Jentezen Franklin is an American evangelical pastor, author, and televangelist known for his leadership at Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia.
He is widely recognized for his teachings on prayer, fasting, spiritual growth, and biblical principles.
Through his books, television program Kingdom Connection, and worldwide ministry work, Franklin has become a well-known figure in modern evangelical Christianity.
Who is Jentezen Franklin?
Jentezen Franklin is a pastor, author, and Christian speaker who serves as the senior pastor of Free Chapel, a multi-campus church based in Gainesville, Georgia.
He is also the founder of Jentezen Franklin Media Ministries, which shares his sermons and teachings through television, online platforms, and other forms of media.
Franklin became known for his strong focus on fasting, prayer, spiritual renewal, and faith-based living.
His book Fasting: Opening the Door to a Deeper, More Intimate, More Powerful Relationship with God became one of his most recognized works and helped him gain international attention as an author.
Beyond his ministry, Franklin is also known for his support of Israel and his involvement in humanitarian efforts.
Over the years, he has built a global audience through preaching, writing, and Christian outreach programs.
Jentezen Franklin Early Life
Jentezen Franklin was born on July 21, 1962, in Wilson, North Carolina, United States.
He grew up in a Christian family where faith and ministry played an important role.
His father, Billy Franklin, was a traveling preacher who influenced Jentezen’s early understanding of ministry and spiritual leadership.
He was raised alongside his siblings, including Richie Franklin, Doyle Franklin, Jennifer Franklin, and Jill Franklin.
During his childhood, Jentezen developed an interest in music and learned to play the tenor saxophone.
He originally planned to pursue a career in music before later choosing a path in ministry.
His early experiences with faith, family, and music helped shape his future as a preacher and communicator.
Although he began with musical ambitions, he eventually felt called to dedicate his life to Christian ministry.
Jentezen Franklin Age
Jentezen Franklin is 64 years old as of 2026 because he was born on July 21, 1962.
Throughout his decades in ministry, Franklin has continued preaching, writing books, leading Free Chapel, and sharing messages through television and digital platforms.
Jentezen Franklin Nationality and Ethnicity
Jentezen Franklin is American by nationality. He was born in Wilson, North Carolina, and has spent most of his life working in Christian ministry across the United States.
His ethnic background is generally identified as Caucasian.
Jentezen Franklin Education
Jentezen Franklin studied music at Atlantic Christian College, now known as Barton College, in Wilson, North Carolina.
During his time there, he trained as a saxophone player and performed in the college jazz band with his brother Richie.
Although he was interested in building a career in music, Franklin later left college to follow his calling into ministry.
He chose to focus on evangelism and Christian leadership rather than continuing his musical education.
His background in music later became part of his ministry style, as he has continued using music and worship as important elements of his Christian work.
Early Musical Dreams and Calling to Ministry (Before 1989)
Before becoming a pastor, Jentezen Franklin originally planned to build a career in music.
He studied the tenor saxophone at Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) and performed in the college jazz band with his brother Richie Franklin.
However, his passion for music eventually shifted toward a deeper calling in Christian ministry.
After leaving his music path, Franklin began working as an evangelist. He traveled to different churches, sharing biblical messages and developing his skills as a preacher.
His early years in evangelism helped prepare him for future leadership in ministry.
Becoming Senior Pastor of Free Chapel (1989)
Jentezen Franklin’s major breakthrough came in 1989 when he became the pastor of Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia, after the passing of former pastor Roy Wellborn.
At the time, Free Chapel was a small congregation with around 300 members.
Under Franklin’s leadership, the church experienced significant growth.
His powerful preaching style and focus on prayer, fasting, and spiritual renewal attracted more members and helped establish Free Chapel as a growing Christian ministry.
Growing Free Chapel into a Multi-Campus Ministry (2004–Present)
In 2004, Free Chapel moved into a larger facility with a 3,000-seat auditorium, marking an important milestone in the church’s expansion.
Over the years, the ministry continued to grow and developed into a multi-campus church with locations in different parts of the United States.
In 2007, Franklin expanded Free Chapel by launching a campus in Irvine, California.
Later, additional locations helped extend the church’s reach and allowed more communities to connect with his teachings and worship services.
Building a Global Media Ministry and Television Career (2000s–Present)
Alongside his church leadership, Franklin developed a strong media presence through Jentezen Franklin Media Ministries.
His television program Kingdom Connection became an important platform for sharing his sermons and teachings worldwide.
Through television broadcasts, online videos, conferences, and digital platforms, Franklin has reached millions of viewers with messages about faith, prayer, fasting, and biblical principles.
His media work has helped make him one of the most recognized evangelical voices.
Becoming a Bestselling Author and International Christian Leader (2004–Present)
Jentezen Franklin expanded his influence through writing, becoming a New York Times bestselling author.
His books, especially Fasting: Opening the Door to a Deeper, More Intimate, More Powerful Relationship with God, gained popularity among Christian readers.
Over the years, he has written numerous books on spiritual growth, overcoming fear, prayer, and faith.
He has also become known for his international speaking engagements, humanitarian efforts, and support for Israel.
Through his church, books, and global outreach, Franklin continues to play a major role in modern evangelical Christianity.
Jentezen Franklin Books
Jentezen Franklin is a New York Times bestselling author known for writing books about faith, prayer, fasting, spiritual growth, and overcoming personal struggles.
His writings have helped expand his ministry message beyond church services and television programs.
Some of his notable books include:
- Fasting: Opening the Door to a Deeper, More Intimate, More Powerful Relationship with God (2008)
- Right People, Right Place, Right Plan (2007)
- Fear Fighters: How to Live with Confidence in a World Driven by Fear (2009)
- The Fasting Edge: Recover Your Passion. Recapture Your Dream. Restore Your Joy (2011)
- 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)
Through these books, Franklin has become known as a writer who combines biblical teachings with practical guidance for everyday life.
What Happened to Jentezen Franklin?
Jentezen Franklin continues to serve as the senior pastor of Free Chapel and remains active in ministry, writing, and television work.
In recent years, he has continued preaching, hosting Kingdom Connection, publishing books, and participating in humanitarian efforts.
His ministry remains focused on prayer, fasting, spiritual renewal, and helping communities through outreach programs.
Jentezen Franklin Tattoo
Jentezen Franklin does not have any known permanent tattoos.
He has said he is “not much of a tattoo guy,” but he once shared a temporary “70 × 7” design symbolizing biblical forgiveness.
His sermon Permanently Inked uses tattoos as a metaphor for overcoming guilt, pain, and past struggles through faith.
Does Jentezen Franklin Have a Private Jet?
No, Jentezen Franklin has not publicly confirmed owning a private jet.
Some reports mention the use of private aircraft for ministry travel, but it is not clear who owns or operates the aircraft.
He also uses regular commercial flights for some trips.
Jentezen Franklin Family Tragedy
Jentezen Franklin has experienced personal losses within his family that deeply affected his life.
One of the most significant losses was the death of his father, Billy Franklin, in 1991.
His father was a preacher and played an important role in shaping Jentezen’s faith and calling toward ministry.
Losing his father shortly after becoming the pastor of Free Chapel was a difficult period for Franklin, but he continued his work in ministry while honoring his father’s influence.
Another painful loss came in December 2012, when his brother Richie Franklin passed away. Richie was not only Jentezen’s brother but also shared his love for music.
The two brothers played together in the college jazz band during their younger years, before Jentezen left his musical path to pursue ministry.
Richie’s death was a major loss for the Franklin family.
Beyond these losses, Jentezen Franklin has kept most family challenges private and has not publicly shared many personal details.
Through difficult moments, he has often spoken about the importance of faith, prayer, and trusting God during times of grief.
Jentezen Franklin Wife and Children
Jentezen Franklin married Cherise Franklin in September 1987. Their marriage has remained an important part of his personal life as he built his career in ministry.
Cherise has supported Jentezen throughout his journey as a pastor, author, and television preacher, standing alongside him during the growth of Free Chapel and his wider ministry work.
Cherise Franklin has also been involved in church and community activities connected with Free Chapel.
While she generally maintains a private life, she has supported the ministry’s mission and outreach efforts.
Together, Jentezen and Cherise have focused on faith, family values, and serving their community.
The couple has five children: Drake, Caressa, Caroline, Conner, and Courteney Franklin.
Their children have grown up surrounded by ministry and Christian service, with the family often emphasizing the importance of faith, prayer, and strong relationships.
Some members of the Franklin family have also been involved in areas connected to ministry and leadership.
Jentezen and Cherise Franklin are also grandparents and enjoy spending time with their extended family.
They live in Gainesville, Georgia, where Franklin continues serving as the senior pastor of Free Chapel.
Jentezen Franklin Net Worth
Jentezen Franklin has an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2026.
He earns income through his work as a pastor, author, televangelist, and ministry leader.
His income mainly comes from his role as the senior pastor of Free Chapel, along with earnings from his books and royalties.
He also earns through his television program Kingdom Connection and other ministry-related activities.
He earns through speaking engagements, conferences, and ministry-related events.
Through decades of preaching, writing, and media outreach, Franklin has built a successful career focused on Christian teaching and evangelism.
Jentezen Franklin Height and Weight
Jentezen Franklin stands tall at a height of 5 feet 7 inches which is equal to 170 centimeters or 1.70 meters. He weighs around 75 kilograms which is equal to 165 pounds.
He has a recognizable appearance with gray hair and brown eyes and is often seen wearing formal clothing while preaching at church services, conferences, and television programs.
His public image is closely associated with his energetic preaching style, expressive communication, and presence on stage.
Social Media Presence
Jentezen Franklin maintains an active online presence through his official ministry platforms.
His sermons, book updates, and ministry messages are shared across social media channels and digital platforms.
His official accounts include:
- Instagram: @jentezen
- Twitter/X: @Jentezen
- YouTube: Jentezen Franklin
- Facebook: Jentezen Franklin
Through social media and online broadcasts, Franklin continues sharing messages about faith, prayer, fasting, and spiritual growth with a global audience.
Conclusion
Jentezen Franklin has built a long career as an evangelical pastor, author, and televangelist.
From his early dream of becoming a musician to leading one of the most recognized Christian ministries in America, his journey has been shaped by faith and dedication.
Through Free Chapel, Kingdom Connection, his books, and humanitarian efforts, Franklin continues influencing people around the world.
His teachings on prayer, fasting, and spiritual growth remain central to his ministry and public work.
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