Marvin Sapp Tells Church Ushers to Close Doors Until Congregation Coughs Up $40K

Marvin Sapp Faces Backlash Over Controversial Fundraising Tactics at PAW Convention

Gospel singer and bishop Marvin Sapp is facing significant criticism for his unorthodox approach to church fundraising, which was captured on video and is now going viral. The footage, taken from Sapp’s sermon at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) annual summer convention, shows the music legend-turned-preacher telling ushers to close the doors of the church until 1,000 attendees donate $20 each.

In the clip, Sapp, who was preaching in Baltimore in July 2024, instructs attendees and viewers of the live stream to donate the $20, explaining that this would easily raise $40,000 for the church. He even requested that fellow pastors on stage contribute $100 each. To prove their commitment, he encouraged people to physically approach the stage to show their donations, including those donating electronically, who had to demonstrate their payment.

The biggest point of contention for many viewers is Sapp’s directive to close the church doors. Some critics have taken to social media, accusing him of holding people “hostage” until the donations were met. However, local police confirmed that no calls were made regarding the incident.

The video, which is just now gaining traction online, has sparked a debate over the ethics of such fundraising methods. In response to the backlash, Marvin Sapp took to Facebook on Wednesday night, clarifying his actions. He explained, “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.”

While some defend Sapp’s intentions, the video has ignited a larger conversation about the boundaries of fundraising within religious communities.