Joyce Meyer Bible teacher, writer Date of Birth: 04.06.1943 Country: USA

1. Childhood and Adolescence
2. Troubled Beginnings
3. Divine Calling
4. Rise to Prominence
5. Tragedy and Healing
6. Controversy and Redemption
7. Author and Speaker
8. Personal Journey
9. Modern Times

Childhood and Adolescence

Pauline Joyce Hutchisson (Joyce Meyer's birth name) was born on June 4, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri. Shortly after her arrival, her father was deployed to the war, leaving her upbringing to her mother. As a renowned author and preacher, Meyer has shared in interviews that the horrors witnessed during World War II had a devastating impact on her father, causing him to become abusive and addicted to alcohol. From 1946 onward, Meyer endured 15 years of sexual abuse at the hands of her father. In 1951, after enduring six years of fear, she sought protection from her mother, only to be dismissed. When Joyce was 14, her mother witnessed an incident of abuse but still failed to raise an alarm. Meyer graduated from O'Fallon Technical High School in St. Louis. As soon as she came of age, she fled her childhood home and "married the first young man who showed interest."

Troubled Beginnings

This hasty escape from one set of problems led to another, as her future spouse proved to be manipulative, dishonest, and unfaithful.

Divine Calling

Even at the age of nine, Joyce expressed an intuitive sense of being "ordained by a higher power," claiming to have experienced a "glorious cleansing." Her words, likely sparked by the ongoing trauma at home, would prove prophetic. In February 1976, while stopped at a traffic light, Meyer felt a surge of faith fill her heart and mind. Months later, the spiritually awakened woman founded a Bible study group dubbed "Life in the Word" and became an assistant to a preacher at The Living Word Christian Center in Fenton, Minnesota. "Sometimes people who want to serve the Lord carry so much baggage from life that their lives are immoral, their motives are impure. They need someone to take them by the hand and walk them through hell to heaven," Meyer once explained. This experience paved the way for Meyer to launch her independent preaching ministry on a local radio station in 1983. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and soon six more stations in Chicago and Kansas City acquired rights to broadcast her religious programs.

Rise to Prominence

Joyce Meyer's ministry continued to gain traction. In 1986, she and her husband, Dave, incorporated Life in the Word as an official organization, which later received tax exemption as a religious congregation. By the end of the 20th century, the organization's revenue from voluntary contributions exceeded $68,000 annually. In 1993, Dave proposed expanding their outreach to television. Meyer's signature program, "Enjoying Everyday Life," has since aired on Black Entertainment Television and reached an audience of 4.5 billion people. Her telecasts, including the acclaimed "Pride and Humility" sermon series, are translated into 120 languages.

Tragedy and Healing

August 18, 2001, stands as a somber date in Joyce Meyer's ministry. On that day, along with colleague Don Clower, she was set to lead a sermon for 230 attendees at the Manor Hotel in the Philippines. However, a fire erupted in the early hours of the morning, claiming the lives of 78 victims and injuring 54 others. Investigations revealed that a lack of fire escape exits and sprinkler systems in the hotel rooms and hallways could have prevented the colossal loss of life. Another significant aspect of Meyer's ministry has been the Hand of Hope mission, dedicated to alleviating the suffering of those in need. Their first project, a homeless shelter called Dream Center, was established in St. Louis.

Controversy and Redemption

Joyce's unwavering faith led to her father's spiritual transformation. He never apologized for his past abuse, but he sought redemption in God's eyes. Meyer recalled in an interview that her father became "the most fanatical Christian" she knew, devoting six hours a day to prayer and diligently following all commandments. It was Joyce who baptized him. In the 2000s, Meyer found herself in the midst of a financial controversy. Critics denounced her lavish lifestyle, which included private plane travel, a sprawling residential estate with hundreds of acres, and allegations of tax avoidance.

Author and Speaker

Joyce Meyer's salary as an executive of her religious organization was reported to be $900,000 annually, while her husband earned $450,000. Following an initiated financial review, those figures were reportedly cut in half. Today, she earns the majority of her income through book royalties. Meyer has authored over 100 books, translated into 140 languages. Over 35 million copies of her books have been distributed free to her followers. E-versions of her works can be accessed on her official website.

Personal Journey

Joyce Meyer's personal life, like her tumultuous upbringing, has been far from straightforward. In 1961, she married a car salesman who was unfaithful and stole money from his employer. In 1964, Meyer had a miscarriage. This setback plunged her into a state of despair marked by insomnia, self-starvation, and prescription drug abuse. On December 18, 1965, she gave birth to a baby boy, named David after her brother. The arrival of a child did not bring domestic bliss. In the summer of 1966, she returned to her parents' home with her infant son, and three months later, her divorce was finalized. Her ex-husband made no claim for custody, and David remained with his mother. In late 1966, Joyce met Dave Meyer, a design engineer, and the couple tied the knot on January 7, 1967. Despite finding herself with a devoted and responsible partner, and a growing family with four children of their own, she was not truly content and doubted that either marriage or faith could overcome her inner turmoil. In addition to David, Joyce and Dave have three children: Laura Marie (born 1968), Sandra Ellen (born 1969), and Daniel (born 1979). The 1970s were marked by physical struggles. Meyer suffered from chronic migraines and frequent illness. Her years of self-destructive eating habits resulted in a gastrectomy (removal of her stomach). She was also diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery to remove a fast-growing tumor, but fortunately, the disease never returned. Meyer's battle with cancer inspired her book "12 Keys to a Healthy Life."

Modern Times

Looking at Joyce Meyer's photos, it is hard to believe she is nearly 80 years old. Despite her age, the iconic evangelist continues to preach to audiences far and wide. Her 2019 speaking schedule includes dozens of cities across the U.S. and major religious conferences such as Love Life.