Gospel Singer Marvin Sapp Faces Backlash For Asking Congregation To Raise $40,000 In Viral Video

After a video of gospel singer and pastor Marvin Sapp urging his congregation to donate $40,000 during a church service went viral, he came under fire.

In the now-viral video, Sapp emphasises that if attendees and internet watchers each made a little donation, the objective could be easily accomplished.

Marvin Sapp tells the congregation in the video that there are about 1,000 people in the church and an additional 1,000 people watching online. Then, he urges everyone to contribute at least $20, stating that if everyone does so, they will have raised the $40,000 goal.

The footage has ignited debates regarding the ethics of soliciting substantial donations within religious communities.

This appeal has led to varied reactions, with some questioning the appropriateness of such a significant financial request during challenging economic times.

He emphasises that the contribution is manageable by telling the audience, “This is a small seed.”

Sapp goes one step farther and asks others seating nearer the stage to contribute $100 apiece.

He gives the ushers instructions to close the church doors so that no one can leave until the appeal is finished in order to guarantee attendance.

Marvin Sapp uses a personal story to support his argument, stating that he could take his wife out on a date for merely $20 when she was alive, implying that the sum is not prohibitive.

On social media, the video has generated conflicting responses. While detractors say the strategy was harsh and improper, other proponents contend that church fundraising is a standard practice and essential to missionary operations.

Also, closing the doors has drawn criticism, with some accusing it of being a high-pressure strategy to raise money.

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Despite the backlash, Sapp has yet to respond to the controversy, leaving many to speculate about his intentions and the purpose behind the fundraising appeal.

He added, “Because, again, it costs to sit up here.”

Watch video here:

Marvin Sapp is clearly HUSTLING his congregation for 40k— and using God’s name to do it.

he’s calling for the doors to be locked? that’s not faith, that’s a shakedown and a false prophet.

someone had a bill to pay, and it wasn’t to the church. https://t.co/MtBRENSb0t pic.twitter.com/SqLtOwRrSW
— Boochie is the Name (@stoppfeenin) March 26, 2025

See some reactions below:

@stoppfeenin: Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Marvin is DA wrong. Girl that’s why i don’t go to church.

@DrAPearson: Waitwaitwait, I just watched the full video, he told them to shut up??? Black people we gotta be better 😭😭

@stoppfeenin: Someone tried to defend him on my post on Ig and quickly deleted it I’m like— you ought to delete it. Because this whole video is awful

@DrewOnTheKeys: Close the doors is wild 🤔

@thailynnnb: They all do this. Pastor Keion came to our church and asked us to sew a seed of $121 because we were reading from psalm 121.

@Sanctified_og: This such a fine line because I’ve seen and watched God do miracles during & after offerings similar to this. Depending on the culture of the church it’s normal and benefits from the obedience of giving.

@OnikasKatana: I promise I would’ve called the police and screamed I’m being kidnapped 😵‍💫

@tap3000: The way I am an ordained minister and when those pastors start that sew a seed of __amount, I don’t participate anymore. I remember my former pastor had the first fruit seed of $125 and you write out your decree once you sew your seed. I wrote the check for $125, wrote out my decree 📜 which included a Godly Husband. Please note 📝 I have never been married and that decree was in 2011. 😂😂😂 I am still waiting on my Godly Husband.

@TheIZA_420: He’s breaking ecclesiastical laws!! You tithe a 10th of whatever you have whether it’s food drink or clothing money is used to feed the widow the orphans and poor. He’s outta line

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