Gospel star and Bishop Marvin Sapp is facing major backlash after a resurfaced video captured his unconventional and, to some, extreme fundraising methods.
The clip, taken from his sermon at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) annual summer convention, shows Sapp instructing ushers to lock the doors until a hefty donation goal is met.
The video, now going viral, has sparked outrage as Sapp demands that 1,000 worshipers in attendance contribute at least $20 each, a move he claims will easily generate $40,000.
He then turns to the thousands watching online, calling on them to donate as well.
Even the pastors on stage weren’t spared, with Sapp insisting they each fork over $100.
“Prove You Paid”: Sapp’s Demand Raises Eyebrows
Sapp didn’t just talk—he pulled out his own cash to set an example.
But things escalated when he called worshipers to the stage to physically show their donations.
For those giving electronically, he demanded proof of payment.
Many online are outraged, with some comparing the move to holding people hostage inside the church.
While police confirm no calls were made, the optics of shutting the doors until money was raised have fueled intense debate.
Sapp defends his actions
As criticism mounted, Sapp took to Facebook to defend himself.
He insisted the directive wasn’t about control, but about creating a “safe, focused, and reverent environment” for giving and handling donations.
Despite his explanation, the backlash rages on, with many questioning whether faith-based fundraising has crossed a line.
