Gospel star Marvin Sapp responds to criticism over donation request, order to close doors
Renowned gospel artist Marvin Sapp is responding to criticism over a resurfaced clip that shows him telling church ushers to close the doors while asking for donations in what some say was an overly aggressive move.
The controversy stems from a viral video in which Sapp speaks in front of the congregation at the 109th Pentecostal Assemblies for the World Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, in July. In the video, he called on churchgoers in the building −and those watching online − to help raise $40,000 by giving $20 each.
"Ushers close the doors," the "Praise Him In Advance" singer said repeatedly. "There's 1,000 of you tonight, and ... it's 1,000 watching online. This is a small seed."
Additionally, he asked preachers standing beside him to give a $100 contribution: "Giving is worship," he said.
Sapp is responding to criticism over the hard sell, arguing that it's been taken out of context.
Here's what you need to know about the controversy.
Although collecting donations, or tithes, has long been a tradition in Black churches, the video has sparked plenty of interest, with memes, parodies, and criticism abounding on social media.
"Marvin Sapp would be getting Marvin SLAPPED if he held me hostage for money when he could go in the studio and make my annual salary in a couple months.," one X user joked. "That ain't the work of the Lord."
"NEVER WOULD'VE PAAAAAAAAID IT," another user wrote, referencing the Grammy-nominated singer's popular song, "Never Would Have Made It."
Comedian KevOnStage made a skit of an usher shaking him down for cash before leaving the building.
In a statement on his Facebook page on Wednesday, Sapp provided additional context behind his request for money. He said that as a minister, fundraising was part of his job at the international convention, calling it "stewardship" rather than "manipulation."
"Some have taken issue with a particular moment when I instructed the ushers, rather firmly, to close the doors during the offering," Sapp wrote. "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."
He continued to say that "finances are being received in any worship gathering" and that "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," he said. "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."
Ushers at Marvin Sapp's church pic.twitter.com/7TAzr71EVK
— Kevín (@KevOnStage) March 27, 2025
Marvin Sapp: that'll be $40,000The congregation: Forty thousand?!?! pic.twitter.com/Pg9wRbnf5O
— Belly Rowland (@YourboyDonell) March 27, 2025
Marvin Sapp: *Locs us in church to "raise" $40k"Me: *Calls 911* *Stands up in the crowd talking over Marvin Sapp* "Yes, Police? Marvin Sapp is holding 3,000 ppl hostage at this church for $40k. Send help." pic.twitter.com/3sTzD2bwzM
— The Rama Don (@Sufi_Cuhz) March 27, 2025
Marvin Sapp ' Usher close those doors'Me pic.twitter.com/TZtnr3e47Q
— B Easy (@GetEmEasy) March 27, 2025
So you mean to tell me at Marvin Sapp's church they locked the congregation in until they collectively tithed $40,000???! pic.twitter.com/aC8ZsHiuem
— Muted. Argue with yourself. (@___inCANdescent) March 28, 2025
Marvin Sapp: If you are watching online I need you to give 20 dollarsMe: pic.twitter.com/BEN8T6csAY
— ROQ.STAR (@nostalgia_lite) March 27, 2025
Me if the usher at Marvin Sapp church won't move away from the door when I try to leave pic.twitter.com/gVgfUmeiXk
— 🏁Saint Travail 🇵🇦 (@WavyHardaway) March 27, 2025
Marvin Sapp was OUT OF ORDER. I would have immediately dialed 911 as I walked toward the exit. You gone open these doors, or you're catching a false imprisonment charge. pic.twitter.com/7HieNfmRML
— 🪩 MADAM THIQUE & COZY 🪩 (@ABitOfKwansLife) March 27, 2025
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gospel star Marvin Sapp responds to backlash over $40,000 fund request
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