The Late, Most Honorable Apostle Duane I. Coats, Sr, was born June 4, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri. Later, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and received orders to Beaufort, South Carolina. While stationed in South Carolina, he met and married the love of his life, Jeanette Young Rivers on August 19, 1979, which began a love story like no other. Duane often told others that he “found his good thing” when marrying Jeanette. To this union, they were blessed with four children, Moneka, Ivan Jr (Lakisha)., Samone, and Shamika and five grandchildren. 

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Apostle Coats received his salvation during his youth and was baptized at Greater Union Baptist Church in St. Louis, MO. He was always active within the community and worked in programs such as the YMCA, where he did mission work within the United States and abroad, alongside the Peace Corps. While stationed in South Carolina, he rededicated his life to Christ and was filled with the Holy Spirit at Full Gospel Deliverance Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Christina Bing. He received his foundational ministerial training at Friendship Holiness Church under the tutelage of the late honorable Bishop Willie Webb, Sr. Apostle Coats was then stationed in Jacksonville, N.C. where he pastored at Friendship Holiness Church #3. Due to military orders, he and his family relocated to Alexandria, VA. In April 1991, he established Word of Faith Holy Tabernacle (A Family Destined for the Promised Land) and later changed the name to Word of Faith Christian Fellowship Church (Building God’s People for Kingdom Work) with the vision I.M.P.A.C.T. 

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In June 2015, he became an Apostle and officially launched Kingdom Equipping Ministries, International (K.E.M.) with a purpose to provide spiritual covering, guidance, mentorship and support to ministries and churches, and to equip and send forth Pastors, Evangelists and Missionaries to establish ministries and churches. He believed in equipping and empowering men, women, and youth to do the work of the Lord. Apostle Coats has mentored and trained numerous men and women who have gone on to become great leaders in the faith. Apostle Coats held a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Andersonville Bible College, a Master’s degree in Christian Education from Faith Bible College & Seminary, and a Doctorate in Divinity from Shiloh Theological Seminary.

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On December 2, 2021, God called Apostle Coats home to be with Him.  There is no doubt that the Heavenly Father welcomed him in with the words, “Well done thy GOOD and FAITHFUL SERVANT.” Apostle’s Legacy can be felt through his family, church family, the community and with countless others. While serving as Chief Apostle of Kingdom Equipping Ministries, International, many churches came under the K.E.M. umbrella including: L.I.F.E. (Living In Faith Everyday) Ministries in Beaufort, S.C., Everlasting Life Ministries in Chester, PA, Word of Faith Outreach Ministry in Beaufort, S.C., Walking by Faith Christ in You Church in Chesapeake, VA, Victorious in Praise Christian Fellowship in Augusta, GA, as well as ministries abroad in the Dominican Republic. Apostle Coats provided pastoral covering for Breaking Barriers Ministries, Darrell Brown Ministries, 630Prayer Ministry, Conquering Warriors Ministries International, Destiny Awaits, 4Sisters in the Struggle Ministries, Freedom Project, and Faith Works Ministries. One of the greatest and most proud honors for Apostle Coats, was installing his only son, Shepherd Ivan Coats, as the pastor of You’re Church in May 2021, also under the umbrella of K.E.M. Apostle Coats has shared the pulpit with many great speakers and teachers of the Gospel. 

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Through his family, church family, friends, loved ones, and the many lives Apostle Coats touched, the legacy of love and leadership will continue for many generations to come.