Profile: Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), formerly Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI).

Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), formerly Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI).

The **Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC)**—formerly known as **Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI)**—is a controversial religious organization founded and led by David E. Taylor and Michelle Brannon, currently facing significant media attention and legal challenges for alleged forced labor, money laundering, and abuse[1][2][3][4].

## Origins and Mission

KOGGC began as Joshua Media Ministries International, a self-described global, multicultural Christian outreach led by David E. Taylor[5][6][7]. The ministry claimed a "fivefold" mission centered around evangelism, prophecy, and humanitarian projects such as feeding programs, water well construction, and homes for victims of trafficking[8][5].

## Leadership and Beliefs

David E. Taylor styles himself as an "Apostle" and "face-to-face prophet," claiming direct, ongoing revelations from Jesus Christ[5][3][6]. Michelle Brannon acts as Executive Director. The church's messages focused on conversion and the "demonstration of God's glory" through Taylor's asserted encounters with God and Jesus[6].

## Charitable Activities and Expansion

The group claims to have established mission stations feeding the poor and helping victims, with ambitious plans like building "Refuge Homes" for children escaping trafficking[5]. Their reach expanded well beyond Michigan, with alleged operations in several states across the U.S., including call centers in Florida, Texas, and Missouri[8][3].

## Recent Legal Controversies

KOGGC recently garnered national headlines following federal indictments of Taylor and Brannon, who are accused of running a forced labor scheme, coercing unpaid workers (often members) to staff call centers, work as personal attendants ("armor bearers"), and live under tight control[1][2][3][9]. Prosecutors allege the organization raised upwards of $50 million in donations through these efforts, maintaining strict control over workers' lives, including sleep, food, dress, speech, and privacy[2][3].

## Public Response and Impact

Investigations have included FBI raids on properties in Florida and Texas, and widespread media scrutiny about the group's practices and treatment of members[10][11][12]. Some former members and critics describe KOGGC/JMMI as manipulative and cult-like, raising serious concerns about abuse and financial exploitation[13].

## Conclusion

**Kingdom of God Global Church's recent history is deeply entangled in allegations of coercion and fraud, overshadowing its humanitarian claims and evangelistic mission**[1][2][3]. The ongoing legal proceedings are likely to shape public perceptions and the future of the organization in the coming months.

Citations:

[1] David Taylor, Michelle Brannon | Religious leaders of KOGGC charged with forced labor, money laundering in North Carolina https://abc11.com/post/david-taylor-michelle-brannon-religious-leaders-koggc-charged-forced-labor-money-laundering-north-carolina/17663065/

[2] Tampa and Ocala mansions searched in forced-labor case against ... https://www.wusf.org/courts-law/2025-08-27/tampa-and-ocala-mansions-searched-in-forced-labor-case-against-church-leaders

[3] "Kingdom of God Global Church" leaders indicted for alleged forced ... https://www.michiganpublic.org/criminal-justice-legal-system/2025-08-27/kingdom-of-god-global-church-leaders-indicted-for-alleged-forced-labor-money-laundering

[4] Joshua Media Ministries - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua_Media_Ministries

[5] Joshua Media Ministries Int'l. - Apostle David E. Taylor [Official Site] https://kingdomofgodglobalchurch.org/feature-presentation/about-apostle-david-e-taylor/the-ministry/

[6] THE RAPTURE PREPARATION— “READINESS" - Apostle David E ... https://joshuamediaministries.org/feature-presentation/about-apostle-david-e-taylor/man-biography-david-e-taylor/

[7] Evangelist David E Taylor| JMMI - Joshua Media Ministries, Intl ... https://joshuamediaministries.org

[8] Joshua Media Ministries - MinistryWatch https://db.ministrywatch.com/ministry.php?ein=331174241

[9] Two Self-Professed Religious Leaders Who Used Physical and Psychological Abuse to Coerce Victims to Solicit Tens of Millions in Donations Federally Charged and Arrested https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-self-professed-religious-leaders-who-used-physical-and-psychological-abuse-coerce

[10] FBI search of Tampa mansion linked to church leaders' forced labor ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRcxD8eKRm0

[11] Church leaders arrested in multi-state money laundering, forced labor investigation https://www.fox13news.com/news/fbi-investigation-underway-church-owned-mansion-avila-neighborhood

[12] Leaders of Kingdom of God Global Church arrested - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGhgrbg6-jo

[13] Man speaks out against 2 ministry leaders accused of money laundering scheme in Michigan https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/what-we-know-about-ministry-leaders-alleged-money-laundering/

[14] Universal Church of the Kingdom of God - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Church_of_the_Kingdom_of_God

[15] JMMI Global - Welcome All Nations - Apostle David E. Taylor [Official ... https://joshuamediaministries.org/welcomeallnations/

Two Self-Professed Religious Leaders Who Used Physical and Psychological Abuse to Coerce Victims to Solicit Tens of Millions in Donations Federally Charged and Arrested

Office of Public Affairs

U.S. Department of Justice

Press Release

August 27, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan returned a ten-count indictment against two defendants for their alleged roles in a forced labor and money laundering conspiracy that victimized individuals in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri.

The two defendants, David Taylor, 53, and Michelle Brannon, 56, were arrested today in North Carolina and Florida in a nationwide takedown of their forced labor organization.

“Combating human trafficking is a top priority for the Department of Justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and ending this scourge and obtaining justice for the victims.”

“We will use every lawful tool against human traffickers and seek justice for their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan. “A case like this is only possible through a concerted effort with our federal partners across the country and the non-governmental agencies who provide victim support. We thank them all.”

“The indictment of David Taylor and Michelle Brannon demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast efforts to protect the American people from human exploitation and financial crimes, including forced labor and money laundering,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The alleged actions are deeply troubling. I want to thank the members of the FBI Detroit Field Office, with strong support from our federal and agency partners in the FBI Tampa Field Office, FBI Jacksonville Field Office, FBI St. Louis Field Office, FBI Charlotte Field Office, FBI Houston Field Office, and the Detroit IRS-CI Field Office, in addition to several local, county and state law enforcement partners, for their role in executing this multi-state operation. The FBI in Michigan will continue to investigate those who violate federal law and remain focused on ensuring the protection and safety of our nation.”

“Money laundering is tax evasion in progress, and in this case, the proceeds funded an alleged human trafficking ring and supported a luxury lifestyle under the guise of a religious ministry,” said Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of IRS Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office. “IRS-CI stands committed to fighting human trafficking and labor exploitation, and pursuing those who hide their profits gained from the extreme victimization of the vulnerable.”

The indictment alleges that Taylor and Brannon are the leaders of Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), formerly Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI). Taylor refers to himself as “Apostle” and to Brannon as his Executive Director. Their organization ran a call center that solicited donations for KOGGC/JMMI every day. Taylor established his first call center in Taylor, Michigan, and then operated call centers in other locations in the United States including in Florida, Texas, and Missouri.

Taylor and Brannon, according to the indictment, compelled their victims to work at their call centers and to work for Taylor as his “armor bearers.” Armor bearers were Taylors’s personal servants who fulfilled Taylor’s demands around the clock. Taylor and Brannon controlled every aspect of the daily living of their victims. Victims slept in the call center facility or in a “ministry” house, and Taylor and Brannon did not permit them to leave without permission. Taylor demanded that his Armor Bearers transport women from ministry houses, airports, and other locations to Taylor’s location and ensured the women transported to Taylor took Plan B emergency contraceptives.

In addition, according to the indictment, Taylor and Brannon required victims to work in the call centers long hours without pay or perform other services for Taylor. Taylor set unobtainable daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly monetary donation goals for victims working in the call centers and required victims to follow the orders he created without question. If victims disobeyed an order or failed to reach his monetary goals, Taylor and Brannon punished the victims with public humiliation, additional work, food and shelter restrictions, psychological abuse, forced repentance, sleep deprivation, physical assaults, and threats of divine judgment in the form of sickness, accidents, and eternal damnation.

KOGGC/JMMI received millions of dollars in donations each year through its call centers. Taylor and Brannon used much of the money to purchase luxury properties, luxury vehicles, and sporting equipment such as a boat, jet skis, and ATVs. In total, Taylor received approximately $50 million in donations since 2014.

Defendant David Taylor will appear on the indictment today in Durham, North Carolina. Defendant Michelle Brannon will appear today on the indictment in Tampa, Florida.

Upon conviction, the alleged crimes carry the following penalties:

Conspiracy to Commit Forced Labor: up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000.

Forced Labor: up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000.

Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering: up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $500,000 or twice the value of the properties involved in the money laundering transactions.

This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS-CI. It will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Resnick Cohen for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Christina Randall-James of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll free at 1-888-373-7888, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Further information is available at www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-self-professed-religious-leaders-who-used-physical-and-psychological-abuse-coerce

DOJ: FBI search at Avila mansion linked to church's 'forced labor and money laundering conspiracy'

Andrea Chu

10 Tampa Bay 

August 27, 2025

Leaders of "The Kingdom of God Global Church" are accused of using physical and psychological abuse to coerce victims into soliciting millions in donations.

"The FBI's response Wednesday at a mansion in the Avila neighborhood of Tampa is linked to the arrest of church leaders on federal forced labor and money laundering charges.

A federal grand jury returned a 10-count indictment against 53-year-old David E. Taylor and 56-year-old Michelle Brannon —leaders of "The Kingdom of God Global Church" — for their alleged roles in a forced labor and money laundering conspiracy that spanned Florida, Michigan, Texas and Missouri.

In addition to the response in Tampa, the FBI confirmed it conducted an operation early Wednesday morning at a property in Houston owned by Joshua Media Ministries International, the former name of Kingdom of God Global Church.

Taylor, who calls himself the church's "apostle," and Brannon, the church's "executive director," were arrested Wednesday in "a nationwide takedown of their forced labor organization," according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Taylor and Brannon are accused of coercing victims to work at call centers soliciting donations for the church and to work as personal servants or "armor bearers" for Taylor.

The DOJ says Taylor and Brannon controlled "every aspect" of their victims' daily lives, including forcing them to sleep in call centers or "ministry" houses. 

"Taylor demanded that his Armor Bearers transport women from ministry houses, airports, and other locations to Taylor’s location and ensured the women transported to Taylor took Plan B emergency contraceptives," the document reads.

Taylor and Brannon are accused of requiring victims to work long hours in the call center without pay, forcing them to follow orders and setting unattainable monetary donation goals.

"If victims disobeyed an order or failed to reach his monetary goals, Taylor and Brannon punished the victims with public humiliation, additional work, food and shelter restrictions, psychological abuse, forced repentance, sleep deprivation, physical assaults, and threats of divine judgment in the form of sickness, accidents, and eternal damnation," the DOJ release says.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Kingdom of God Global Church received millions of dollars in donations through the call centers, which Taylor and Brannon used to purchase luxury properties, vehicles, boats, Jet Skis and ATVs. 

Taylor has reportedly received approximately $50 million in donations since 2014.

Church donations used to fund lavish lifestyle, FBI says

Court documents emphasize that the millions in donations were collected “under the guise of a religious ministry.”

According to the indictment, here are some of the items purchased by Taylor and Brannon:

• Mercedes-Benz — $63,195.94

• Bentley Continental (downpayment) — $70,000.00

• Crownline Boat — $105,595.00

• Bentley Continental (downpayment) — $15,000.00

• Bentley Mulsanne — $50,000.00

• Mercedes-Benz — $14,908.00

• Mercedes-Benz — $13,695.00

• Mercedes-Benz — $12,485.00

• 5 ATVs — $31,805.00

• 2 Jet Skis and 1 Jet Ski trailer — $24,332.00

• 2 Jet Skis and 1 Jet Ski trailer — $24,962.20

• 125 lbs. of super colossal red king crab legs, 6 seafood shears, and 30 crab cutters — $10,353.44

• Rolls Royce Cullinan (lease signing payment) — $123,028.09

• Bulletproof automotive — $33,930.00

• Bulletproof automotive — $32,630.00

• Bulletproof automotive — $37,500.00

• Bulletproof automotive — $18,302.76

Charges for church leaders arrested after FBI search in Tampa

The charges Taylor and Brannon are facing include:

• Conspiracy to commit forced labor, which carries up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine

• Forced labor, which carries up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine

• Conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine

• 

Brannon will appear today on the indictment in Tampa, while Taylor will appear today on the indictment in Durham, North Carolina.

“Combating human trafficking is a top priority for the Department of Justice,” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division wrote in the release. “We are committed to relentlessly pursuing and ending this scourge and obtaining justice for the victims.”

According to a 2022 article from the Tampa Bay Business Journal, the Kingdom of God Global Church in Taylor, Michigan, purchased the estate from Tampa Bay Buccaneers co-owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz and her husband for $8.3 million. 

The sale reportedly included the 28,893-square-foot main house and a 2,620-square-foot guest house.

Avila is an affluent residential community in North Tampa.

https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/fbi-presence-home-avila-tampa-kingdom-of-god-global-church/67-2d27ffb5-ac5e-4c3b-be1b-ae4fdc91be0f