Paula Michelle White and Randy White married in 1990, after each divorced a previous spouse. They co‑founded Without Walls International Church in Tampa, Florida, which became a major megachurch in the 1990s and early 2000s. Over nearly two decades, they built a vast ministry and a luxurious lifestyle together—including a multimillion‑dollar waterfront home and private jet—which attracted both devotion and criticism.
Mounting Pressure and Public Scrutiny
In the mid‑2000s, Without Walls came under intense scrutiny amid investigations by the Senate Finance Committee into financial practices. The church was accused of using tax‑exempt resources to support personal expenses, including church leaders’ mansion and jet. Around the same time, Paula White suffered a series of personal crises: a debilitating stroke, prescription drug addiction, division among church staff, and distressing family tragedies—including her son’s addiction and the death of Randy’s daughter to brain cancer .
Paula later reflected that she endured enduring emotional and spiritual pressure. “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 recalled. It was under “that kind of pressure” that she and Randy made the decision to divorce—“in a really weak moment,” as she described it .
The Divorce Announcement and Personal Reflections
On August 23, 2007, Randy White announced their divorce. Reports described the split as amicable—and according to Paula, they remained friends despite the end of their marriage. Both had been previously divorced, and their congregation included many who supported them through such reforms.
In interviews and public remarks, Paula emphasized that their separation was not driven by scandal or betrayal, but by relational breakdown compounded by overwhelming stress. She noted that Randy “closed up” emotionally, while she traveled extensively—a gap that she wondered could be bridged. “Why can I win the world and not go home and win the one that I love?” she asked. Ultimately, both agreed to the divorce, with Randy accepting responsibility, and Paula saying she felt led to remain silent publicly while focusing on ministry recovery.
Media Rumors and Denials
Following the divorce, tabloids circulated rumors of an affair between Paula White and televangelist Benny Hinn. In 2010, they were photographed holding hands in Rome, but both denied any romantic involvement. Hinn said “a friendship did develop,” but stressed it had ended; Paula called the media speculation rumors “lies” meant to sell magazines, and insisted she never had an affair with Hinn .
Legacy of the Split
While their marriage ended, their ministry continued to evolve. Paula moved on to lead New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka (later City of Destiny) until 2019, and later served as a spiritual advisor in the Trump administration; Randy returned to ministry and resumed involvement at Without Walls later in 2012 before eventually stepping away .
In Summary
- No overt scandal or infidelity precipitated the divorce—at least, none acknowledged by the principals. Instead, both cite relentless pressure, emotional breakdown, and a relational breakdown under sustained stress.
- Paula described the split as a decision made in a vulnerable moment, not the result of public scandal or wrongdoing.
- The divorce was described as amicable, and both continued their respective ministries after separating.
- Media speculation linked Paula to other televangelists post‑divorce, but she consistently denied any affair.
Their story underscores the heavy burdens faced by leaders of large religious organizations—where personal, spiritual, and financial pressures can strain even long‑standing partnerships.
Brandon is the cheif editor and writer at WorldUnfolds.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen editorial eye, he crafts engaging content that captivates and enlightens readers worldwide.
