No matter how you feel about them, megachurches have a complicated financial structure that makes for a fascinating look. Its celebrity pastors achieve six-figure salaries, worshippers are willing to drop loads of cash for events and its buildings drip in opulence that likely cost a pretty penny. How are they able to afford these extravagances?

We put together an inside look at the little-known facts of megachurch finances, outside business ventures, congregation numbers, and more. The one that might surprise you the most is Lakewood Church — the biggest megachurch in the US led by Joel Osteen… Read on to find out more.