Claude Houde Biography: Age, Net Worth, Family, Career and Achievements
Claude Houde is a dynamic Canadian evangelical pastor, author, and conference speaker. He is best known as the founder and senior pastor of Église Nouvelle Vie (New Life Church) in Longueuil, Quebec—one of the largest evangelical megachurches in the francophone world. With a heart for social compassion, teacher training, and church planting, Claude has left a lasting legacy in both spiritual and humanitarian spheres.
Quick Facts about Claude Houde
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Claude Houde |
| Year of Birth | 1963 (Montréal, Canada) |
| Age (2025) | Approximately 61–62 years |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Evangelical Pastor, Author, Conference Speaker |
| Church | Église Nouvelle Vie, Longueuil, QC |
| Education | Zion Bible Institute (Theology, 1984) |
| Spouse & Children | Married to Chantal; three children, including one adopted |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1–3 million (approximate; not officially disclosed) |
| Humanitarian Involvement | Founded Action Nouvelle Vie (food bank, thrift store, youth programs) |
Early Life and Spiritual Transformation
Growing up in Montreal in a challenging, non-practicing Catholic home and impacted by family dysfunction, Claude’s early life was anything but straightforward. However, at age 17, a powerful experience at an evangelical church led to his spiritual transformation and deliverance from alcoholism. This became the turning point, igniting a lifelong journey of faith and ministry.
He pursued theological training at the Zion Bible Institute in Rhode Island, graduating in 1984, and later served as a full-time evangelist across schools, universities, and churches before founding a church of his own.
Founding and Growing Église Nouvelle Vie
In 1993, Claude Houde planted Église Nouvelle Vie in Longueuil with just 50 people. Under his leadership, the church experienced explosive growth. By 2004, attendance had soared to over 2,500 people; by 2011, it reached around 4,000 weekly attendees. The church building itself includes a 2,400-seat auditorium, the largest in all of French-speaking Canada.
Compassion in Action: Action Nouvelle Vie
From the earliest days, Claude emphasized practical compassion. In 1998, during a severe ice storm that left many homeless with no heat or power, the church opened its doors to 500 people for three weeks. Recognizing the need for organized outreach, he founded Action Nouvelle Vie the same year—a humanitarian ministry offering a food bank, thrift store, aid for new mothers, and later a youth center called “2159” to support young people at risk of homelessness or delinquency.
Leadership Beyond the Church Walls
Claude has also held leadership roles beyond his congregation. He is president of the board for both the Christian Association for the Francophonie (ACF) and the Institut de Théologie pour la Francophonie, and serves on the board of World Challenge, David Wilkerson’s global ministry. His role has been pivotal in shaping pastor training, theological education, and broader evangelical cooperation across French-speaking populations.
Authorship & Conference Speaking
Claude is also an established author and speaker. He has penned several books—such as the devotional Moi et ma maison: 52 pensées pour la famille moderne—offering weekly reflections centered on faith, family, and practical Christian living. As a conference speaker, he travels internationally, spreading messages of hope, spiritual restoration, and church renewal.
Family and Personal Life
While he leads a large congregation, Claude ensures his family remains private and guarded. He and his wife Chantal have three children, including an adopted daughter, and are proud grandparents. Their family life deeply influences his messages and ministry ethos, rooted in compassion and authenticity.
Estimated Net Worth
There’s no public financial disclosure, but based on his sustained leadership, speaking, writing, and organizational roles, Claude’s net worth is often estimated in the $1–3 million range. Importantly, his life and ministry emphasize Kingdom generosity over personal gain.
Achievements at a Glance
- Founded a church that grew from 50 to several thousand attendees weekly
- Developed its sanctuary into the largest evangelical worship center in the francophonie
- Provided humanitarian aid during community crises and beyond
- Established Action Nouvelle Vie for ongoing social outreach
- Held regional leadership roles shaping evangelical identity and training in French-speaking communities
- Authored devotional and practical Christian books
- Maintained a powerful, mission-driven family ministry
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FAQs About Claude Houde
1. Who is Claude Houde?
Claude Houde is the founder and senior pastor of Église Nouvelle Vie in Longueuil. A transformational leader, he is also an author, humanitarian initiator, and evangelical figure in Francophone Canada.
2. How old is Claude Houde?
He was born in 1963, making him about 61–62 years old as of 2025.
3. What is his net worth?
Estimated at $1–3 million, although this is speculative and based on his multi-decade ministry, publications, and speaking engagements.
4. What is Action Nouvelle Vie?
A humanitarian arm of his church providing food aid, thrift services, help for pregnant women, and a youth center aimed at preventing homelessness and delinquency.
5. How large is the congregation?
Pastoral leadership grew the church to approximately 4,000 weekly attendees by 2011, with ongoing multi-site and media outreach
