Background
Kenneth Copeland has preached the prosperity gospel for more than 50 years and is one of the world’s best known promoters of Word of Faith theology. Copeland attended Oral Roberts University in the late 1960s, becoming a pilot for Oral Roberts, his mentor.
In 1968, Copeland incorporated the Kenneth Copeland Evangelistic Association with three board members. In 1978, the non-profit organization’s name was changed to International Church of the Word of Faith, Inc. In 1986, the church was renamed to Eagle Mountain International Church. Kenneth Copeland Ministries is a trade name registered to the church.
Governing Documents
Articles of incorporation and bylaws provide rules for how churches and ministries are governed. They determine if church attendees have the authority to vote on church business or if decision making is reserved for a board of director or elders. While the articles of incorporation are frequently available from Secretary of State websites, church bylaws are rarely available online.
The bylaws of Copeland’s Eagle Mountain International Church require the president’s signature to remove an officer. Because Copeland is president of the church, he can prevent his removal by not signing a removal order.
Senate Finance Committee Inquiry
In 2007, the Senate Finance Committee launched an inquiry into six TV ministries at the request of Senator Chuck Grassley in response to alleged violations of the the tax code. Senate staffers created a report on Eagle Mountain International Church which is available in the Grassley Inquiry Document Collection.
Documents in this Collection
1968 Kenneth Copeland Evangelistic Association Articles of Incorporation
1978 Amended Articles – Name changed to International Church of the Word of Faith, Inc.
1981 Amended Articles
1983 Amended Articles
1986 Amended Articles – Name changed to Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc.
1997 Restated Articles
Church Bylaws
2025 Nonprofit Periodic Report – Lists current board members
Church Trade Names
Gloria Copeland Employment Agreement – obtained by dumpster diving.
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