These Men Founded the Word of Faith Movement

 

The Word of Faith movement is a gospel message that teaches that God wants His people to be healthy, wealthy, and happy on earth. It preaches that, with faith, you can claim anything, and it will come to pass. When you name it, claim it, and believe, it will manifest.

The Origins of Word of Faith

Evangelist E.W. Kenyon is widely regarded as the founder of Word of Faith teachings. He began his career as a Methodist minister but later transitioned into Pentecostalism. Kenyon, who passed away in 1948, greatly influenced Kenneth Hagin, who built upon his teachings. Hagin strongly believed that it is God's will for believers to always enjoy good health, financial success, and happiness.

After Hagin’s death in 2003, his teachings continued to shape the movement, influencing Kenneth Copeland, who had briefly worked as a co-pilot for evangelist Oral Roberts. In 1967, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland founded Kenneth Copeland Ministries in Fort Worth, Texas. As one of the leading voices of the Word of Faith movement today, Copeland has played a significant role in its expansion.

Through his ministry, the movement also extended to televangelists and faith healers like Benny Hinn, whose ministry is based in Grapevine, Texas. Hinn began preaching in Canada in 1974 and launched his daily television broadcast in 1990, further spreading the Word of Faith message worldwide.

The Word of Faith movement gained significant momentum in 1973 with the founding of the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), headquartered in Santa Ana, California. Today, TBN is the world's largest Christian television network, airing a variety of Christian programs but heavily embracing Word of Faith teachings. TBN is broadcast on over 5,000 television stations, 33 international satellites, and numerous cable and internet platforms. Every day, TBN delivers Word of Faith broadcasts across the United States, Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, India, Southeast Asia, South America, and beyond.

Growth in Africa and the African-American Community

In Africa, the Word of Faith movement has also gained immense popularity, with influential pastors like David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church and Chris Oyakhilome of Loveworld Ministry driving its expansion across the continent.

In the United States, the movement has spread rapidly, particularly within the African-American community. Prominent preachers like T.D. Jakes and Creflo Dollar lead Black megachurches, encouraging their congregations to "think right" in order to achieve financial prosperity and good health.

The Word of Faith movement has transformed the lives of countless believers by reinforcing the power of faith in God's promises. 

By embracing the principles of faith, positive confession, and unwavering belief in God’s Word, many have experienced breakthroughs, miracles, and supernatural provision. Testimonies of divine healing, debt cancellation, and life-changing encounters with God continue to affirm the effectiveness of these teachings.

As the movement continues to spread globally, it serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring Christians to walk boldly in faith, claim God’s promises, and live the abundant life that Christ came to give (John 10:10). Through the Word of Faith, believers are empowered to rise above challenges and manifest the fullness of God's blessings in their lives.

Thank you for reading. God bless you!