Kenneth Copeland Ministry (KCM) is perhaps one of the biggest ministries today, with work spanning from the United States, Australia, Africa, Europe, Canada, and Asia Pacific. Established in 1967, it continues to proclaim the message "Jesus Is Lord" through various ministries all over the world, focusing on faith, love, healing, prosperity, and restoration.
A series of simple yet life-altering events led to the conversion of its founder. He was still then starting out as a new music artist, with his record "Pledge of Love" that hit the charts and peaked at Billboard #12. He even appeared in several music magazines.
However, he felt that God had something else in mind for him. His wife, Gloria, found a Bible that was given to him by his mother. She sat down to read it and prayed for God to take control of their lives. He then gave up his singing career and moved to Oklahoma to study at Oral Roberts University in 1967. Kenneth was part of the flight crew attending Oral Robert's tent meetings and crusades. After learning so much, he then moved to start his own ministry. He created and released the "Believers Voice of Victory" on television in 1979. His ministry then grew from such humble beginnings.
As the followers of KCM grew, they started to explore and serve in other ministries as well. One of which is the Prayer Ministry, which prays for over 11,000 people every week. They even make it a point to call about 2,000 people to respond to prayer requests. They also opened a 24-hour prayer line. Another ministry they have is the Prison Ministry. About 52,000 prisoners in Texas and Louisiana receive Bible studies and prayers and are encouraged to have their lives restored through God. Another major ministry is the Kenneth Copeland Ministry Relief Fund, which spearheads donating food, clothing, and financial assistance to victims of calamities. Another unique ministry is the Military Ministry, which serves as a support groups, offering prayer and counseling for families of troops and soldiers. They continue to air their television program, and have even expanded to podcasts and online streaming through their website.
Criticisms and Controversies. The ministry however is not without trials. They faced criticisms on their "World Faith Movement" particularly on Copeland's claim regarding faith healing. They were also criticized for teaching that believers could get a hundredfold return on their giving as they quoted several quoted scripture verses to convince people to donate. The Copelands were also accused of leaving their Affordable Homes Limited in thousands of dollars in debt. However, as they were limited partners, they were not obliged to explain or pay the debt.
In 2007 the couple also allegedly used their $20 million Cessna Citation X jet for personal trips with family and friends, and gave Rolls Royces to their pastors. This prompted US Senator Chuck Grassley to ask KCM to divulge financial information. KCM then responded by releasing financial report from Kenneth Copeland Ministry accomplished by an independent firm. They also launched the KCM website, where they explained and answered the allegations hurled at them, particularly on the issue of misuse of financial donations.
KCM still expands in the United States and around the world. Together with daughter Kelly Copeland Swisher and son John Copeland, CEO of KCM, The Eagle Mountain International Church and worldwide partners, the ministry strives to pursue the heritage of proclaiming Jesus is Lord.
A series of simple yet life-altering events led to the conversion of its founder. He was still then starting out as a new music artist, with his record "Pledge of Love" that hit the charts and peaked at Billboard #12. He even appeared in several music magazines.
However, he felt that God had something else in mind for him. His wife, Gloria, found a Bible that was given to him by his mother. She sat down to read it and prayed for God to take control of their lives. He then gave up his singing career and moved to Oklahoma to study at Oral Roberts University in 1967. Kenneth was part of the flight crew attending Oral Robert's tent meetings and crusades. After learning so much, he then moved to start his own ministry. He created and released the "Believers Voice of Victory" on television in 1979. His ministry then grew from such humble beginnings.
As the followers of KCM grew, they started to explore and serve in other ministries as well. One of which is the Prayer Ministry, which prays for over 11,000 people every week. They even make it a point to call about 2,000 people to respond to prayer requests. They also opened a 24-hour prayer line. Another ministry they have is the Prison Ministry. About 52,000 prisoners in Texas and Louisiana receive Bible studies and prayers and are encouraged to have their lives restored through God. Another major ministry is the Kenneth Copeland Ministry Relief Fund, which spearheads donating food, clothing, and financial assistance to victims of calamities. Another unique ministry is the Military Ministry, which serves as a support groups, offering prayer and counseling for families of troops and soldiers. They continue to air their television program, and have even expanded to podcasts and online streaming through their website.
Criticisms and Controversies. The ministry however is not without trials. They faced criticisms on their "World Faith Movement" particularly on Copeland's claim regarding faith healing. They were also criticized for teaching that believers could get a hundredfold return on their giving as they quoted several quoted scripture verses to convince people to donate. The Copelands were also accused of leaving their Affordable Homes Limited in thousands of dollars in debt. However, as they were limited partners, they were not obliged to explain or pay the debt.
In 2007 the couple also allegedly used their $20 million Cessna Citation X jet for personal trips with family and friends, and gave Rolls Royces to their pastors. This prompted US Senator Chuck Grassley to ask KCM to divulge financial information. KCM then responded by releasing financial report from Kenneth Copeland Ministry accomplished by an independent firm. They also launched the KCM website, where they explained and answered the allegations hurled at them, particularly on the issue of misuse of financial donations.
KCM still expands in the United States and around the world. Together with daughter Kelly Copeland Swisher and son John Copeland, CEO of KCM, The Eagle Mountain International Church and worldwide partners, the ministry strives to pursue the heritage of proclaiming Jesus is Lord.
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