Televangelist Keith Moore’s ministry, Faith Life International, has expanded its fleet of private jets, acquiring a third aircraft after raising $10 million through a recent fundraising campaign. The purchase of the used Dassault Falcon 7X jet highlights the growing trend among high-profile ministries investing in luxury aviation to support their global missions.
The Dassault Falcon 7X, known for its long-range capabilities and luxurious interior, was listed for sale on AircraftVx for $17.5 million. While a new model of the jet would have cost approximately $60 million, Faith Life International secured a used version, showcasing the ministry’s efforts to balance high-end ministry tools with stewardship.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the acquisition when it certified the jet in May. Originally bearing the tail number N1902C, the aircraft’s registration was changed to N37KM, incorporating Moore’s initials—a common practice among ministries acquiring private aircraft.
This latest purchase joins Faith Life International’s existing fleet, which includes a Dassault Falcon 900 EX (tail number N7KM) and a Raytheon 390 (tail number N8PJ). Moore, who is also a licensed pilot, is certified to fly all three models. However, it’s worth noting that the Falcon jets require an additional pilot to operate.
Ministry Operations and Travel Costs
As the pastor of churches in both Sarasota, Florida, and Branson, Missouri, Moore frequently travels between these locations. However, the ministry’s investment in private aviation has drawn attention, particularly when compared to the cost of commercial travel. According to Kayak, a commercial flight from Sarasota to Springfield-Branson National Airport can be found for as low as $268, with the average ticket price ranging between $424 and $449.
For the $10 million raised for the jet purchase, Faith Life International could have theoretically purchased over 26,000 commercial airline tickets, based on the average U.S. airfare of $382 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Creflo Dollar’s Gulfstream G550
The acquisition by Moore’s ministry follows in the footsteps of other high-profile televangelists, such as Creflo Dollar, who made headlines in 2015 when he requested donations to purchase a $65 million Gulfstream G650 jet. Facing significant backlash, Dollar’s ministry opted to acquire two used jets instead. However, Trinity Foundation recently uncovered that Dollar’s property holding company, World Heir, quietly purchased a 2010 Gulfstream G550, which was certified by the FAA on June 17. The jet, bearing the tail number N600JD, was listed for sale at $18,650,000 on Aircraft Shopper Online.
Despite the controversy surrounding such purchases, these televangelists continue to defend their use of private jets as essential tools for their ministry work, enabling them to reach their global congregations more effectively.
As the debate over the use of luxury private jets by religious leaders continues, the focus remains on the balance between ministry needs and the optics of wealth in the eyes of the public. For Faith Life International and other ministries, these acquisitions represent both a commitment to their mission and a potential flashpoint for critics questioning the stewardship of donated funds.
Credit: The Christian Post
