Marvin Sapp Under Fire For $40K Request From Congregation

Renowned gospel singer and bishop Marvin Sapp is facing backlash after a resurfaced video showed him making an unusual request for donations during a church service, asking ushers to close the doors until a financial goal was met.

The video, which has gone viral, captures a moment from Sapp’s sermon at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) annual summer convention. In the clip, he instructs ushers to prevent people from leaving until the 1,000 attendees each contribute $20. He also extends the request to the thousands watching via live stream, urging them to donate the same amount.

Sapp explains that this method could quickly generate $40,000 for the church, further requesting that all pastors on stage contribute $100. Leading by example, he takes out his own cash to donate but then raises eyebrows by asking in-person attendees to come forward and visibly present their contributions.

While he acknowledges electronic payments, Sapp insists that digital donors provide proof of their transactions.

The most controversial aspect of the clip for many viewers is his directive to keep the doors shut, which some have interpreted as an attempt to pressure congregants. Some online critics have even likened the situation to holding worshipers against their will, though authorities confirm no police involvement was reported.

The incident took place in July 2024 during Sapp’s sermon at the PAW Convention in Baltimore but has only recently gained widespread attention.

Amid the growing criticism, Sapp responded on Facebook Wednesday night, defending his approach. He stated, in part, “My directive was not about control—it was about creating a safe, focused, and reverent environment for those choosing to give and for those handling the resources.”

Check out his full response below:

“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.
Some have taken issue with a particular moment when I instructed the ushers, rather firmly, to close the doors during the offering. To those unfamiliar with the church context or who may not regularly attend worship gatherings this has been misinterpreted as holding people hostage as well as offensive. That was never my intent.

The truth is, when finances are being received in any worship gathering, it is one of the most vulnerable and exposed times for both the finance and security teams. Movement during this sacred exchange can be distracting and, at times, even risky. My directive was not about control it was about creating a safe, focused, and reverent environment for those choosing to give, and for those handling the resources.

Unfortunately, in this social media age, snippets are easily shared without context, and assumptions are quickly made without understanding the full picture. Conferences have budgets. Churches have budgets. And people have budgets. As the assigned ministerial gift for this international gathering, one of my responsibilities was to help raise the conference budget. That’s not manipulation, it’s stewardship.
Now allow me to give you some biblical context, not opinion, not tradition, but Scripture.

In 1 Chronicles 29, we find a powerful moment where David, preparing for the building of the temple, challenges the people to give. He starts by giving of his own treasure over and above what he had already set aside. Then he calls on the leaders to do the same. What happened next? The people gave willingly and generously. In fact, they gave so much that a record was kept of each gift, and ultimately, David had to tell the people to stop giving because the need had been exceeded.
The Bible says they gave gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones. Specific amounts were recorded not because God needed their money, but because the people needed to show their commitment to the vision and because stewardship demands accountability.

So when someone challenges people to give a specific amount, it is not unbiblical. It is not manipulation. It is in order. It is consistent with Scripture.
But here’s the tension: people’s traditions often conflict with biblical truth. That’s why Jesus Himself said, “The traditions of men make the word of God of no effect.” (Mark 7:13)
So yes, you saw a moment. But I invite you to understand the movement behind it. I felt it was necessary to provide context to this clip, and I hope you’ll share this explanation with the same passion and speed that the original clip was shared.

Honor, clarity, and truth are what I owe the people and I’ll always provide just that.”

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