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{{Short description|American televangelist (born 1936)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2013}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| name = Kenneth Devil Copeland | name = Kenneth Copeland
| residence = ], U.S.
| other_names = | other_names =
| image = File:Kenneth Copeland 2011.jpg | image = Kenneth Copeland 2011.jpg
| caption = Kenneth Copeland in 2011 | caption = Copeland on the ''Believer's Voice of Victory'' television broadcast in 2011
| birth_name = Kenneth Max Copeland | birth_name = Kenneth Max Copeland
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1936|12|06}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1936|12|6|}}
| birth_place = ], U.S. | birth_place = ], U.S.
| death_date = | death_date =
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| death_cause = | death_cause =
| known = | known =
| occupation = {{hlist|Author|speaker|scammer|pastor|predator|televangelist}} | occupation = {{hlist|Author|speaker|prosperity gospel preacher|televangelist}}
| net_worth = {{nowrap| ]760 million<ref name="Beliefnet profile">{{cite web|title=8 Richest Pastors in America|url=https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/christianity/8-richest-pastors-in-america.aspx?p=2|website=beliefnet|accessdate=October 1, 2018}}</ref> }} (October 2018)
| title =
| salary =
| term = | term =
| nationality = ]
| predecessor = | predecessor =
| years active = 1967–present
| successor = | successor =
| boards = | boards =
| movement = ] | movement = ]
| spouse = {{marriage|Ivy Bodiford|1955|1958}}<br /> {{marriage|Cynthia Davis |1958|1961}}<br /> {{marriage|Gloria Neece|1963}} | spouse = {{ubl|{{marriage|Ivy Bodiford|1955|1958|end=div}}|{{marriage|Cynthia Davis |1958|1961|end=div}}|{{marriage|Gloria Neece|1963}}}}
| partner =
| children = 3 | children = 3
| partner =
| parents = | parents =
| relations = | relations =
| website = {{URL|http://www.kcm.org}} | website = {{URL|http://kcm.org}}
| footnotes = | footnotes =
| party = ] | party =
| height =
| weight =
}} }}


'''Kenneth Max Copeland''' (born December 6, 1936) is an American ] associated with the ]. He is the founder of ] Inc. (EMIC), which is based in ]. Copeland has also written several books and other resources, and is known for his broadcast ''Believers Voice of Victory''.
'''Kenneth Max Copeland''' (born December 6, 1936) is an American ] and author associated with the ]. He has been identified as preaching a prosperity and abundance message, commonly referred to as the ],|last=Strang |first=Steve |title=Why I Applaud Kenneth Copeland's Handling of ''Inside Edition''<nowiki />'s Ambush Interview |type=response to '']''<nowiki />'s attack |publisher=] |date=June 5, url=http://web.archive.org/web/20190613234532/https://stream.org/my-response-to-the-media-ambush-of-our-brother-in-christ-minister-kenneth-copeland/ |archive-date=June 13, 2019 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 26, 2019 |quote=He rightly quoted the Apostle Paul, ']' Let our brother Kenneth and all Christians repeat, ']{{' }}}}</ref> as ]<ref>{{cite journal |last=Rosin |first=Hanna |author-link=Hanna Rosin |date=December 2009 |title=Did Christianity Cause the Crash? |journal=] |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2009/12/did-christianity-cause-the-crash/7764/3/ |location=] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20181213123144/https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2009/12/did-christianity-cause-the-crash/7764/3/ |archive-date=December 13, 2018 |dead-url=no |accessdate=June 26, 2019}}</ref> and as allegedly contradictory to biblical teaching, notably to Jesus' "]".<ref>At the root of this misinterpretation lies a willful disregard of Jesus' full teaching in {{bibleverse-lb||Matthew|19:23–26|NIV}} (] {{bibleverse-lb||Mark|10:24–27|NIV}}, {{bibleverse-lb||Luke|18:24–27|NIV}}): "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Likewise {{bibleverse-lb||Philippians|4:13|NIV}} and ] : "I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well."</ref>


Copeland preaches ] and is part of the ] movement, which teaches that divine favor is expressed in material and financial blessing, and that giving to ministries unlocks this favor.
He runs the ], Texas-based ] (KCM). KCM's motto is "]" from {{bibleverse-lb||Romans|10:9|KJV}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://kcm.org/about-us-0 |title=Kenneth Copeland Ministries - About Us |publisher=Kenneth Copeland Ministries |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20190606124545/http://kcm.org/about-us-0 |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |dead-url=no |access-date=June 26, 2019}}</ref>


==Personal life== ==Life and career==
Kenneth Max Copeland was born in ], ], to Aubrey Wayne and Vinita Pearl (née Owens) Copeland.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/interactive/8781/TXBTH_1936_000208e?pid=2675215|title=Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997|last=|first=|date=|website=www.ancestrylibrary.com|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2018-04-18}}</ref> He was raised in ] near a ] ], which inspired him to become a ]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.biographyministries.com/kenneth-copeland.html |title=Kenneth Copeland |publisher=biographyministries.com |year=2008 |accessdate=December 17, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016102647/http://www.biographyministries.com/kenneth-copeland.html |archivedate=October 16, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://newsok.com/article/3275378|title=AP IMPACT: Relatives of televangelist prosper|last=Gorski|first=Eric|date=2008-07-27|work=NewsOK.com|access-date=2018-04-18|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=}}</ref> Kenneth Max Copeland was born on December 6, 1936,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nationaltoday.com/birthday/kenneth-copeland/#:~:text=Kenneth%20Max%20Copeland%2C%20or%20Kenneth,in%20Texas%2C%20the%20United%20States | title=Kenneth Copeland Birthday }}</ref> raised in ] near a ] ] This inspired him to become a ].<ref name="biomin1" /><ref name="newsok1" />

Copeland married Ivy Bodiford in October 1955 and became the parents of Terri Copeland Pearsons;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://erecord.co.lubbock.tx.us/recorder/eagleweb/viewDoc.jsp?node=DOCCM-120611|title=Lubbock County Marriage Certificate|last=|first=|date=|website=erecord.co.lubbock.tx.us|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2018-04-18}}</ref> they divorced in 1958. Kenneth married Gloria (née Neece) on April 13, 1963.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kennethcopelandblog.com/2010/08/01/kenneth-and-gloria-copeland-the-untold-story/|title=Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, The Untold Story|publisher=KennethCopelandBlog.com |date=August 1, 2010 |accessdate=March 7, 2016}}</ref> They are the parents of John Copeland and Kellie Copeland Swisher. Gloria and the Copeland children work for KCM. Kellie preaches throughout the United States, as does Terri, who also preaches at Eagle Mountain International Church, which is pastored by her husband, George Pearsons.


Prior to his conversion to Christianity in November 1962, Copeland was a recording artist on the ] label, having one '']'' Top 40 hit ("Pledge of Love", which charted in the Top 40 on April 20, 1957, stayed on the charts for 15 weeks, and peaked at #17).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Billboard_Book_of_Top_40_Hits.html?id=drgq4g0rmVsC|title=The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits|last=Whitburn|first=Joel|date=2000|publisher=Billboard Books|year=|isbn=9780823076901|location=|pages=151}}</ref> Copeland was a recording artist on the ] label, having one '']'' Top 40 hit, "Pledge of Love", which charted in the Top 40 on April 20, 1957, stayed on the charts for 15 weeks, and peaked at No. 17.<ref name="googlebooks1" />


Following his conversion, Copeland devoted his life to the gospel and ministry work.<ref>Kenneth Copeland, "The Word in My life...", Kenneth Copeland Ministries Catalog (Fort Worth: Kenneth Copeland Ministries, n.d.), 3.</ref> In the fall of 1967, he enrolled in ], where he soon became pilot and chauffeur to ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oru.edu/alumni/excell/spring06/feature1.html|title=ORU alumni|publisher=|accessdate=April 16, 2017|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210080448/http://www.oru.edu/alumni/excell/spring06/feature1.html|archivedate=February 10, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In the fall of 1967, he enrolled in ], where he soon became pilot and chauffeur to ].<ref name="robertsedu1" />


==Kenneth Copeland Ministries== ==Kenneth Copeland Ministries==
]
In 1967, after attending ]'s Pastor Seminars, Copeland and his wife Gloria founded Kenneth Copeland Ministries (KCM) in ], ].<ref>Randall Herbert Balmer, ''Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism: Revised and expanded edition'', Baylor University Press, USA, 2004, p. 189</ref> The ministry's motto is "]".<ref name="kcm2" /> Kenneth Copeland Ministries has six international offices in Canada, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kenneth Copeland Ministries: A Brief History {{!}} Kenneth Copeland Ministries |url=https://www.kcm.org/about-us/kenneth-copeland-ministries-brief-history?language_content_entity=en-US |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=www.kcm.org}}</ref> He preaches ] and is part of the ] movement, which teaches that financial blessing and physical well-being are the will of God for believers, and that material and financial success are a sign of divine favor.<ref>{{cite book | last = Wilson | first = J. Matthew | title = From Pews to Polling Places: Faith and Politics in the American Religious Mosaic | year = 2007 | publisher = ] | isbn = 978-1-58901-172-4 }}</ref> This may be unlocked through giving to ministry, and Copeland has written that parishioners will get a "hundredfold" return on their investment through "giving to God" by giving to his ministry.<ref name="vox1" />

Throughout several decades of ministry Kenneth Copeland has supported and partnered with other notable ministers of the Gospel. In 1986 Copeland supported and prayed over ] during Bonnke's Fresh Fire Conference.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bonnke |first=Reinhard |title=Living a Life of Fire |pages=392}}</ref> Daniel Kolenda, who was the successor to Reinhard Bonnke, said that Kenneth Copeland told Bonnke that one day Bonnke would preach to a million people on one day.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suTHNVaVC1s |title=Daniel Kolenda Reflects on the Partnership of Reinhard Bonnke and Kenneth Copeland Ministries |date=2020-02-11 |last=Kenneth Copeland Ministries |access-date=2024-11-20 |via=YouTube}}</ref>


===Television and other programming=== ===Television and other programming===
Since 1967, Copeland's ministry has held three-to-six-day conventions across the United States.<ref>Kate Bowler, ''Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel'', OUP USA, 2013, p. 82</ref> KCM still holds an annual Southwest Believer's Convention in his hometown of Fort Worth during the first week of August.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Southwest Believers' Convention {{!}} Kenneth Copeland Ministries |url=https://www.kcm.org/events/2022-southwest-believers-convention?_ga=2.84735647.727533793.1642015458-1664595969.1642015458 |access-date=January 12, 2022 |website=www.kcm.org}}</ref> Kenneth and Gloria Copeland also preach and minister at other conventions and conferences throughout the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Branson Victory Campaign {{!}} Kenneth Copeland Ministries |url=https://www.kcm.org/events/2022-branson-victory-campaign?language_content_entity=en-US |access-date=February 22, 2022 |website=www.kcm.org}}</ref> These events stream live on Copeland's website, {{Not a typo|kcm.org}}, as well as being shown on Christian television stations such as ] and the ]. Portions of recorded conferences are shown on Sundays. The Monday through Friday television broadcasts feature a Copeland family member, either alone or with another minister, discussing subjects from the ].
]
For decades, Copeland's ministry has held three-to-six-day conventions across the United States. The number of longer set conventions has waned in recent years, although KCM still holds an annual Believer's Convention in his hometown of ], Texas, during the week of July 4. Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, along with ministry friends including some family members, also preach at other conventions and conferences throughout the world.{{Citation needed|date=February 2018}} These events stream live on Copeland's website, kcm.org, as well as being shown on Christian television stations such as ] and the ]. Portions of recorded conferences are shown Sundays. The Monday through Friday television broadcasts feature a Copeland family member, either alone or with another minister, discussing subjects from the ].
Most of these episodes are available on BVOV.tv. In July 2015, KCM launched the Believer's Voice of Victory Network on channel 265 of ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dish.com/business/downloads/dish-general-channel-lineup.pdf |title=dish general channel linup |publisher=dish |accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref>


On May 27, 1971, KCM began a one-hour television program called ''The Word of Faith''. In 1972, another television program was launched called ''The Prayer Group''. This was a half-hour television program aired across the United States.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2020 |title=Reaching the World Through Television |journal=Believers Voice of Victory Magazine}}</ref> In 1989, the weekly show ''The Word of Faith'' was replaced by a daily series called ''Believer’s Voice of Victory''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://issuu.com/kcmeurope/docs/bvov_01-22_digital_issuu/s/14341898 | title=The Founding of a Ministry }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.zippia.com/kenneth-copeland-ministries-careers-1342148/history | title=Kenneth Copeland Ministries History: Founding, Timeline, and Milestones - Zippia | date=August 27, 2020 }}</ref>
===Filmography===
* The Gunslinger
* Covenant Rider
* The Treasure of Eagle Mountain
* Judgement: The Trial of Commander Kelley
* The Rally
* Superkid Academy: The Mission
* The Rally-LA


Along with their television programming and television network, Kenneth Copeland has produced and starred in several films, including ''The Rally'' (2010), ''Superkid Academy: The Mission'' (2013) and ''The Rally-LA'' (2016).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kenneth Copeland - Biography |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0178627/bio/ |access-date=April 28, 2024 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref>{{User-generated inline|date=September 2024|certain=yes}}
===Facilities===
Kenneth Copeland Ministries is located at 14355 Morris Dido Road, Fort Worth, TX 76192 on 33 acres (13 ha), a property valued at $554,160 in 2008 by Tarrant Appraisal District. The site includes the Eagle Mountain International Church, television and radio production facilities, warehouse and distribution facilities, residences for the Copeland family, and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/religion/2008-07-27-copeland-evangelist-finances_N.htm |title=Analysis: Copeland's religious empire benefits his family |publisher=USA Today |date=July 27, 2008 |accessdate=29 January 2014}}</ref> Approximately 500 people are employed by KCM. John Copeland is the ministry's chief operating officer.


===Victory Channel===
KCM also owns a 1998 ], which it received from a donor in October 2007 and is used for ]s, and a 2005 ], which it uses for ]s. It also is ] a 1962 ], which the ministry plans to use for ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://flightaware.com/resources/airport/4T2|title=Kenneth Copeland Airport FBOs (Fort Worth, TX) ✈ FlightAware|publisher=|accessdate=April 16, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104010640/http://www.believersstandunited.com/faq/ |url=http://www.believersstandunited.com/faq/ |archivedate=2013-11-04 |title=FAQ: Why does Kenneth Copeland Ministries own private aircraft? What types of aircraft are they? Why don't Kenneth and Gloria fly on commercial airlines? |accessdate=May 14, 2013 |work=Believers Stand United}}</ref>
In 2015, KCM launched the Believer's Voice of Victory Network on channel 265 on ].<ref name="dish-channels" /> Believer's Voice of Victory Network was renamed Victory Channel in 2019, and is available over-the-air and on some cable providers.<ref name="govictory1" /> On October 2, 2020, the Believer's Voice of Victory (BVOV) stopped broadcasting on the ] (TBN).<ref name="TBN" /> At the start of 2022, it was added on several national cable systems under a new channel lease with Olympusat, which had previously offered ] and ], then ], on the channel space.{{Cn|date=September 2024}} The Victory Channel's popular ''FlashPoint'' current-events prophecy program is hosted by pastor Gene Bailey and reaches approximately 11,000 households. ''FlashPoint'' commonly features nationally known ministry leaders such as ] and Hank Kunneman; other guests have included ], ], ]. and former Ambassador to Israel David Friedman.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hixenbaugh |first=Mike |date=May 3, 2024 |title=Inside the Christian TV show rallying Trump superfans with apocalyptic warnings |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/flashpoint-trump-republican-christian-tv-show-rcna150303 |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rabey |first1=Steve |date=February 2, 2024 |title=With FlashPoint Live, roster of Pentecostal 'prophets' hits the road for Trump |url=https://religionnews.com/2024/02/02/with-flashpoint-live-familiar-roster-of-pentecostal-preachers-hits-the-road-for-trump/ |access-date=September 27, 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref>


===Facilities and aircraft===
In February 2007, Copeland was accused of using his ministry's Citation X for personal vacations and friends.<ref name="Jetrecords">{{cite news |title=Jet flight records spur Copeland ministry questions |url=http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa070228_mo_churchjet.87be631.html |publisher=] |date=February 28, 2007 |accessdate=October 17, 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070907124947/http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa070228_mo_churchjet.87be631.html |archivedate=September 7, 2007}}</ref> The Copelands' financial records are not publicly available, and a list of the board of directors is not accessible as these details are protected but known confidentially by the ].<ref name="Jetrecords" /> Responding to media questions, Copeland pointed to what he asserted was an accounting firm's declaration that all jet travel complies with federal tax laws.<ref name="Jetrecords" /> In December 2008, KCM's Citation Bravo was denied tax exemption after KCM refused to submit a standardized ] form that some county appraisal districts use to make determinations, which would have required making public the salary of all ministry staff.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1078037.html |title=Televangelist's $3.6 million jet not tax-exempt, county says |publisher=] |date=December 5, 2008 |accessdate=December 17, 2008}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref name="CLG 2010-03-11">{{cite news |title=A Victory for Church Freedom |date=March 11, 2010 |url=http://churchlawgroup.com/blog/uncategorized/a-victory-for-church-freedom/ |work=Church Law Group |accessdate=May 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104224501/http://churchlawgroup.com/blog/uncategorized/a-victory-for-church-freedom/ |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |dead-url=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref> KCM subsequently ] with the ] in January 2009 and its petition to have the aircraft's tax-exempt status restored was granted in March 2010.<ref name="CLG 2010-03-11" /><ref>{{cite news |first=Darren |last=Barbee |title=Appraisal district sued over tax exemption for private jet |date=February 25, 2009 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |pages=B07 Metro }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=TAD, Copeland ministry settle suit over tax-exempt jet |date=March 10, 2010 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram }}</ref>
Kenneth Copeland Ministries is located in Fort Worth, Texas, on a {{convert|33|acre|adj=on}} property that was once ] (MCAS Eagle Mountain Lake), a ] air base, valued in 2008 at $554,160 ({{Inflation|US|554160|2008|fmt=eq}}) by Tarrant Appraisal District. The site includes the ],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc.: Texas (US) : OpenCorporates|url=https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_tx/0024727601|access-date=December 3, 2021|website=opencorporates.com}}</ref> television and radio production facilities, warehouse and distribution facilities, residences for the Copeland family, and ].{{R|NBC news 2008}} As of 2024, ] (FAA) records indicated that no aircraft were based at the airport, and that it had a single usable runway;<ref name="FAA">{{FAA-airport|ID=4T2|use=PU|own=PU|site=23299.*A}}. Federal Aviation Administration. Effective 31 October 2024.</ref> that same year, KCM told the '']'' that it was raising money to resurface the second runway so it could be used again, and it was using the former Marine Corps hospital building as a medical clinic for church members.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gonzales |first=Ella |title=A rare glimpse inside the Eagle Mountain Lake site where a long-gone base helped win WWII |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article290201214.html |date=28 September 2024 |access-date=25 November 2024 |url-access=limited}}</ref> In 2008, approximately 500 people were employed by KCM.{{R|NBC news 2008}} Copeland's son John Copeland was the ministry's chief operating officer until his divorce from Marty Copeland in 2017. He remains a consultant to the ministry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denton County Records Inquiry |url=https://justice1.dentoncounty.gov/PublicAccessDC/default.aspx |access-date=September 2, 2021 |website=justice1.dentoncounty.gov}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=April 2024|reason=link takes to a search page. What are we searching for?}}


KCM owns several ]s, including a 1998 ], which it received from a donor in October 2007 and is used for ]s, and a 2005 ], which it uses for ]s. In 2018, KCM acquired a ] that was formerly owned by ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gutierrez |first=Lisa |date=July 15, 2019 |title='Word from the Lord': Televangelist's ministry buys Tyler Perry's Gulfstream jet |url=https://www.kansascity.com/news/nation-world/article195841759.html |access-date=December 13, 2022 |website=The Kansas City Star}}</ref> and was ] a 1962 ], which the ministry plans to use for ].<ref name="flightaware1" /><ref name="private-aircraft" />
Kenneth Copeland Ministries has taken advantage of a ] program that keeps flights private from tracking websites, and the ministry owns five such aircraft whose flights are kept private, including the ] note above and a ].<ref name="usatoday30.usatoday.com">{{cite web|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-04-08-blocked-flights-inside_N.htm|title=Televangelist, college boosters, Hooters on stealth fliers list - USATODAY.com|publisher=|accessdate=April 16, 2017}}</ref> ] ] has questioned some of the flights taken by these aircraft, including layovers in ], ], and ].<ref name="usatoday30.usatoday.com"/> The ministries say that the stopovers were for preaching or for allowing pilot rest.<ref name="usatoday30.usatoday.com"/>


===Kenneth Copeland Bible College===
According to the '']'', Kenneth Copeland (and another televangelist ]), has defended his use of private jets as a neccessary part of their ministry, comparing flying in a commercial plane to "getting into a long tube with a bunch of demons".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jan/5/kenneth-copeland-jesse-duplantis-defend-private-je/|title=Kenneth Copeland, Jesse Duplantis defend private jets: Commercial planes full of 'demons'|first=The Washington Times|last=http://www.washingtontimes.com|publisher=|accessdate=April 16, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdH2DGSXjss&t=2m41s|title=Kenneth Copeland, Jesse Duplantis, defending their private jets|website=Youtube|access-date=2019-06-11}}</ref>
Kenneth Copeland Bible College (KCBC) is located on the property of Kenneth Copeland Ministries and Eagle Mountain International Church (EMIC). KCBC is an accredited member with Transworld Accrediting Commission International.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Accreditation Status {{!}} Transworld Accrediting Commission International |url=https://transworldaccrediting.com/schools/kenneth-copeland-bible-college/ |access-date=September 1, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> On August 28, 2003, Kenneth Copeland Bible College opened an extension campus in Langley, British Columbia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Partida |first=Erica |date=November 15, 2023 |title=Vision Update: KCBC Canada Welcomes First Class! |url=https://blog.kcm.org/vision-update-kcbc-canada-welcomes-its-first-class/ |access-date=December 4, 2023 |website=KCM Blog |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Controversies== === Israel ===
For several decades Copeland and KCM has been a public and vocal supporter for Israel. On August 17, 2022 the President of Israel, ], called and personally thanked Copeland and KCM for their support of Ukrainian and Russian Jews.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBxRnY_U71M |title=President of Israel Thanks KCM for Helping Ukrainian Jews Make Aliyah |date=2022-08-18 |last=Kenneth Copeland Ministries |access-date=2024-05-28 |via=YouTube}}</ref> In 2020 he was listed by the ] as one of the top supporters of Israel along with ], ], Mike Huckabee, and other Christian leaders.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Israel's Top 50 Christian Allies |url=https://israelallies.org/israels-top-50-christian-allies |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=Israel Allies Foundation |language=en}}</ref> Copeland and other Christian leaders such as ] and John Hagee have received criticism for their support of Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-10 |title=5 reasons why evangelicals are rallying behind Israel |url=https://www.reckon.news/news/2023/11/5-reasons-why-evangelicals-are-rallying-behind-israel.html |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=Reckon |language=en}}</ref>


==Personal life==
===2006 Angel Flight 44 Controversy===
Copeland has been married three times. His first marriage was to Ivy Bodiford in October 1955. They had one child;<ref name="lubbock1" /> they divorced in 1958. He was then married to Cynthia Davis from 1958 to 1961.
According to '']'', Kenneth Copeland Ministries was criticized in 2010 for failing to fly disaster relief missions to ] after allegedly promising an aviation relief assistance program called '''Angel Flight 44'''.<ref name="christianpost.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/televangelist-kenneth-copeland-blasted-for-unfulfilled-vows-43561/|title=Televangelist Kenneth Copeland Blasted for 'Unfulfilled Promises'|publisher=|accessdate=April 16, 2017}}</ref> The Angel Flight 44 ministry was announced by Kenneth Copeland Ministries in 2006 and the ministry attempted to raise money to fund it.<ref name="christianpost.com"/> Richard Vermillion, co-author of a book on Angel Flight 44 commissioned by Kenneth Copeland Ministries, said that Copeland promised to form the aviation ministry but now believes it was never created.<ref name="christianpost.com"/> A spokesperson for Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Stephen Swisher, told ''The Christian Post'', "This was not a specific promise with a time line attached", and said that the money was spent on airplane repairs, and that the airplane was "not in airworthy condition" and had "structural issues".<ref name="christianpost.com"/>


Copeland then married Gloria (] Neece) in 1963.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carvajal |first=Edduin |date=September 28, 2020 |title=Kenneth and Gloria Copeland Have Been Married for over 50 Years – Glimpse into Their Family |url=https://news.amomama.com/230338-kenneth-gloria-copeland-have-been-marrie.html |access-date=February 22, 2022 |website=news.amomama.com |language=en}}</ref> They are the parents of John Copeland and Kellie Copeland.{{clarify|Directly above states Terri is daughter of Kenneth and Ivy, which is correct? |date=November 2022}} Gloria co-hosts the ministry's flagship broadcast, ''The Believer's Voice of Victory'', alongside her husband.
===2008 Mike Huckabee controversy===
In late November 2007, ], a ] candidate, made six appearances on Copeland's daily television program '']'', discussing "Integrity of Character".{{Citation needed|date=February 2018}} Huckabee, an ordained Baptist minister, was appearing on Copeland's daily broadcast to promote his book, ''Character IS the Issue: How People with Integrity Can Revolutionize America''. Through the years, Copeland has invited many church pastors and evangelists to appear on his daily program to discuss their respective books. Subsequently, in January 2008, the Huckabee campaign paid for use of Kenneth Copeland Ministries' facilities for a fundraiser.<ref name="2008-01-29 ADG">{{cite news |url=http://www2.arkansasonline.com/news/2008/jan/29/plate-passed-huckabee-ministry-site |title=Plate passed for Huckabee at ministry site |publisher=] |date=January 29, 2008 |accessdate=2008-12-17}}</ref> The fundraising at the church was criticized by the ].<ref name="2008-01-29 ADG" />


Kellie preaches throughout the United States, as does Copeland's daughter Terri, who also preaches at Eagle Mountain International Church, which is pastored by her husband George Pearsons.
As a result of the Huckabee appearances, Kenneth Copeland Ministries was one of six approached by the ]. The Copelands responded with a ] and created a website, ''Believers Stand United'', to help explain their perspective.{{Citation needed|date=February 2018}}<ref>The investigation found no evidence of the Copelands making personal profit from financial donations. {{cite web |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/40960871/ns/politics-capitol_hill/t/televangelists-escape-penalty-senate-inquiry/#.URiVeTsiGYV |title=Televangelists escape penalty in Senate inquiry |publisher=www.nbcnews.com |date=2011-07-01 |accessdate=2013-02-11 |author=Zoll, Rachel}}</ref>


Copeland has amassed significant wealth during his career and has referred to himself as a "very wealthy man".<ref name="washingtonpost-private-jet" /> The '']'' referred to him as the wealthiest pastor in America, allegedly having a net worth of $750 million in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insider.com/texas-pastor-worth-750m-avoided-150k-taxes-on-mansion-report-2021-12|title=America's richest pastor avoids $150,000 in annual taxes on a $7 million Texas mansion that he said God told him to build, report says|date=December 17, 2021|website=Business Insider|first=Bill|last=Bostock|access-date=December 24, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Root |first1=Jay |title=Kenneth Copeland is the wealthiest pastor in America. So why does he live in a tax-free Texas mansion? |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investigations/unfair-burden/article/kenneth-copeland-wealth-pastor-tax-free-mansion-16662283.php |access-date=8 October 2024 |work=Houston Chronicle |date=Dec 15, 2021}}</ref> As of 2024, Copeland's net worth was estimated to be $300 million.<ref>{{cite web |last=Farah |first=Lynn |title=8 of the richest pastors and televangelists of 2024 – net worths, ranked: from T.D. Jakes to Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland, who have sizeable fortunes that they mostly prefer not to discuss |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3260500/8-richest-pastors-and-televangelists-2024-net-worths-ranked-td-jakes-joel-osteen-and-kenneth |publisher=South China Morning Post |date=27 April 2024}}</ref>
===2013 vaccination controversy===
In 2013, a ] (20 confirmed cases as of August 26) in ] was attributed in the press to ] sentiments expressed by members of the Copeland Ministries. The church denied making any such statements and urged members to get vaccinations, even offering free immunizations through the church itself.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-measles-outbreak-linked-to-church-led-by-kenneth-copelands-daughter-infection-spread-to-congregation-staff-day-care-103057/|title=Texas Measles Outbreak Linked to Church Led by Kenneth Copeland's Daughter; Infection Spreads to Congregation, Staff, Day Care|website=www.christianpost.com|access-date=2017-12-22}}</ref> Pastor Terri Copeland Pearsons, who is Kenneth Copeland's daughter, offered free vaccination clinics and advised those who did not attend one of the clinics to ] themselves at home for two weeks. In a statement on the church website, Pearsons said she was not against immunizations, but also raised concerns about them.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2013/09/01/217746942/texas-megachurch-at-center-of-measles-outbreak|title=Texas Megachurch At Center Of Measles Outbreak|work=NPR.org|access-date=2017-12-22}}</ref>


===Donald Trump advisory board===
<blockquote>"Some people think I am against immunizations, but that is not true", the statement said. "Vaccinations help cut the mortality rate enormously. I believe it is wrong to be against vaccinations. The ] we have had are primarily with very young children who have family history of ] and with bundling too many immunizations at one time. There is no indication of the ] with vaccinations in older children. Furthermore, the new ] is without ] (mercury), which has also been ] to many."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Health/texas-church-epicenter-measles-outbreak/story?id=20071644|title=Texas Church at Epicenter of Measles Outbreak|last=News|first=A. B. C.|date=2013-08-27|website=ABC News|access-date=2017-12-22}}</ref></blockquote>
Copeland sat on the evangelical executive advisory board that ] assembled during his campaign for the presidency.<ref name="independent2" /> Appointment to the board did not require endorsement of his bid for presidency,<ref name="politico" /> and Copeland clarified that he did not endorse Trump at the time.<ref name="kcmtrump" /> Before the 2016 election, Copeland said that Christians who did not vote for Trump would be guilty of murder, referring to the pro-choice stance of ].<ref name="wapo2" /> After a state dinner at the White House that Copeland attended, he stated in an interview that Trump was "led by the Spirit of God", and that his most important legacy as president would be the appointments of conservative judges.<ref name="charismamag" /> On November 5, 2022, Copeland spoke at a Donald Trump rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, stating that Trump is the only president he has ever seen wear the red, white, and blue in office.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hume |first=Chris |date=2022-11-08 |title=Kenneth Copeland Speaks at Trump Rally in Pennsylvania |url=https://www.thelancasterpatriot.com/kenneth-copeland-speaks-at-trump-rally-in-pennsylvania/ |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=The Lancaster Patriot |language=en}}</ref> During the 2024 Southwest Believers' Convention in Fort Worth, Texas, Kenneth Copeland told the thousands in attendance and online that voting is a sacred trust.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greene |first=Marissa |date=2024-07-30 |title=Ahead of election, Kenneth Copeland ties Christianity to politics at Fort Worth conference |url=https://fortworthreport.org/2024/07/30/ahead-of-election-kenneth-copeland-ties-christianity-to-politics-at-fort-worth-conference/ |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=Fort Worth Report |language=en-US}}</ref> His involvement in politics as a nationally prominent ministry leader has drawn both praise and criticism.


== Controversy ==
===2015 ''Last Week Tonight'' criticism===
KCM has been criticized for its use of private aircraft. KCM promised from 2006 to 2010 to create an aviation relief assistance program called ''Angel Flight 44'', to help ].<ref name="christianpost.com" /> A spokesperson responded "This was not a specific promise with a timeline attached", and said that the money was spent on airplane repairs.<ref name="christianpost.com" /> In 2008, the ministry owned five airplanes<ref name="au1" /> and continued to purchase more.<ref name="kcm-jet" /> In February 2007, Copeland was accused of using KCM's Citation X for personal vacations.<ref name="Jetrecords" /> The Copelands' financial records and a list of KCM's board of directors are not publicly available; the information is held in confidence by the ].<ref name="Jetrecords" /> Responding to media questions, Copeland pointed to an accounting firm's declaration that his jet travel complied with federal tax laws.<ref name="Jetrecords" />
Kenneth Copeland and his wife, Gloria Copeland, were featured in a 2015 episode of '']'' that gained media attention.<ref>{{cite web|title=Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Televangelists (HBO)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y1xJAVZxXg|website=YouTube|accessdate=18 August 2015|format=16 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Ohlheiser|first1=Abby|title=Comedian John Oliver takes on the prosperity gospel by becoming a televangelist|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/08/17/comedian-john-oliver-takes-on-the-prosperity-gospel-by-becoming-a-televangelist/|website=The Washington Post|accessdate=18 August 2015|date=17 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Locker|first1=Melissa|title=John Oliver Becomes a Televangelist and Finally Starts His Own Church|url=http://time.com/3999933/john-oliver-televangelist-church-alst-week-tonight/|website=Time Magazine|accessdate=18 August 2015|date=17 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Stern|first1=Marlow|title=John Oliver Exposes Shady Televangelists Fleecing Americans For Millions|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/08/17/john-oliver-exposes-shady-televangelists-fleecing-americans-for-millions.html|website=The Daily Beast|accessdate=18 August 2015|date=17 August 2015}}</ref> Comedian ] criticized the Copelands for using tax laws to live in a $6.3 million mansion as the ] allowance for their home is not subject to income taxes,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Burnett|first1=John|title=Can A Television Network Be A Church? The IRS Says Yes|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/04/01/282496855/can-a-television-network-be-a-church-the-irs-says-yes|website=NPR|accessdate=18 August 2015|format=1 April 2014}}</ref> for using church donations to buy a $20 million jet that was used for trips to a ski resort and a private game ranch,<ref>{{cite web|title=Senate audit critical of TV preacher Kenneth Copeland|url=http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/investigates/2014/08/10/13660222/|website=WFAA|accessdate=18 August 2015|location=Dallas, Texas|date=7 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019235219/http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/investigates/2014/08/10/13660222/|archive-date=October 19, 2015|dead-url=yes|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and for promotion of healing through faith and skepticism of medicine, which Oliver highlighted with a video of Gloria Copeland saying that doctors give patients "poison that will make you sicker" and that the church is an alternative to medical treatment: "Which do you want to do? Do you want to do that", Copeland asked of the doctor's "poison" treatment, "or do you want to sit here on a Saturday morning, hear the word of God, and let faith come into your heart and be healed?"


In December 2008, KCM's Citation Bravo was denied tax exemption after KCM refused to submit a standardized ] form that some county appraisal districts use to make determinations, which would have required making public the salary of all ministry staff.<ref name="jet-not-exempt" /><ref name="CLG 2010-03-11" /> KCM subsequently ] with the Tarrant Appraisal District in January 2009 and its petition to have the aircraft's tax-exempt status restored was granted in March 2010.<ref name="CLG 2010-03-11" /><ref name="sued-over-tax" /><ref name="settle-suit" />
===Private jets===
In 2009, Copeland's $3.6 million jet was denied tax-exempt status, opening up a possible investigation into the church's expenses; Copeland failed to disclose the salaries of his directors. In 2008 the ministry stated it owned five airplanes, one of which is valued at $17.5 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tax-Exempt Status For Televangelist's Jet Denied|publisher=Americans United|url=https://au.org/church-state/january-2009-church-state/au-bulletin/tax-exempt-status-for-televangelist%E2%80%99s-jet-denied|access-date=December 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120124428/https://au.org/church-state/january-2009-church-state/au-bulletin/tax-exempt-status-for-televangelist%E2%80%99s-jet-denied|archive-date=January 20, 2018|dead-url=yes|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


KCM has utilized an FAA program that blocks enrolled aircraft on ] websites; in 2010, the flights of five of the ministry's aircraft were kept private, including the Citation X and a ].<ref name="usatoday30.usatoday.com" /> ] ] has questioned some of the flights taken by these aircraft, including layovers in ], ], and ].<ref name="usatoday30.usatoday.com" /> The ministries say that the stopovers were for preaching or for allowing pilot rest.<ref name="usatoday30.usatoday.com" />
Copeland's ministry bought a multi-million<ref name=CP-KC>{{cite web|title=Kenneth Copeland Acquires New Gulfstream V Jet, Seeks $19.5M for Upgrades and Maintenance|publisher=Christian Post|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/kenneth-copeland-acquires-new-gulfstream-v-jet-seeks-19-5m-for-upgrades-and-maintenance-214408/}}</ref> ] jet airplane and Copeland thanked his followers and Jesus for buying it when it was delivered at the Fort Worth airstrip, wearing a ] and sunglasses.<ref name=D5286955>{{cite web|title='Jesus bought this': Delighted televangelist Kenneth Copeland giggles with glee as he unveils new $3million private jet paid for by donations from his followers|publisher=Daily Mail|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5286955/Prosperity-Preacher-Kenneth-Copeland-giggles-GV.html}}</ref> The jet was bought from filmmaker and businessman ].<ref name=D5286955/> <ref name=CP-KC/> Now, the church is asking another $17<ref name=D5286955/> or $19.5 million for the building of a hangar, upgrading the runway and maintenance.<ref name=CP-KC/>


Copeland raised funds for the building of a hangar, upgrading of the runway, and maintenance.<ref name="kcm-jet" /> Copeland's and other televangelists' use of private jets, luxury cars and lavish houses has been widely criticized.<ref name="washingtonpost-private-jet" /><ref name="nyt1" /><ref name="huffpost" /> In 2015, Copeland, in a broadcast alongside fellow televangelist ], defended the use of private jets as a necessary part of their ministry.<ref name="washingtonpost-private-jet" /><ref name="usatoday4" /><ref name="foxnews2" /><ref name="cbs-june-2019" />
Copeland's and other televangelists' use of private jets and other lavish houses and vehicles has been criticized.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kenneth Copeland Ministries Ups Being a Scumonaut by Bragging About New G5 Jet|publisher=Pulpit&Pen|url=http://pulpitandpen.org/2018/01/16/kenneth-copeland-ministries-ups-being-a-scumonaut-by-bragging-about-new-g5-jet/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kenneth Copeland Loves His New $36 Million Jet|publisher=Patheos|url=http://www.patheos.com/blogs/warrenthrockmorton/2018/01/18/kenneth-copeland-36-million-jet/|access-date=December 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324233307/http://www.patheos.com/blogs/warrenthrockmorton/2018/01/18/kenneth-copeland-36-million-jet/|archive-date=March 24, 2018|dead-url=yes|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Televagelist thanks Jesus for $36M private jet he uses to avoid demons|publisher=The Maven|url=https://www.themaven.net/beingliberal/room/televagelist-thanks-jesus-for-36m-private-jet-he-uses-to-avoid-demons-sldtGWfs-kq7Qisw941q5w}}</ref>


], a ] candidate who made six appearances on Copeland's program '']''<ref name="huckabee" /> rented KCM's facilities for a fundraiser, which was criticized by the ].<ref name="2008-01-29 ADG" /> As a result of the Huckabee appearances, KCM was one of six ministries investigated in the ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Huckabee's Link To TV Preacher Questioned|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/huckabees-link-to-tv-preacher-questioned/|access-date=January 5, 2021|work=CBS News|date=February 8, 2008 |language=en-US}}</ref> KCM was one of four that did not co-operate or volunteer to make reforms.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Goodstein|first=Laurie|date=January 8, 2011|title=Tax-Exempt Ministries Avoid New Regulation|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/08/us/politics/08churches.html|url-status=live|access-date=January 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506135332/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/08/us/politics/08churches.html|archive-date=May 6, 2012|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=March 27, 2015|title=Televangelists escape penalty in Senate inquiry|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/televangelists-escape-penalty-in-senate-inquiry|access-date=January 5, 2021|work=Fox News|agency=Associated Press|language=en-US}}</ref> The investigation did not conclude the Copelands had done anything wrong.<ref name="nbcnews1" /><ref>Senate Finance Committee, Minority Staff Review of Eagle Mountain International Church d/b/a Kenneth Copeland Ministries January 5, 2011 </ref>
==Selected KCM publications and recordings==

*''Load Up Pocket Devotional: 31 Devotions to Revolutionize Your Future'' (Harrison House, July 2004) {{ISBN|1-57794-399-6}} {{ISBN|978-1577943990}}
In 2013, a ] with 25 confirmed cases in ] was attributed in the press to ] sentiments expressed by members of the Copeland Ministries.<ref name="usatoday" /> The church denied making any such statements and urged members to get vaccinations, even offering free immunizations through the church itself.<ref name="christianpost3" /> Pastor Terri Copeland Pearsons, who is Kenneth Copeland's daughter, offered free vaccination clinics and advised those who did not attend one of the clinics to ] themselves at home for two weeks. In a statement on the church website, Pearsons said she was not against immunizations, but also raised concerns about them.<ref name="npr1" />
*''You Are Healed'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, July 1999) {{ISBN|0-88114-733-8}} {{ISBN|978-0881147339}}

*''A Ceremony of Marriage'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, December 1996) {{ISBN|0-938458-15-9}} {{ISBN|978-0938458159}}
{{blockquote|"Some people think I am against immunizations, but that is not true, vaccinations help cut the mortality rate enormously. I believe it is wrong to be against vaccinations. The ] we have had are primarily with very young children who have family history of ] and with bundling too many immunizations at one time. There is no indication of the ] with vaccinations in older children. Furthermore, the new ] is without ] (mercury), which has also been ] to many."<ref name="abcnews1" />}}
*''Prayer: Your Foundation for Success'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, June 1999) {{ISBN|1-57794-155-1}} {{ISBN|978-1577941552}}

*''Kenneth Copeland Reference Bible – Leather Bound'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, December 1996) {{ISBN|0-88114-296-4}} {{ISBN|978-0881142969}}
Copeland and his wife were featured in a 2015 episode of '']''.<ref name="john-oliver1" /><ref name="wapo4" /><ref name="time-mag1" /> ] criticized the Copelands for using tax laws to live in a $6.3 million mansion as the ] allowance for their home is not subject to income taxes,<ref name="npr2" /> for using church donations to buy a $20 million jet that was used for trips to a ski resort and a private game ranch,<ref name="wfaa1" /> and for promotion of healing through faith and skepticism of medicine.
*''Becoming Subject to the Authority of Jesus'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, 2001) {{ISBN|0-88114-972-1}} {{ISBN|978-0881149722}}

*''How to Discipline Your Flesh'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, June 1999) {{ISBN|1-57562-116-9}} {{ISBN|978-1575621166}}
In May 2019, he received criticism for his lavish lifestyle after '']'' released an interview where he defended his purchase of a private jet. He stated "If I flew commercial, I'd have to stop 65% of what I'm doing" and he additionally defended a previous comment where he said that he did not fly commercial because he likened it to flying with demons.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Saddler |first1=Michael Brice |title=Televangelist Kenneth Coleman confronted about private jets. "It's a biblical thing," he said. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/06/04/wealthy-televangelist-explains-his-fleet-private-jets-its-biblical-thing/ |access-date=September 2, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=June 3, 2019}}</ref>
*''From Faith to Faith: A Daily Guide to Victory'' (Harrison House, May 2000) {{ISBN|1-57794-225-6}} {{ISBN|978-1577942252}}

*''Pursuit of His Presence: Daily Devotional'' (Harrison House, September 1998) {{ISBN|1-57794-137-3}} {{ISBN|978-1577941378}}
Copeland had drawn criticism for his comments on the ] presidency.<ref>{{cite web | title=Televangelist Kenneth Copeland manically fake laughs for 40 seconds in mockery of Joe Biden's victory | website=Evening Standard | date=November 9, 2020 | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/us-politics/televangelist-kenneth-copeland-laughs-joe-biden-media-b60676.html | access-date=November 30, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Spocchia | first=Gino | title=Kenneth Copeland laughs maniacally at media for calling US election for Biden | website=The Independent | date=November 9, 2020 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election-2020/kenneth-copeland-biden-trump-election-b1719273.html | access-date=November 30, 2021}}</ref> He also gained attention during the ],<ref name="newsweek9" /> arguing pastors should not cancel services,<ref name="christian-post5" /><ref name="guardian2" /> and repeatedly saying the pandemic had ended or would end soon.<ref name="independent-corona" /> On March 29, 2020, in a televised sermon, Copeland "executed judgment" on COVID-19. He claimed that it was "finished" and "over" and that the US was now "healed and well again".<ref name="independent-corona" /> In another sermon shortly thereafter, he claimed to destroy the virus with the "wind of God".<ref name="independent-corona" /> He urged followers to continue to give tithes to his ministry even if they had lost their jobs through economic hardship brought about by the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 24, 2020 |title=America's Bible Belt played down the pandemic and even cashed in. Now dozens of pastors are dead |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/bible-belt-us-coronavirus-pandemic-pastors-church-a9481226.html |access-date=October 27, 2023 |website=The Independent |last=Woodward|first=Alex|language=en}}</ref>
*''The Wake-up Call'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, 2002) {{ISBN|1-57562-792-2}} {{ISBN|978-1575627922}}

*''Classic Redemption'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, 2001) {{ISBN|0-938458-58-2}} {{ISBN|978-0938458586}}
On August 3–8, 2020, the Kenneth Copeland Ministries hosted the Southwest Believers' Conference at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas, despite restrictions on social gatherings to limit the spread of the pandemic. Local leaders criticized the event, attended by hundreds of people, but were unable to enforce public health restrictions because religious gatherings were exempt under Governor ]'s executive orders.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hanson|first=Blake|date=August 4, 2020|title=Tarrant County leaders unable to stop religious convention in Fort Worth that draws large crowd|url=https://www.fox4news.com/news/tarrant-county-leaders-unable-to-stop-religious-convention-in-fort-worth-that-draws-large-crowd|access-date=January 5, 2021|website=FOX 4|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='Now's not the time to relax,' says disappointed Tarrant County judge, as popular televangelist wraps up large multi-day convention|url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/nows-not-the-time-to-relax-says-disappointed-tarrant-county-judge-as-popular-televangelist-wraps-up-large-multi-day-convention/287-3ad1b0a9-3339-4c1a-87a3-61ec579d2254|access-date=January 5, 2021|website=wfaa.com|date=August 8, 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>
*''The Laws of Prosperity'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, December 1995) {{ISBN|0-88114-952-7}} {{ISBN|978-0881149524}}

*''Prosperity: The Choice Is Yours'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, June 1992) {{ISBN|0-88114-728-1}} {{ISBN|978-0881147285}}
== Selected bibliography ==
*''Healing Promises'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, August 1994) {{ISBN|0-88114-949-7}} {{ISBN|978-0881149494}}

*''Over the Edge: Youth Devotional'' (Harrison House, September 1998) {{ISBN|1-57794-138-1}} {{ISBN|978-1577941385}}
* ''God, the Covenant and the Contradiction: Accessing God's Promises of Healing, Peace and Provision.'' 2023. {{ISBN|978-1-60463-508-9}}
*''Big Band Gospel'' (KCP Records, 2003)
*''Racism in the Church. Kill the Root, Destroy the Tree'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, 2016) {{ISBN|978-1604633252}} * ''From Faith to Faith: A Daily Guide to Victory.'' 1991. {{ISBN|978-0-88114-843-5}}
* ''A Ceremony of Marriage.'' 2012. {{ISBN|978-0-938458-15-9}}
* ''The Power of the Tongue.'' 2012. {{ISBN|978-1-57562-113-5}}
* ''A House Not Divided: Defeating the Spirit of Division.'' 2016. {{ISBN|978-1-60463-280-4}}
* ''Blessed to Be a Blessing: Understanding True, Biblical Prosperity.'' 2012. {{ISBN|978-1-60463-016-9}}
* ''Raising Children Without Fear.'' 2012. {{ISBN|978-1-60683-899-0}}
* ''Six Steps to Excellence in Ministry.'' 2012. {{ISBN|978-1-57562-104-3}}
* Pursuit of His Presence: Daily Devotions to Strengthen Your Walk With God 2012. {{ISBN|978-1-57562-435-8}}


==See also== ==See also==
* ]
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==References==
==Notes and references==
{{reflist|refs=
{{Reflist|30em}}
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<ref name="huffpost">{{cite news |last=Kuruvilla |first=Carol |date=June 5, 2019 |title=Televangelist Kenneth Copeland Defends His Private Jets: 'I'm A Very Wealthy Man' |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kenneth-copeland-jet-inside-edition_n_5cf822fee4b0e63eda94de4f |work=HuffPost |access-date=October 2, 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="independent-corona">{{cite news |last=Woodward |first=Alex |date=April 6, 2020 |title=Coronavirus: Televangelist Kenneth Copeland 'blows wind of God' at Covid-19 to 'destroy' pandemic |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/kenneth-copeland-blow-coronavirus-pray-sermon-trump-televangelist-a9448561.html |work=The Independent |access-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406165440/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/kenneth-copeland-blow-coronavirus-pray-sermon-trump-televangelist-a9448561.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
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<ref name="newsok1">{{Cite news|url=http://newsok.com/article/3275378|title=AP IMPACT: Relatives of televangelist prosper|last=Gorski|first=Eric|date=July 27, 2008|work=NewsOK.com|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=December 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228190708/https://oklahoman.com/article/3275378/ap-impact-relatives-of-televangelist-prosper?|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="lubbock1">{{Cite web|url=https://erecord.co.lubbock.tx.us/recorder/eagleweb/viewDoc.jsp?node=DOCCM-120611|title=Lubbock County Marriage Certificate|website=erecord.co.lubbock.tx.us|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=December 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228190708/https://erecord.co.lubbock.tx.us/recorder/web/login.jsp|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="googlebooks1">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=drgq4g0rmVsC|title=The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits|last=Whitburn|first=Joel|date=2000|publisher=Billboard Books|isbn=9780823076901|pages=151|access-date=April 23, 2020|archive-date=December 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228190714/https://books.google.com/books?id=drgq4g0rmVsC&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="robertsedu1">{{cite web|url=http://www.oru.edu/alumni/excell/spring06/feature1.html|title=ORU alumni|access-date=April 16, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210080448/http://www.oru.edu/alumni/excell/spring06/feature1.html|archive-date=February 10, 2009}}</ref>
<ref name="independent2">{{cite news |last=Sharman |first=Jon |date=February 6, 2018 |title=Trump adviser urges followers to 'inoculate yourself with the word of God' against flu |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/gloria-copeland-trump-adviser-flu-shot-jesus-god-christian-evangelical-healing-miracle-a8197801.html |work=The Independent |access-date=April 9, 2020}}</ref>
<ref name="kcmtrump">{{cite web |title=Spiritual Leaders Pray for Donald Trump on 9-28-15 |date=October 2015 |url=https://blog.kcm.org/spiritual-leaders-pray-for-donald-trump-on-9-28-15/ |publisher=Kenneth Copeland Ministries |access-date=October 3, 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="NBC news 2008">{{cite news |title=Televangelist's family prospers from ministry |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna25865017 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |work=NBC News |date=July 27, 2008 |language=en}}</ref>
<ref name="politico">{{cite news |last1=Gass |first1=Nick |title=Trump's evangelical advisory board features Bachmann, Falwell |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/trump-evangelical-advisory-board-224612 |access-date=October 3, 2021 |work=Politico |date=June 21, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="wapo2">{{cite news |last=Pulliam Bailey |first=Sarah |date=October 11, 2016 |title=Televangelist: Christians who don't vote are 'going to be guilty of murder' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2016/10/11/televangelist-christians-who-dont-vote-are-going-to-be-guilty-of-murder/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-date=December 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228190726/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2016/10/11/televangelist-christians-who-dont-vote-are-going-to-be-guilty-of-murder/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="charismamag">{{cite news |last=Strang |first=Steve |date=2018 |title=Kenneth Copeland on Trump's State Dinner: 'It Was Like a Really Anointed Church Service' |url=https://www.charismamag.com/blogs/the-strang-report/38641-kenneth-copeland-on-trump-s-state-dinner-it-was-like-a-really-anointed-church-service |work=Charisma Magazine |access-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-date=August 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802215036/https://www.charismamag.com/blogs/the-strang-report/38641-kenneth-copeland-on-trump-s-state-dinner-it-was-like-a-really-anointed-church-service |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="washingtonpost-private-jet">{{cite news |last=Brice-Saddler |first=Michael |date=June 4, 2019 |title=A wealthy televangelist explains his fleet of private jets: 'It's a biblical thing' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/06/04/wealthy-televangelist-explains-his-fleet-private-jets-its-biblical-thing/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-date=April 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410182412/https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/06/04/wealthy-televangelist-explains-his-fleet-private-jets-its-biblical-thing/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="kcm2">{{cite news |url=http://kcm.org/about-us-0 |title=Kenneth Copeland Ministries – About Us |publisher=Kenneth Copeland Ministries |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606124545/http://kcm.org/about-us-0 |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=June 26, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="dish-channels">{{cite web |url=http://www.dish.com/business/downloads/dish-general-channel-lineup.pdf |title=dish general channel linup |publisher=dish |access-date=March 29, 2016 |archive-date=April 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414032533/http://www.dish.com/business/downloads/dish-general-channel-lineup.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
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<ref name="flightaware1">{{cite web|url=http://flightaware.com/resources/airport/4T2|title=Kenneth Copeland Airport FBOs (Fort Worth, TX) ✈ FlightAware|access-date=April 16, 2017|archive-date=April 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417073837/http://flightaware.com/resources/airport/4T2|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="private-aircraft">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104010640/http://www.believersstandunited.com/faq/ |url=http://www.believersstandunited.com/faq/ |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |title=FAQ: Why does Kenneth Copeland Ministries own private aircraft? What types of aircraft are they? Why don't Kenneth and Gloria fly on commercial airlines? |access-date=May 14, 2013 |work=Believers Stand United}}</ref>
<ref name="Jetrecords">{{cite news |title=Jet flight records spur Copeland ministry questions |url=http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa070228_mo_churchjet.87be631.html |publisher=] |date=February 28, 2007 |access-date=October 17, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070907124947/http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa070228_mo_churchjet.87be631.html |archive-date=September 7, 2007}}</ref>
<ref name="jet-not-exempt">{{cite news |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1078037.html |title=Televangelist's $3.6 million jet not tax-exempt, county says |publisher=] |date=December 5, 2008 |access-date=December 17, 2008}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}} – dead link</ref>
<ref name="CLG 2010-03-11">{{cite news |title=A Victory for Church Freedom |date=March 11, 2010 |url=http://churchlawgroup.com/blog/uncategorized/a-victory-for-church-freedom/ |work=Church Law Group |access-date=May 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104224501/http://churchlawgroup.com/blog/uncategorized/a-victory-for-church-freedom/ |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="sued-over-tax">{{cite news |first=Darren |last=Barbee |title=Appraisal district sued over tax exemption for private jet |date=February 25, 2009 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |pages=B07 Metro}}</ref>
<ref name="settle-suit">{{cite news |title=TAD, Copeland ministry settle suit over tax-exempt jet |date=March 10, 2010 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram}}</ref>
<ref name="usatoday30.usatoday.com">{{cite web|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-04-08-blocked-flights-inside_N.htm|title=Televangelist, college boosters, Hooters on stealth fliers list – USAToday.com|access-date=April 16, 2017|archive-date=December 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228190745/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-04-08-blocked-flights-inside_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="christianpost.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/televangelist-kenneth-copeland-blasted-for-unfulfilled-vows-43561/|title=Televangelist Kenneth Copeland Blasted for 'Unfulfilled Promises'|work=The Christian Post|first=Lillian|last=Kwon|date=February 2010 |access-date=April 16, 2017|archive-date=December 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228190751/https://www.christianpost.com/news/televangelist-kenneth-copeland-blasted-for-unfulfilled-vows-43561/|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="huckabee">{{cite magazine |last1=Van Biema |first1=David |title=Huckabee Stands By a Televangelist |url=https://content.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1684330,00.html |access-date=October 3, 2021 |magazine=Time |date=November 15, 2007}}</ref>
<ref name="2008-01-29 ADG">{{cite news |url=http://www2.arkansasonline.com/news/2008/jan/29/plate-passed-huckabee-ministry-site |title=Plate passed for Huckabee at ministry site |publisher=] |date=January 29, 2008 |access-date=December 17, 2008 |archive-date=February 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201124216/http://www2.arkansasonline.com/news/2008/jan/29/plate-passed-huckabee-ministry-site/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="nbcnews1">{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna40960871 |title=Televangelists escape penalty in Senate inquiry |work=NBC News |date=July 1, 2011 |access-date=February 11, 2013 |author=Zoll, Rachel |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202184640/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/40960871/ns/politics-capitol_hill/t/televangelists-escape-penalty-senate-inquiry/#.URiVeTsiGYV |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="usatoday">{{cite news |last1=Szabo |first1=Liz |title=Texas measles outbreak linked to church |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/08/23/texas-measles-outbreak/2693945/ |access-date=October 3, 2021 |work=USA Today |date=August 25, 2013}}</ref>
<ref name="christianpost3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-measles-outbreak-linked-to-church-led-by-kenneth-copelands-daughter-infection-spread-to-congregation-staff-day-care-103057/|title=Texas Measles Outbreak Linked to Church Led by Kenneth Copeland's Daughter; Infection Spreads to Congregation, Staff, Day Care|website=The Christian Post|first=Nicola|last=Menzie|date=August 26, 2013 |access-date=December 22, 2017|archive-date=October 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026223133/http://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-measles-outbreak-linked-to-church-led-by-kenneth-copelands-daughter-infection-spread-to-congregation-staff-day-care-103057/|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="npr1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2013/09/01/217746942/texas-megachurch-at-center-of-measles-outbreak|title=Texas Megachurch At Center Of Measles Outbreak|work=NPR.org|access-date=December 22, 2017|archive-date=December 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228190757/https://www.npr.org/2013/09/01/217746942/texas-megachurch-at-center-of-measles-outbreak|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="au1">{{cite web|title=Tax-Exempt Status For Televangelist's Jet Denied|publisher=Americans United|url=https://au.org/church-state/january-2009-church-state/au-bulletin/tax-exempt-status-for-televangelist%E2%80%99s-jet-denied|access-date=December 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120124428/https://au.org/church-state/january-2009-church-state/au-bulletin/tax-exempt-status-for-televangelist%E2%80%99s-jet-denied|archive-date=January 20, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="kcm-jet">{{cite web |title=Glory to God! It's Ours! The Gulfstream V is in our hands! |date=January 12, 2018 |url=https://blog.kcm.org/gulfstream-v-is-here/ |publisher=Kenneth Copeland Ministries |access-date=October 3, 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="usatoday4">{{cite news |last=Bote |first=Joshua |date=December 15, 2019 |title='None of your business': A televangelist defending his private jets goes viral |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/06/04/televangelist-kenneth-copeland-defends-private-jets-inside-edition/1337549001/ |work=USA Today |access-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-date=December 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228190837/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/06/04/televangelist-kenneth-copeland-defends-private-jets-inside-edition/1337549001/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="foxnews2">{{cite news |last=Calicchio |first=Dom |title=Televangelist Kenneth Copeland defends use of private jets in TV interview, denies calling people 'demons' |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/televangelist-kenneth-copeland-defends-use-of-private-jets-in-tv-interview-denies-calling-people-demons |work=Fox News |access-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-date=December 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228190824/https://www.foxnews.com/us/televangelist-kenneth-copeland-defends-use-of-private-jets-in-tv-interview-denies-calling-people-demons |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="cbs-june-2019">{{cite news |last=Brito |first=Christopher |date=June 4, 2019 |title=Televangelist defends lavish lifestyle and use of private jets, calls it a "biblical thing" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kenneth-copeland-televangelist-defends-lavish-lifestyle-and-use-of-private-jets-2019-06-04/ |work=CBS News |access-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-date=December 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228190817/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kenneth-copeland-televangelist-defends-lavish-lifestyle-and-use-of-private-jets-2019-06-04/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="newsweek9">{{cite news |last=Lemon |first=Jason |date=March 12, 2020 |title=Conservative Pastor Claims He 'Healed' Viewers of Coronavirus Through Their TV Screens |url=https://www.newsweek.com/conservative-pastor-claims-he-healed-viewers-coronavirus-through-their-tv-screens-1492044 |work=Newsweek |access-date=March 15, 2020 |archive-date=March 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316135415/https://www.newsweek.com/conservative-pastor-claims-he-healed-viewers-coronavirus-through-their-tv-screens-1492044 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="christian-post5">{{cite news |last=Blair |first=Leonardo |date=March 13, 2020 |title=Kenneth Copeland calls coronavirus 'very weak strain of flu,' says healthy people shouldn't fear |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/kenneth-copeland-calls-coronavirus-very-weak-strain-of-flu-healthy-people-shouldnt-fear.html |work=The Christian Post |access-date=April 2, 2020 |archive-date=April 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405160813/https://www.christianpost.com/news/kenneth-copeland-calls-coronavirus-very-weak-strain-of-flu-healthy-people-shouldnt-fear.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="guardian2">{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Jason |date=April 4, 202 |title=The rightwing Christian preachers in deep denial over Covid-19's danger |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/04/america-rightwing-christian-preachers-virus-hoax |work=The Guardian |access-date=April 5, 2020 |archive-date=December 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228190821/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/04/america-rightwing-christian-preachers-virus-hoax |url-status=live}}</ref>
<!-- UNUSED <ref name="conversation1">{{cite news |last=Gagné |first=André |date=March 29, 2020 |title=Coronavirus: Trump and religious right rely on faith, not science |url=https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-trump-and-religious-right-rely-on-faith-not-science-134508 |work=The Conversation |access-date=April 2, 2020 |archive-date=December 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228190843/https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-trump-and-religious-right-rely-on-faith-not-science-134508 |url-status=live}}</ref>-->
<ref name="TBN">{{cite web|title=Effective Oct. 2, 2020, the Believer's Voice of Victory (BVOV) broadcast will no longer air on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).|date=August 3, 2020 |publisher=Kenneth Copeland Ministries|url=https://blog.kcm.org/the-bvov-broadcast-to-no-longer-air-on-tbn/|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-date=December 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228190823/https://blog.kcm.org/the-bvov-broadcast-to-no-longer-air-on-tbn/|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="john-oliver1">{{cite web|title=Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Televangelists (HBO)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y1xJAVZxXg|website=YouTube| date=August 16, 2015 |access-date=August 18, 2015|format=August 16, 2015|archive-date=August 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817233241/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y1xJAVZxXg|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="wapo4">{{cite news|last1=Ohlheiser|first1=Abby|title=Comedian John Oliver takes on the prosperity gospel by becoming a televangelist|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/08/17/comedian-john-oliver-takes-on-the-prosperity-gospel-by-becoming-a-televangelist/|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=August 18, 2015|date=August 17, 2015|archive-date=December 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228190806/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/08/17/comedian-john-oliver-takes-on-the-prosperity-gospel-by-becoming-a-televangelist/|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="time-mag1">{{cite web|last1=Locker|first1=Melissa|title=John Oliver Becomes a Televangelist and Finally Starts His Own Church|url=https://time.com/3999933/john-oliver-televangelist-church-alst-week-tonight/|website=Time Magazine|access-date=August 18, 2015|date=August 17, 2015|archive-date=August 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150824174155/http://time.com/3999933/john-oliver-televangelist-church-alst-week-tonight/|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="npr2">{{cite web|last1=Burnett|first1=John|title=Can A Television Network Be A Church? The IRS Says Yes|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/04/01/282496855/can-a-television-network-be-a-church-the-irs-says-yes|website=NPR|access-date=August 18, 2015|format=April 1, 2014|archive-date=November 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103005046/http://www.npr.org/2014/04/01/282496855/can-a-television-network-be-a-church-the-irs-says-yes|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="wfaa1">{{cite web|title=Senate audit critical of TV preacher Kenneth Copeland|url=http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/investigates/2014/08/10/13660222/|website=WFAA|access-date=August 18, 2015|location=Dallas, Texas|date=January 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019235219/http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/investigates/2014/08/10/13660222/|archive-date=October 19, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}


==External links== ==External links==
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{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 00:41, 25 December 2024

American televangelist (born 1936)

Kenneth Copeland
Copeland on the Believer's Voice of Victory television broadcast in 2011
BornKenneth Max Copeland
(1936-12-06) December 6, 1936 (age 88)
Lubbock, Texas, U.S.
Occupations
  • Author
  • speaker
  • prosperity gospel preacher
  • televangelist
Years active1967–present
MovementWord of Faith
Spouses
  • Ivy Bodiford ​ ​(m. 1955; div. 1958)​
  • Cynthia Davis ​ ​(m. 1958; div. 1961)​
  • Gloria Neece ​(m. 1963)​
Children3
Websitekcm.org

Kenneth Max Copeland (born December 6, 1936) is an American televangelist associated with the charismatic movement. He is the founder of Eagle Mountain International Church Inc. (EMIC), which is based in Tarrant County, Texas. Copeland has also written several books and other resources, and is known for his broadcast Believers Voice of Victory.

Copeland preaches prosperity theology and is part of the Word of Faith movement, which teaches that divine favor is expressed in material and financial blessing, and that giving to ministries unlocks this favor.

Life and career

Kenneth Max Copeland was born on December 6, 1936, raised in West Texas near a United States Army Air Forces airfield. This inspired him to become a pilot.

Copeland was a recording artist on the Imperial Records label, having one Billboard Top 40 hit, "Pledge of Love", which charted in the Top 40 on April 20, 1957, stayed on the charts for 15 weeks, and peaked at No. 17.

In the fall of 1967, he enrolled in Oral Roberts University, where he soon became pilot and chauffeur to Oral Roberts.

Kenneth Copeland Ministries

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland

In 1967, after attending Kenneth E. Hagin's Pastor Seminars, Copeland and his wife Gloria founded Kenneth Copeland Ministries (KCM) in Fort Worth, Texas. The ministry's motto is "Jesus is Lord". Kenneth Copeland Ministries has six international offices in Canada, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and Ukraine. He preaches prosperity theology and is part of the Word of Faith movement, which teaches that financial blessing and physical well-being are the will of God for believers, and that material and financial success are a sign of divine favor. This may be unlocked through giving to ministry, and Copeland has written that parishioners will get a "hundredfold" return on their investment through "giving to God" by giving to his ministry.

Throughout several decades of ministry Kenneth Copeland has supported and partnered with other notable ministers of the Gospel. In 1986 Copeland supported and prayed over Reinhard Bonnke during Bonnke's Fresh Fire Conference. Daniel Kolenda, who was the successor to Reinhard Bonnke, said that Kenneth Copeland told Bonnke that one day Bonnke would preach to a million people on one day.

Television and other programming

Since 1967, Copeland's ministry has held three-to-six-day conventions across the United States. KCM still holds an annual Southwest Believer's Convention in his hometown of Fort Worth during the first week of August. Kenneth and Gloria Copeland also preach and minister at other conventions and conferences throughout the world. These events stream live on Copeland's website, kcm.org, as well as being shown on Christian television stations such as GOD TV and the Daystar Television Network. Portions of recorded conferences are shown on Sundays. The Monday through Friday television broadcasts feature a Copeland family member, either alone or with another minister, discussing subjects from the Bible.

On May 27, 1971, KCM began a one-hour television program called The Word of Faith. In 1972, another television program was launched called The Prayer Group. This was a half-hour television program aired across the United States. In 1989, the weekly show The Word of Faith was replaced by a daily series called Believer’s Voice of Victory.

Along with their television programming and television network, Kenneth Copeland has produced and starred in several films, including The Rally (2010), Superkid Academy: The Mission (2013) and The Rally-LA (2016).

Victory Channel

In 2015, KCM launched the Believer's Voice of Victory Network on channel 265 on Dish Network. Believer's Voice of Victory Network was renamed Victory Channel in 2019, and is available over-the-air and on some cable providers. On October 2, 2020, the Believer's Voice of Victory (BVOV) stopped broadcasting on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). At the start of 2022, it was added on several national cable systems under a new channel lease with Olympusat, which had previously offered Hillsong Channel and Living Faith Network, then Bulldog Shopping Network, on the channel space. The Victory Channel's popular FlashPoint current-events prophecy program is hosted by pastor Gene Bailey and reaches approximately 11,000 households. FlashPoint commonly features nationally known ministry leaders such as Lance Wallnau and Hank Kunneman; other guests have included Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk, Marjorie Taylor Greene. and former Ambassador to Israel David Friedman.

Facilities and aircraft

Kenneth Copeland Ministries is located in Fort Worth, Texas, on a 33-acre (13 ha) property that was once Marine Corps Air Station Eagle Mountain Lake (MCAS Eagle Mountain Lake), a United States Marine Corps air base, valued in 2008 at $554,160 (equivalent to $784,218 in 2023) by Tarrant Appraisal District. The site includes the Eagle Mountain International Church, television and radio production facilities, warehouse and distribution facilities, residences for the Copeland family, and Kenneth Copeland Airport. As of 2024, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records indicated that no aircraft were based at the airport, and that it had a single usable runway; that same year, KCM told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that it was raising money to resurface the second runway so it could be used again, and it was using the former Marine Corps hospital building as a medical clinic for church members. In 2008, approximately 500 people were employed by KCM. Copeland's son John Copeland was the ministry's chief operating officer until his divorce from Marty Copeland in 2017. He remains a consultant to the ministry.

KCM owns several business jets, including a 1998 Cessna 550 Citation Bravo, which it received from a donor in October 2007 and is used for domestic flights, and a 2005 Cessna 750 Citation X, which it uses for international flights. In 2018, KCM acquired a Gulfstream V that was formerly owned by Tyler Perry, and was restoring a 1962 Beech H-18 Twin, which the ministry plans to use for disaster relief efforts.

Kenneth Copeland Bible College

Kenneth Copeland Bible College (KCBC) is located on the property of Kenneth Copeland Ministries and Eagle Mountain International Church (EMIC). KCBC is an accredited member with Transworld Accrediting Commission International. On August 28, 2003, Kenneth Copeland Bible College opened an extension campus in Langley, British Columbia.

Israel

For several decades Copeland and KCM has been a public and vocal supporter for Israel. On August 17, 2022 the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, called and personally thanked Copeland and KCM for their support of Ukrainian and Russian Jews. In 2020 he was listed by the Israel Allies Foundation as one of the top supporters of Israel along with Paula White, John Hagee, Mike Huckabee, and other Christian leaders. Copeland and other Christian leaders such as Greg Laurie and John Hagee have received criticism for their support of Israel.

Personal life

Copeland has been married three times. His first marriage was to Ivy Bodiford in October 1955. They had one child; they divorced in 1958. He was then married to Cynthia Davis from 1958 to 1961.

Copeland then married Gloria (née Neece) in 1963. They are the parents of John Copeland and Kellie Copeland. Gloria co-hosts the ministry's flagship broadcast, The Believer's Voice of Victory, alongside her husband.

Kellie preaches throughout the United States, as does Copeland's daughter Terri, who also preaches at Eagle Mountain International Church, which is pastored by her husband George Pearsons.

Copeland has amassed significant wealth during his career and has referred to himself as a "very wealthy man". The Houston Chronicle referred to him as the wealthiest pastor in America, allegedly having a net worth of $750 million in 2021. As of 2024, Copeland's net worth was estimated to be $300 million.

Donald Trump advisory board

Copeland sat on the evangelical executive advisory board that Donald Trump assembled during his campaign for the presidency. Appointment to the board did not require endorsement of his bid for presidency, and Copeland clarified that he did not endorse Trump at the time. Before the 2016 election, Copeland said that Christians who did not vote for Trump would be guilty of murder, referring to the pro-choice stance of Hillary Clinton. After a state dinner at the White House that Copeland attended, he stated in an interview that Trump was "led by the Spirit of God", and that his most important legacy as president would be the appointments of conservative judges. On November 5, 2022, Copeland spoke at a Donald Trump rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, stating that Trump is the only president he has ever seen wear the red, white, and blue in office. During the 2024 Southwest Believers' Convention in Fort Worth, Texas, Kenneth Copeland told the thousands in attendance and online that voting is a sacred trust. His involvement in politics as a nationally prominent ministry leader has drawn both praise and criticism.

Controversy

KCM has been criticized for its use of private aircraft. KCM promised from 2006 to 2010 to create an aviation relief assistance program called Angel Flight 44, to help Haiti. A spokesperson responded "This was not a specific promise with a timeline attached", and said that the money was spent on airplane repairs. In 2008, the ministry owned five airplanes and continued to purchase more. In February 2007, Copeland was accused of using KCM's Citation X for personal vacations. The Copelands' financial records and a list of KCM's board of directors are not publicly available; the information is held in confidence by the Internal Revenue Service. Responding to media questions, Copeland pointed to an accounting firm's declaration that his jet travel complied with federal tax laws.

In December 2008, KCM's Citation Bravo was denied tax exemption after KCM refused to submit a standardized Texas Comptroller form that some county appraisal districts use to make determinations, which would have required making public the salary of all ministry staff. KCM subsequently filed suit with the Tarrant Appraisal District in January 2009 and its petition to have the aircraft's tax-exempt status restored was granted in March 2010.

KCM has utilized an FAA program that blocks enrolled aircraft on flight tracking websites; in 2010, the flights of five of the ministry's aircraft were kept private, including the Citation X and a North American T-28 Trojan. United States Senator Chuck Grassley has questioned some of the flights taken by these aircraft, including layovers in Maui, Fiji, and Honolulu. The ministries say that the stopovers were for preaching or for allowing pilot rest.

Copeland raised funds for the building of a hangar, upgrading of the runway, and maintenance. Copeland's and other televangelists' use of private jets, luxury cars and lavish houses has been widely criticized. In 2015, Copeland, in a broadcast alongside fellow televangelist Jesse Duplantis, defended the use of private jets as a necessary part of their ministry.

Mike Huckabee, a 2008 Republican presidential primary candidate who made six appearances on Copeland's program Believer's Voice of Victory rented KCM's facilities for a fundraiser, which was criticized by the Trinity Foundation. As a result of the Huckabee appearances, KCM was one of six ministries investigated in the United States Senate inquiry into the tax-exempt status of religious organizations. KCM was one of four that did not co-operate or volunteer to make reforms. The investigation did not conclude the Copelands had done anything wrong.

In 2013, a measles outbreak with 25 confirmed cases in Tarrant County was attributed in the press to anti-vaccination sentiments expressed by members of the Copeland Ministries. The church denied making any such statements and urged members to get vaccinations, even offering free immunizations through the church itself. Pastor Terri Copeland Pearsons, who is Kenneth Copeland's daughter, offered free vaccination clinics and advised those who did not attend one of the clinics to quarantine themselves at home for two weeks. In a statement on the church website, Pearsons said she was not against immunizations, but also raised concerns about them.

"Some people think I am against immunizations, but that is not true, vaccinations help cut the mortality rate enormously. I believe it is wrong to be against vaccinations. The concerns we have had are primarily with very young children who have family history of autism and with bundling too many immunizations at one time. There is no indication of the autism connection with vaccinations in older children. Furthermore, the new MMR vaccination is without thimerosal (mercury), which has also been a concern to many."

Copeland and his wife were featured in a 2015 episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. John Oliver criticized the Copelands for using tax laws to live in a $6.3 million mansion as the parsonage allowance for their home is not subject to income taxes, for using church donations to buy a $20 million jet that was used for trips to a ski resort and a private game ranch, and for promotion of healing through faith and skepticism of medicine.

In May 2019, he received criticism for his lavish lifestyle after Inside Edition released an interview where he defended his purchase of a private jet. He stated "If I flew commercial, I'd have to stop 65% of what I'm doing" and he additionally defended a previous comment where he said that he did not fly commercial because he likened it to flying with demons.

Copeland had drawn criticism for his comments on the Joe Biden presidency. He also gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing pastors should not cancel services, and repeatedly saying the pandemic had ended or would end soon. On March 29, 2020, in a televised sermon, Copeland "executed judgment" on COVID-19. He claimed that it was "finished" and "over" and that the US was now "healed and well again". In another sermon shortly thereafter, he claimed to destroy the virus with the "wind of God". He urged followers to continue to give tithes to his ministry even if they had lost their jobs through economic hardship brought about by the pandemic.

On August 3–8, 2020, the Kenneth Copeland Ministries hosted the Southwest Believers' Conference at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas, despite restrictions on social gatherings to limit the spread of the pandemic. Local leaders criticized the event, attended by hundreds of people, but were unable to enforce public health restrictions because religious gatherings were exempt under Governor Greg Abbott's executive orders.

Selected bibliography

See also

References

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