Feds take down cult-like Kingdom of God Global Church over forced labor

Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News on Aug 27, 2025

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Two leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church, a nationwide ministry once called a “slave labor cult” by a former member, were arrested Wednesday by the FBI.

David Taylor, the 53-year-old leader known as the church’s “apostle,” and Michelle Brannon, its 56-year-old executive director, were both detained, the Justice Department announced. They stand accused of forced labor conspiracy and money laundering.

The Kingdom of God Global Church, also known as Joshua Media Ministries International, operates from several locations in Michigan, Texas, Florida and Missouri. The controversial and charismatic Taylor has led the church since it was founded in Michigan in 2013.

According to the feds, the church is little more than a front designed to convince people to give Taylor their money. Church members work long, unpaid shifts at call centers throughout the country to solicit donations, according to a federal indictment.

“Taylor demanded that victims raise more money, admonished victims for not meeting his monetary goals, explained the power God gave him, rebuked victims for disobedience and cursed those who stopped working for him,” the indictment reads.

The feds say Taylor ran his call centers with an iron fist, depriving food and sleep from those who failed to reach his “unobtainable” fundraising goals.

Though Taylor was not charged with human trafficking, the feds allege he routinely ordered followers to transport women to him and required the women to take Plan B emergency contraceptives.

Former KOGGC/JMMI members have previously called out Taylor’s behavior. In March 2021, protesters outside a church event in Michigan decried the church as a “slave labor cult” where people worked endless hours for little pay and were expected to cater to Taylor’s every whim.

With the tens of millions generated from the call centers, Taylor bought expensive luxuries for himself, including properties, vehicles, Jet Skis and a boat, according to the feds.

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