What is Kenneth Copeland's Net Worth?
Kenneth Copeland is an American author, public speaker, televangelist, and musician who boasts a net worth of $300 million. As the founder of the Texas-based Eagle Mountain International Church, Copeland broadcasts his sermons globally. Known for preaching the prosperity gospel, he spreads his ministry through various media including television, books, DVDs, and CDs. Prior to converting to Christianity in 1962, Kenneth was a recording artist with a Top 40 hit, "Pledge of Love." Outside of his ministry, Copeland is known for his extravagant lifestyle, such as owning multiple private jets, including a $20 million jet from Tyler Perry, and several mansions.
Early Life
Born on December 6, 1936, in Lubbock, Texas, Kenneth Max Copeland was raised in West Texas by his parents, Aubrey Wayne and Vinita Pearl.
Music Career
In the 1950s, Kenneth embarked on a music career, securing a record contract with Imperial Records. His single "Pledge of Love" became a Top 40 hit in April 1957, staying on the charts for 15 weeks.
Ministry Career
In 1967, Kenneth decided to become a minister and enrolled in Oral Roberts University. Leveraging his flying skills from growing up near an Air Force base, he served as Oral Roberts' personal pilot and chauffeur. He also founded Kenneth Copeland Ministries (KCM) in Fort Worth, Texas, the same year.
By 1971, KCM launched a one-hour television show called "The Word of Faith," which evolved into "Believers Voice of Victory." In 1972, he introduced another show, "The Prayer Group."
via Kenneth Copeland Ministries/wikimedia commons
Kenneth Copeland's Wealth
Kenneth's wealth has been a subject of controversy, with reports suggesting he could be worth up to $750 million or even $1 billion. He and his wife Gloria allegedly live in a $6.3 million lakefront mansion funded by his church. Kenneth has confirmed he is a "very wealthy man," citing oil and gas investments and reserves on his properties.
Private Jets
KCM owns several private jets, flying from Kenneth Copeland Airport in Fort Worth, Texas. As of 2008, KCM owned $17.5 million worth of jets, including:
- 1998 Cessna 550 Citation Bravo (donated in October 2007)
- 2005 Cessna 750 Citation X
- Gulfstream V
- 1962 Beech H-18 Twin (used for disaster relief)
According to reports, Copeland used church funds to buy a $20 million Gulfstream V jet from Tyler Perry and asked followers for additional donations to upgrade his airport's runway and hangar. He has faced accusations of using his jets for personal vacations and stated he avoids commercial flights because he doesn't "want to get into a tube with a bunch of demons." In 2009, his request for tax-exempt status for his $3.6 million jet was denied.
In May 2019, a video of a reporter questioning Copeland about his lifestyle went viral, showcasing his bizarre reaction. Watch the full video below:
Controversies
In 2008, Mike Huckabee appeared on Copeland's show multiple times to promote a book and raise funds for his presidential campaign, prompting the U.S. Treasury to scrutinize the church's tax-exempt status.
In March 2020, Kenneth claimed to heal and protect viewers from COVID-19 by blowing the "wind of God" towards their televisions, sparking further controversy.
Personal Life
Kenneth has been married three times. He first married Ivy Bodiford from 1955 to 1958, and they had a daughter named Terri. His second marriage was to Cynthia Davis from 1958 to 1961. In 1963, he married Gloria Neece, and they have two children, John and Kellie.
