Jesus Image is an American charismatic, non-denominational Christian ministry and church based in Orlando, Florida. It was established in 2007 by Michael Koulianos, along with his wife, Jessica Koulianos. The organization comprises a local church, a ministry training program called Jesus School, and regular worship and conference events. It identifies with charismatic practices such as faith-healing, prophecy, and revival-themed events. Jesus Image has drawn both public support and criticism for its theological views, fundraising practices, and controversial affiliations.
Jesus Image was founded by evangelist Michael Koulianos in the late 2000s, initially as an itinerant ministry.[1] In 2014, it hosted its first large-scale gathering, the Jesus Conference, in Orlando. Subsequent conferences have featured speakers and musicians associated with charismatic and revivalist movements, including Benny Hinn, Reinhard Bonnke, and Bethel Music.[2]
In 2018, the organization began holding weekly services in Orlando, which Koulianos later described as the beginning of Jesus Image Church.[1] Two years later, it launched Jesus School, a ministry training program. Promotional materials emphasize revival and discipleship, though some commentators have expressed skepticism about the format and cost of such programs.[3]
In late 2024, Jesus Image launched a capital campaign called Build His House, aimed at constructing a permanent facility in Orlando to house the church, Jesus School, and other ministry functions. The campaign includes plans for a sanctuary, classrooms, a prayer center, and administrative offices. According to updates shared through the organization's social media accounts, foundation work was completed in early 2025, and fundraising remains ongoing.[4]
Events and conferences
Congregants gather for a service inside the main sanctuary of Jesus Image. The room is also used for livestream production and event broadcasts.
Regular Services
Jesus Image holds weekly services at its Orlando facility, along with occasional midweek worship events known as "Jesus Nights." Services are streamed online through platforms such as YouTube.[5] Attendees include both local congregants and students from Jesus School, for whom attendance is mandatory.[6]
Jesus Conference
The organization's largest recurring event, Jesus Conference, began in 2014 in Orlando. According to Charisma News, the 2019 conference in Orlando drew significant attendance and featured prominent speakers from the charismatic movement. The conference has continued annually, often under stylized branding such as Jesus ’22 and Jesus ’23, and has been held in large Orlando venues such as the Addition Financial Arena.[7]
Pastors and Leaders Conference
Since 2022, Jesus Image has also organized a Pastors and Leaders Conference, aimed at church leaders and staff. The events includes teaching sessions, worship, and networking opportunities and have featured speakers such as Michael Koulianos, Benny Hinn, and other figures within charismatic and revivalist networks. The 2024 and 2025 gatherings were held in San Diego.[8]
Jesus School
In 2020, Jesus Image launched Jesus School, a full-time ministry training program. According to the program materials, it offers courses in theology, worship, and evangelism, along with practical ministry components such as outreach and mission trips.[9]
Accreditation and funding
Jesus School is not accredited by any regional or national accrediting body and does not grant academic degrees. Its website notes that students are ineligible for federal financial aid or student loans and must independently fund tuition and related expenses.[10] Some tracks allow students to transfer up to 30 transferable credits to partner institutions including Regent University, Logos University, Faith International University, and Southeastern University, though transferrability is limited.
Leadership and instructors
According to the official website, Jessica Koulianos serves as the Director of Jesus School, alongside Michael Koulianos. Both are listed as instructors and leaders in program promotional materials. The program has also advertised guest lectures by figures from the broader charismatic movement, though documentation of these remains limited to ministry sources.[9]
Criticism
The launch of Jesus School in 2020 prompted a wave of criticism on Facebook, particularly under the ministry's announcement post. Commenters voiced concern over the tuition fee, arguing that charging for ministry training commodifies the gospel. Some drew comparisons to street-side solicitations, stating that "the Gospel should never be for sale." Others objected to the association with prominent charismatic leaders such as Todd White and Bill Johnson, accusing them of promoting what they viewed as "man-centered" or "prosperity gospel" teachings. One commenter described the leadership lineup as an "All Star cast of False Teachers," while several others echoed similar sentiments by labeling the organization's leaders "false teachers."[3]
Leadership
Michael Koulianos prays for an attendee during a service at Jesus Image Church.
Michael Koulianos
Michael Koulianos is the founder and senior pastor of Jesus Image. Born on September 16, 1977, in Tarpon Springs, Florida, he was ordained in 2005 at World Healing Center Church, Inc. — the corporate entity behind Benny Hinn Ministries.[11] In 2007, Koulianos launched the initial iteration of the Jesus Image ministry, later establishing Jesus Image Church and Jesus School in Orlando.[12]
Koulianos is also an author and conference speaker. His publications include The Jesus Book and Holy Spirit: The One Who Makes Jesus Real. In addition to leading weekly services and organizing events such as the Jesus Conference, he serves as a public figure in the global charismatic movement.
He also leads the organization's ongoing Build His House capital campaign, which began in 2024 with the goal of constructing a permanent ministry campus in Orlando.[13]
Jessica Koulianos
Jessica Koulianos is the co-founder of Jesus Image and serves as Director of Jesus School. She regularly appears alongside Michael in ministry events and worship leadership capacities, though published independent coverage of her specific ministerial roles is limited.[14]
Jesus Image has faced scrutiny from both religious commentators and former attendees due to its leadership's ties to controversial televangelist Benny Hinn, its emphasis on emotional worship experiences, and concerns regarding theological clarity and transparency. While the ministry presents itself as Christ-centered and revival-focused, critics have raised questions about its doctrinal foundations, public messaging, and broader affiliations.
Affiliation with Benny Hinn
Jessica Koulianos with her father, Benny Hinn, during a service at Jesus Image Church.
Jesus Image has drawn scrutiny due to its close relationship with televangelist Benny Hinn, who is the father of co-founder Jessica Koulianos and father-in-law of founder Michael Koulianos.[17][15] Michael has frequently described Hinn as a mentor and has appeared with him at various events.[18]
Hinn's ministry has long been controversial. He was one of six televangelists included in a 2007–2011 U.S. Senate Finance Committee investigation led by Senator Chuck Grassley, which examined the use of tax-exemptdonations. Although the investigation ended without penalties, the final report cited concerns about a lack of transparency and financial oversight.[19]
Jesus Image has also been criticized for perpetuating theological and structural issues associated with Hinn's legacy, particularly in areas related to faith healing, prosperity theology, charismatic expression, and what some theological watchdogs consider extra-biblical prophetic claims.[20][21] Investigative documentaries by NBC's Dateline and CBC's The Fifth Estate have questioned the legitimacy of healing claims and staging at Hinn’s events.[22] Notably, the 2004 Fifth Estate investigation—with hidden cameras and interviews—revealed that individuals with visibly severe disabilities—like quadriplegics or those with muscular dystrophy—were routinely barred from going on stage during crusades, while visibly healthy attendees were allowed to claim healing on camera. In one instance, a mother and her daughter were redirected by event staff and told the healing line was "full," despite their visible need.
In April 2024, in addition to Benny Hinn Ministries, Jesus Image filed a copyright takedown request with YouTube against the video "The Problem with Benny Hinn" by pastor Mike Winger, which critically examined Hinn's theology, finances, and healing practices. YouTube rejected the claim under fair use, and Jesus Image withdrew its request within days. Critics, including Winger himself, described the action as an "unjust" attempt to suppress critical analysis, suggesting it was abuse of an automated system to silence scrutiny.[23]
Visual and Emotional Techniques
Benny Hinn places his hand on an attendee's face during a service at Jesus Image Church (2025).
Jesus Image services are characterized by immersive lighting, prolonged musical worship, synchronized crowd participation, and emotionally charged exhortations. These elements are a consistent part of the church's format and are regularly observed during livestreamed services. Michael Koulianos, Benny Hinn, and other regular ministers often place their hands on attendees—sometimes forcefully—leading several individuals to fall to the floor. As worship music intensifies, attendees are often seen raising their hands, weeping, speaking in tongues, or collapsing to the ground.[24][25]
Observers have noted Jesus Image’s emphasis on extended worship and charismatic expressions such as speaking in tongues and being “slain in the Spirit.” Academic studies of Pentecostal and charismatic movements have connected such practices to ritual trance, emotional contagion, and heightened suggestibility.[26] Scholarly studies on the phenomenon known as being "slain in the Spirit," where worship participants collapse or enter altered states, have also drawn connections to ritual trance, emotional contagion, and psychological suggestion.[27] Experts in hypnosis and persuasion have further noted that practices such as sustained musical buildup, physical touch from a spiritual leader, and unified crowd behavior align with documented methods of inducing heightened responsiveness or compliance. These dynamics are not unique to Jesus Image but are common across some charismatic and Pentecostal movements, and they have been the subject of continued academic and theological debate.
Use of legal waivers
Sign posted in the lobby of Jesus Image Church outlining attendee consent, liability disclaimers, and media usage rights.
At Jesus Image services and events, signage in the church lobby informs attendees of consent and liability terms. The posted waiver grants the organization rights to record and distribute video and images of participants, and includes disclaimers limiting responsibility for damages, including emotional distress, medical treatment outcomes, and financial loss.
The waiver includes a clause regarding the transmission of communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases, stating that Jesus Image holds no responsibility if one attendee knowingly or unknowingly transmits such a condition to another.
Facilities and expansion
Jesus Image currently leases this building in Orlando, Florida, for its weekly services, while construction is underway on a permanent facility in Sanford.
Jesus Image and its Jesus School program operate out of a leased facility located near Forest City Road in Orlando, Florida,[28] a property that has historically been associated with Benny Hinn's ministry organizations. Public corporate records indicate that the property was previously registered to Benny Hinn Ministries, Inc., with Hinn and his wife Suzanne listed in leadership roles.[29] As of 2025, Jesus Image does not appear to own the facility and is instead operating services from the location under a lease arrangement.
Lobby display promoting the "Build His House" campaign at Jesus Image Church.
In early 2022, the ministry announced plans to purchase and expand into a permanent headquarters in Orlando. The new facility includes a large worship center, meeting spaces, ministry offices, and production areas.[4] As part of this expansion, Jesus Image launched the Build His House fundraising initiative. The campaign, promoted through church services and social media, frames the construction of a permanent facility for the ministry as a spiritually significant endeavor. Church leaders encourage members and followers to contribute sacrificially, often framing the effort as a divine calling to prepare a space for greater revival and discipleship activity.[4]
To support larger public events, Jesus Image has rented high-capacity venues such as the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, which seats over 9,000 attendees. The Jesus ’24 Conference and previous annual gatherings have drawn sizable crowds, showcasing the organization's ability to scale operations beyond its home facility.[7]
Financial structure, compensation, and governance
Entity and filings
Jesus Image, Inc. (EIN 26-3838368) is registered as a 501(c)(3) public charity in Florida. The most recent readily available federal return (Form 990 for the year ended December 31, 2018) reports five voting board members, four of whom are independent; the organization indicates written conflict-of-interest, whistleblower, and document-retention policies, and states that a copy of the return was provided to the governing body prior to filing. The filing does not report use of an independent compensation-review process for senior officers in that year. Books and records are listed at 1315 S International Pkwy, Lake Mary, FL, with Michael Koulianos as the contact.[30]
2018 financials
For 2018, the return reports US$3,278,700 in revenue, US$1,940,982 in expenses, and US$1,600,800 in net assets at year end. Reported revenue sources include approximately US$2,627,171 in contributions and grants and US$641,877 in program-service revenue (primarily conference registrations and school fees).[30][31]
Executive compensation
Part VII lists Michael Koulianos (President) with US$97,421 in reportable compensation and US$116,299 in “other compensation from the organization and related organizations,” and Jessica Koulianos (Director) with US$80,500 reportable and US$25,989 other compensation. Director Julie Noble is listed at US$8,600.[30]
Grants and disbursements
Schedule I of the same filing reports US$335,562 in “grants and similar assistance to organizations,” including disbursements to The Send (US$153,819), Bethel Church (Redding, CA) (US$28,177), Bill Johnson Ministries (US$12,300), Upper Room (US$10,000), Lou Engle Ministries (US$5,500), Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary (US$13,000), and Jesus Center (Palm Harbor, FL) (US$108,500), among others.[30]
Other entities
A separate nonprofit, Jesus Image Society (EIN 47-2668826), files independently; recent public returns (e.g., 2023) list revenue and net assets for that entity.[32] Separately, THEOPHANY GLOBAL, LLC (a Florida LLC managed by Michael T. Koulianos) is listed as active in state records (name change recorded in 2020). This is a for-profit company and distinct from the nonprofit organization.[33]
Reporting limits
As a church-affiliated ministry, Jesus Image is not required to file Form 990s annually; filings after 2018 were not available in the IRS public database used here, so later revenue, compensation, and board information could not be confirmed through federal disclosures.[30]
The organization’s 2018 Form 990 (Schedule I) lists the following grants to domestic organizations:[30]
Recipient
Amount (USD)
The Send, Inc.
$153,819
Jesus Center (Palm Harbor, FL)
$108,500
Bethel Church (Redding, CA)
$28,177
Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary
$13,000
Bill Johnson Ministries (Redding, CA)
$12,300
Upper Room (Dallas, TX)
$10,000
Lou Engle Ministries (Pasadena, CA)
$5,500
Affiliated ministries and partnerships
Jesus Image maintains affiliations with several prominent figures and ministries within charismatic Christianity. The ministry's connections range from family ties to Benny Hinn to academic and worship connections to Bethel Church.
Benny Hinn Ministries
Co-founder Jessica Koulianos, daughter of Benny Hinn, features prominently in Jesus Image's leadership. Benny Hinn has appeared alongside Jesus Image leaders at conferences and workshops, including Jesus ’24 and the Pastors & Leaders Conference.[34]
Bethel Church/Redding
Promotional materials for Jesus School have listed Bill Johnson, senior leader at Bethel Church in Redding, California, as a guest instructor. In addition, worship leader Steffany Gretzinger, formerly associated with Bethel Music, is listed in the program's faculty listings.[35][36]
Global charismatic leaders
Guest instructors and conference speakers at Jesus Image events have included Heidi Baker of Iris Global, Francis Chan, Brother Yun, and Randy Clark. Their participation reflects the organization's integration into broader revivalist and missionary networks.[37]
The Send movement
Michael Koulianos was one of the co-leaders of The Send, a youth-focused evangelistic movement launched in 2019 with a stadium event in Orlando. The event, held at the Camping World Stadium, featured speakers such as Daniel Kolenda and Lou Engle and sought to mobilize attendees for global missions and evangelism.[38]
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