Pastor and gospel singer Marvin Sapp has responded to backlash after a video circulated online showing him ordering the church ushers to close the doors and challenging attendees at a convention to donate $40,000.
A viral video from a church service last year shows Sapp demanding his congregation raise $40,000 on the spot.
Viewers called Sapp out for exploiting his flock but according to the pastor, the video was taken out of context. He says that the church leadership were also asked to plant a seed of five times the amount asked of the congregation.
“Recently, a clip has gone viral of me challenging 2,000 individuals (virtually and in person) to plant a seed of $20 during an international gathering held at a convention center, with over 4,000 people in attendance that evening plus virtual viewers. In that same moment, I also challenged leadership to lead by example by sowing $100. That evening, I personally gave much more,” Sapp wrote via his Facebook page.
Sapp denied holding his congregation “hostage.”
In his response, Sapp clarified that his directive aimed to create a “safe, focused, and reverent environment” during the offering, emphasizing that his intent was not about control but ensuring the security and attentiveness of both the congregation and those handling the resources.