Gospel singer Marvin Sapp under fire for urging church to raise $40,000

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

Renowned gospel singer and pastor Marvin Sapp is facing backlash after a viral video captured him urging his congregation to donate $40,000 during a church service.

The clip, which has sparked widespread criticism, shows Sapp instructing ushers to shut the church doors to prevent anyone from leaving while he made his appeal.

Addressing the congregation, he pointed out that there were about a thousand people in attendance and another thousand watching online, stating that if each person contributed $20, they would quickly meet the $40,000 target.

“This is a small seed,” Sapp said, encouraging churchgoers to donate. He added that $20 was not a significant amount, recalling that when his late wife was alive, he would use that amount to take her on a date.

For those seated close to the stage, Sapp requested a $100 donation, stating, “Because, again, it costs to sit up 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