Paula Michelle White and Randy White were married in 1990, following divorces by each of them. their previous spouses. They formed Without Walls International Church in Tampa, Florida, which has grown into a major megachurch during the early 2000s and 1990s. In the span of nearly two decades, they established a huge ministry as well as a lavish lifestyle, including the multimillion-dollar waterfront property and private jet that attracted both admiration and criticism.
Mounting Pressure and Public Scrutiny
In the late 2000s, Without Walls came under severe scrutiny as part of investigations conducted initiated by the Senate Finance Committee into financial practices. It was found guilty of utilizing tax-exempt funds to fund personal expenses, such as the the church’s mansion as well as a jet. In the same period, Paula White suffered a string of personal tragedies including a fatal stroke, addiction to prescription drugs as well as a division within the church personnel, and depressing family tragedies, including her son’s addiction, as well as Randy’s daughter’s death in a brain tumor .
Paula later acknowledged that she had to endure spiritual and emotional stress. “You can handle something if it’s for a short season… but how do I praise Him when my days turn into weeks… months… years… decades?” she said. It was because of “that kind of pressure” that she and Randy took the decision to divorce–“in an extremely weak time,” as she described it .
The Divorce Announcement and Personal Reflections
On the 23rd of August on the 23rd of August, 2007 Randy White announced their divorce. The split was described by the media as amicable. According to Paula she remained close to them in spite of the ending the marriage. Both were divorced previously and their community included a lot of people who helped their efforts to reform.
In her public statements and interviews, Paula emphasized that their separation was not triggered by scandal or betrayal instead, it was caused by a relationship breakdown accompanied by the overwhelming stress. She also noted the fact that Randy “closed up” emotionally as she traveled widely, a gap she wondered if was possible to bridge. “Why can I win the world and not go home and win the one that I love?” she asked. In the end, both parties accepted the divorce with Randy admitting responsibility and Paula admitting that she felt the need to not speak out publicly, and focusing on recovery for her ministry.
Media Rumors and Denials
After the split, newspapers spread reports of an affair with Paula White and televangelist Benny Hinn. In 2010, the two were seen together in Rome however both denied having a romantic relationship. Hinn claimed that “a friendship did develop,” but insisted that the relationship was ended. Paula claimed that the media speculative that hinted at “lies” meant to sell magazines. She insisted that she did not have an affair with Hinn .
Legacy of the Split
When their marriage ended however, their ministry continued develop. Paula was able to lead New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka (later City of Destiny) until the year 2019, and later was appointed spiritual advisor for the Trump administration. Randy returned to the ministry and re-engaged with Without Walls later in 2012 before finally stepping down .
In Summary
- Infidelity or scandals that were not obvious led to the divorce. At least, there was no acknowledgement by the authorities. Both couples cite constant stress, emotional breakdown and a breakdown of their relationships when they are under constant pressure.
- Paula said the split was the result of an uneasy moment, and not a result of public controversy or a wrongdoing.
- It was said that the divorce would be amicable and both continued to serve in their respective ministries after their separation.
- There was speculation in the media that linked Paula to televangelists who had divorced However, she repeatedly denied any involvement.
Their story highlights the hefty pressures that are faced by leaders of large religious institutions, where the personal and spiritual as well as financial pressures can afflict even long-standing alliances.