages on more than 1,000 TV and radio stations. Joyce Meyer Ministries also hosts a dozen domestic and one or two international conferences annually. And 1.5 million people watch videos each month on joycemeyer.org.
Yet without Christ, Meyer says she couldn’t do anything. “I’m certainly not smart enough in myself to do what we’re doing,” Meyer says. “And none of our efforts would amount to anything without the leadership and anointing of the Holy Spirit.”
Her ministry isn’t solely Bible teaching. Its multifaceted humanitarian aid includes inner-city outreach, worldwide feeding programs, medical missions, children’s homes, prison ministry, disaster relief and efforts to combat human trafficking. Though recently turning 72, the energetic teacher has no thoughts of retirement, saying she wants to be a “finisher” and help others learn through God’s Word how to fulfill His destiny for their lives.
“I know it’s not me making it happen; it’s the Holy Spirit working through me,” she says. “It’s what happens when we share Christ and love people.”—Ken Walker
Joseph Mattera