Jim Cymbala is a renowned American pastor, author, and speaker best known as the senior pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York City. He is widely respected for his powerful preaching, leadership, and focus on prayer. Under his leadership, Brooklyn Tabernacle has grown into one of the most influential multicultural churches in the United States, housing the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Cymbala’s ministry emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit, faith, and prayer in transforming lives.
Quick Facts about Jim Cymbala
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Jim Cymbala |
| Date of Birth | 1949 |
| Age | 76 years old (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Carol Cymbala |
| Children | Three |
| Ministry/Church | Brooklyn Tabernacle, New York City |
| Occupation | Pastor, Author, Speaker |
Early Life and Background
Jim Cymbala was born in 1949 in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in a modest family, Cymbala’s upbringing was deeply influenced by Christian values. He attended college on a basketball scholarship, showing his early talent and discipline in sports. However, his passion for ministry grew stronger during his young adult years, and he eventually pursued the call to serve God.
Although Cymbala did not go through traditional seminary training, his spiritual depth and leadership skills were shaped by personal study, prayer, and real-life ministry experiences. His humble beginnings would later help him connect with people from diverse backgrounds in one of America’s most challenging urban centers.
Call to Ministry
Jim Cymbala’s journey into full-time ministry was not conventional. He initially worked in business and tried his hand at different careers before responding to God’s call. Alongside his wife Carol, Cymbala accepted a struggling small church in downtown Brooklyn in the early 1970s.
When they began pastoring the church, the congregation was small, financially weak, and located in a neighborhood plagued by poverty, crime, and drug addiction. Despite these challenges, Cymbala felt God calling him to serve faithfully and trust in the power of prayer. This decision marked the beginning of a ministry that would eventually impact millions worldwide.
Ministry and Career Achievements
Growth of the Brooklyn Tabernacle
Jim Cymbala became pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle in 1971. At the time, the church had fewer than 30 members and little financial stability. Through dedicated leadership, a focus on prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, the church began to grow steadily.
Today, the Brooklyn Tabernacle is a vibrant multicultural congregation with thousands of members from more than 70 nationalities. It has become a symbol of hope, diversity, and transformation in the heart of New York City.
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
One of the church’s greatest ministries under Cymbala’s leadership is the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, directed by his wife Carol Cymbala. The choir has gained worldwide recognition for its powerful gospel music and has won multiple Grammy Awards. Their music ministry has not only blessed worshippers but also brought international attention to the church and its mission.
Prayer Emphasis
Jim Cymbala is best known for making prayer the central theme of his ministry. He often testifies that prayer meetings became the turning point for the church’s growth. The Tuesday night prayer meetings at Brooklyn Tabernacle draw thousands of participants, and many consider them the heartbeat of the church. Cymbala teaches that prayer is not just a program but the lifeline of the church.
Influence as a Speaker and Leader
Beyond his local church, Jim Cymbala has become a sought-after speaker at Christian conferences, leadership gatherings, and revival meetings around the world. His straightforward preaching style, often filled with stories of real-life transformation, has inspired pastors, leaders, and believers across denominations.
Books and Publications
Jim Cymbala is also a successful author whose books have reached millions of readers worldwide. His writings emphasize prayer, spiritual renewal, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Some of his most popular books include:
- Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (1997) – A bestselling book that shares the story of Brooklyn Tabernacle’s revival through prayer.
- Fresh Faith (2001) – A guide to deepening one’s trust in God.
- Fresh Power (2003) – Emphasizing the work of the Holy Spirit.
- Breakthrough Prayer (2004) – Teaching believers how to pray with power and persistence.
- You Were Made for More (2012) – Encouraging Christians to live with God-given purpose.
- Spirit Rising (2012) – Highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in daily life.
- Storm (2014) – Addressing challenges facing the modern church.
These books have been translated into multiple languages, making Cymbala’s message accessible to a global audience.
Family and Personal Life
Jim Cymbala is married to Carol Cymbala, the director of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Carol is a gifted leader in her own right, whose musical talents have touched millions through gospel music. Together, the couple has three children and several grandchildren.
The Cymbalas’ partnership in ministry is often highlighted as an example of unity in serving God. While Jim leads through preaching and pastoral oversight, Carol leads through worship and music. Their combined gifts have greatly contributed to the impact of Brooklyn Tabernacle worldwide.
Net Worth
Pastor Jim Cymbala has an estimated net worth of $5 million – $10 million. His wealth is primarily attributed to his long-standing ministry as Senior Pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, the international success of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, and the wide reach of his bestselling Christian books such as Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Fresh Faith, and Fresh Power. In addition, his speaking engagements, leadership conferences, and ministry resources have contributed significantly to his income.
While Pastor Cymbala is financially successful, he is best known not for material wealth but for his commitment to prayer, revival, and transforming lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. His financial blessings are seen as a reflection of decades of dedication to spreading the gospel rather than personal luxury.
Legacy and Influence
Jim Cymbala’s legacy is deeply tied to his message on the power of prayer. He transformed a struggling church in inner-city New York into a thriving spiritual community, proving that God can work wonders through prayer and faith.
The Brooklyn Tabernacle stands today as a living testimony of God’s power to bring revival in unexpected places. The church’s multicultural nature also reflects Cymbala’s belief that the gospel is for all people, regardless of race, background, or social status.
Through his books, preaching, and leadership, Cymbala has inspired countless pastors and believers to prioritize prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit. His impact continues globally through the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, conferences, and literature.
FAQs About Jim Cymbala
In this section, I will provide you with FAQs and answers on Jim Cymbala Biography. Keep on reading friend.
1. How old is Jim Cymbala?
Jim Cymbala is 76 years old as of 2025, having been born in 1949.
2. Who is Jim Cymbala’s wife?
He is married to Carol Cymbala, the director of the world-famous Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.
3. What church does Jim Cymbala pastor?
He is the senior pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York City.
4. What is Jim Cymbala known for?
Jim Cymbala is best known for his emphasis on prayer, his leadership of Brooklyn Tabernacle, and his bestselling books like Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire.
5. What is Jim Cymbala’s net worth?
While exact figures are not publicly available, his net worth is estimated to be in the range of a few million dollars, primarily from books, speaking, and pastoral ministry.
Conclusion
Jim Cymbala is one of the most influential pastors in modern American Christianity. His remarkable leadership of Brooklyn Tabernacle, his focus on prayer, and his bestselling books have touched millions of lives around the world. From humble beginnings to international influence, Cymbala’s story demonstrates the power of faith, prayer, and perseverance. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to seek God passionately and rely on the Holy Spirit for transformation.
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