Gospel Singer Marvin Sapp Faces Backlash After He Shut His Church Doors And Asked Congregation To Raise $40,000

Gospel singer Marvin Sapp is facing criticism after a viral video captured him urging his congregation to raise $40,000.

The video also shows him going as far as ordering ushers to shut the church doors so no one could leave. 

Marvin Sapps is seen during service, challenging members to donate. He mentioned that there were about a thousand people in church and about a thousand more watching online. He added that he believes they can all donate $40,000

"This is a small seed," he said to his congregation as he begged them to donate.

"I'm challenging each of you all down here to give a twenty dollar seed," he added, while explaining that if the 1,000 present members and 1,000 online give $20 each, they would easily raise the $40,000 target. 

He added that $20 is not a lot of money and when his wife was alive, he used that amount to take her on a date.

For those sitting up close to the stage, he asked them to donate $100 each.

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

The video has sparked outrage. 

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