When you see Jentezen Franklin on a TBN broadcast or pacing the stage at Free Chapel, he doesn't exactly look like a man slowing down. He has this high-octane energy that makes you wonder if he’s found some secret fountain of youth or if it’s just the result of all that fasting he talks about. But eventually, curiosity gets the better of us. How old is Jentezen Franklin, really?
The short answer: Jentezen Franklin is 63 years old. He was born on July 21, 1962. If you’re reading this in 2026, he’ll be turning 64 this summer. It’s wild to think he’s been in the ministry game for decades, yet he still connects with younger generations like he’s one of them. Honestly, he’s lived several lives in those 63 years—from a professional saxophone player to a global media mogul and one of the most influential voices in the modern evangelical world.
The Early Days in North Carolina
Jentezen wasn't always a "pastor" in the way we think of him today. He grew up in Wilson, North Carolina, as one of five kids. His parents, Billy and Katie Franklin, raised him in a home where faith was the air they breathed. But as a teenager, Jentezen was more interested in music than the pulpit.
He was a legit talent on the saxophone. In fact, he was so good he earned a full-ride scholarship to Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College).
He and his brother Richie played in the college jazz band, and for a while, it looked like he was headed for a career in music. He also played piano, bass, and drums. He was basically a one-man band. But at age 16, everything changed when he committed his life to Christ. The shift didn't happen overnight, but the pull of the ministry eventually outweighed the lure of the jazz scene.
Taking the Reins at Free Chapel
If you want to understand Jentezen Franklin’s age, you have to look at the timeline of Free Chapel. In 1989, he became the senior pastor of what was then a small, 300-person congregation in Gainesville, Georgia.
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Think about that for a second.
He was only about 27 years old when he took over. Most guys that age are just trying to figure out how to pay rent, and he was stepping into a leadership role that would eventually grow into a multi-site powerhouse with thousands of members and a global reach.
The story of how he got the job is actually pretty heavy. The previous pastor, Roy Wellborn, passed away unexpectedly just before a revival service where Jentezen was scheduled to speak. Jentezen ended up preaching the Sunday service while the pastor's casket was literally right there in the building. It was a "sheep without a shepherd" moment that convinced him he was supposed to stay. He’s been there ever since—over 36 years of consistent leadership at the same church.
A Legacy That Transcends Age
People ask about his age because he’s stayed relevant for so long. Usually, a pastor’s influence peaks and then fades, but Jentezen seems to have stayed in the "sweet spot" of cultural relevance.
His ministry, Kingdom Connection, now broadcasts to over 200 nations. He’s a New York Times bestselling author of books like Fasting and Right People, Right Place, Right Plan. He’s not just a "church guy"; he’s an author, a social commentator, and a mentor to other leaders.
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Why He Doesn't Act His Age
Maybe it's the lifestyle. Franklin is famous—or infamous, depending on how much you like food—for his emphasis on fasting. Every January, he leads a 21-day fast that millions of people participate in. He swears by it for spiritual clarity, but you have to wonder if it also keeps him sharp and energized.
He’s also a family man. He and his wife, Cherise, have been married since 1987. They have five kids and a growing pack of grandkids. Being surrounded by a big, active family probably helps keep him grounded and "in the know" regarding what the next generation is thinking.
Beyond the Pulpit: Influence and Outreach
It’s not just about the numbers or the years. Franklin has used his platform for some pretty significant stuff outside of just Sunday morning sermons:
- Racial Reconciliation: He received the Martin Luther King Jr. Mantle of Destiny Award.
- Global Advocacy: He’s been a vocal supporter of Israel, receiving the Tree of Life Shalom Peace Award.
- Humanitarian Work: Free Chapel is constantly involved in feeding the hungry and building homes through various outreaches.
He’s 63, but he’s still launching new campuses and writing new books. He recently released Overcoming When You Feel Overwhelmed, which sort of sums up his vibe—he’s always looking for the next way to help people navigate the "chaos of life."
Looking Ahead
So, what’s next? If you’re following the 2026 "Fast" or watching his latest messages like Seeding the Clouds, it’s clear he’s thinking about the future. He often talks about how "God's vision is generational." He isn't trying to hold onto the spotlight; he’s actively trying to build a platform for the people coming up behind him.
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If you’re looking to apply some of Jentezen’s "secret sauce" to your own life, here are a few takeaways based on how he’s handled his career and aging:
Stay Disciplined
Whether it’s the annual fast or his daily routine, Franklin is a big believer in physical discipline leading to spiritual breakthrough. You don’t have to go 21 days without food, but finding a rhythm of discipline is key to longevity.
Lean Into Your Talents
He didn't throw away his love for music; he integrated it. He still plays the sax, and music remains a massive part of the Free Chapel culture. Don’t ditch your passions just because you’ve changed careers.
Think Generations, Not Years
The reason he doesn't seem "old" is that he’s focused on the future. He’s investing in "Spiritual Spartans"—the next generation of leaders. When you focus on helping others, you stay relevant.
Jentezen Franklin might be 63, but in terms of impact, he’s just getting started on his next chapter. If you want to keep up with his latest projects or join the next fast, his main hub is always the best place to start. Start by auditing your own "influence circle"—who are you impacting today that will carry your values into tomorrow?