Kenneth Copeland is an American author, public speaker, televangelist, and musician who has a net worth of $300 million. Kenneth is the founder of the Texas-based Eagle Mountain International Church, which broadcasts his sermons globally. Copeland preaches abundance and prosperity, which is commonly referred to as the prosperity gospel. His ministry is done through television, books, DVDs, and CDs. Before he converted to Christianity in 1962, Copeland was a recording artist and had a Top 40 hit with the single “Pledge of Love.” Outside of his preaching, Kenneth Copeland has attracted controversy for his extremely lavish lifestyle. A lifestyle that includes owning several private jets, notably one that was acquired from Tyler Perry for a reported $20 million, and multiple mansions.
Who is Kenneth Copeland
Kenneth Copeland is an American televangelist and the founder of Kenneth Copeland Ministries. He is also an outstanding musician, public speaker, and author with an extensive association with the Charismatic Movement. The Texas-based preacher is one of the richest televangelists in the world and has earned a reputation among believers for preaching about prosperity.
Kenneth Copeland Early Life
Kenneth Max Copeland was born in Lubbock, Texas, on December 6, 1936. He was raised in West Texas by his parents, Aubrey Wayne and Vinita Pearl.
Kenneth Copeland Music Career
In the 1950s, Kenneth set out to become a musical artist. He eventually landed a record contract with Imperial Records. Kenneth released a song, “Pledge of Love” which became a Top 40 hit in April of 1957 and remained on the charts for a total of 15 weeks.
Kenneth Copeland Wealth
Kenneth has attracted much controversy revolving around his wealth and reliance on church funds to support his lavish lifestyle. Kenneth and his wife Gloria reported live in a $6.3 million lakefront mansion that is also reportedly funded by his church. There have been reports that Copeland could be worth as much as $750 million or even $1 billion. He has not denied reports about his wealth, confirming to at least one reporter that he was a “very wealthy man,” pointing to oil and gas investments and reserves on his various properties.
Kenneth Copeland Ministry Career
In 1967, Kenneth decided to pursue a career as a minister. That year he enrolled in Oral Roberts University. Having learned to fly planes growing up near an Air Force base, Kenneth was hired to be Oral Roberts’ personal pilot and chauffeur. In 1967 he also founded the Kenneth Copeland Ministries in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1971, KCM launched a one-hour television broadcast called “The Word of Faith,” which would later become “Believers Voice of Victory.” In 1972, he launched a second show called “The Prayer Group.”
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Kenneth Copeland Cars
You have probably witnessed the works of televangelists who preach the gospel to multitudes of people around the world. What you don’t know is that they also lead very lavish lifestyles which they feel entitled to. Copeland is one of such televangelists. He rides in limousines when making local trips. Overall, it would be an understatement to value him in terms of the automobiles he owns because he has risen to another level where he owns jets. He owns a Cadillac Escalade. The 6.2 liters powered V8 engine is one of the most luxurious and powerful SUVs on the market. For regular use, the car can produce 403 horsepower and has a remotely started engine. It is estimated that he splashed approximately $81 million to acquire the machine.
Kenneth Copeland Private Jet
KCM owns several private jets, which fly in and out of Kenneth Copeland Airport in Fort Worth, Texas. In 2008 the KCM revealed that it owned $17.5 million worth of private jets at that time. It is believed that KCM currently owns:
- 1998 Cessna 550 Citation Bravo (received by donation in October 2007)
- 2005 Cessna 750 Citation X
- Gulfstream V
- 1962 Beech H-18 Twin (used for disaster relief)
According to various reports, Copeland used church donations to acquire a $20 million Gulfstream V private jet from Tyler Perry. After purchasing the jet, he caused additional controversy by asking his followers to donate an additional $17 – $20 million to upgrade his airport’s runway and hangar.
Kenneth Copeland Expensive Rolex Submariner Watch
Copeland is the owner of a custom-made, on-demand Rolex Submariner watch estimated to have a market value of $18,000. The watch is equipped with a 3135 calibre and is designed for comfort and luxury, not to mention state-of-the-art performance. The self-winding mechanical movements of the watch, coupled with the fact that it is virtually scratchproof, makes it one of the exquisitely designed pieces by the manufacturer.
Kenneth Copeland Controversies
Copeland has been involved in a number of controversies. In 2008, Mike Huckabee appeared on his program a number of times to promote a book. Huckabee also used the ministries to fundraise for his Presidential campaign. The events caused the United States Treasury to question the church’s tax-exempt status. In mid-March 2020, Kenneth caused further controversy when he claimed to have healed and protected his viewers from Coronavirus by blowing the “wind of God” towards the television (his breath).
Kenneth Copeland Personal Life
Kenneth has been married three times. He was married to Ivy Bodiford from 1955 to 1958. They had one child, a daughter named Terri. He was married to Cynthia Davis from 1958 to 1961. In 1963, Kenneth married Gloria Neece. They have two children, John and Kellie.
FAQs
Who is Kenneth Copeland?
Kenneth Copeland is an American televangelist, author, public speaker, and musician. He is the founder of Kenneth Copeland Ministries (KCM) and is known for his teachings on the prosperity gospel.
What is Kenneth Copeland’s net worth?
Kenneth Copeland’s net worth is estimated at $300 million, though some reports suggest it could be as high as $750 million or even $1 billion.
What is Kenneth Copeland’s ministry?
Kenneth Copeland Ministries, based in Texas, was founded in 1967. It spreads its teachings through television, books, DVDs, and CDs. KCM broadcasts globally and operates out of Eagle Mountain International Church.
What controversies surround Kenneth Copeland?
Copeland has faced criticism for his lavish lifestyle, use of church funds, and controversial statements, including claims about healing people from COVID-19 in 2020.
Conclusion
Kenneth Copeland is a multifaceted personality with a career spanning ministry, music, and public speaking. While he has gained immense influence and wealth through his prosperity gospel teachings, he has also attracted significant controversy for his lavish lifestyle and financial practices. Despite the criticism, Copeland remains a powerful figure in televangelism, with a global audience and dedicated followers.
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