Gospel Star Marvin Sapp Responds After Viral Video Shows Him Asking Congregation for $40K: “I Personally Gave Much More” [Video]

Marvin Sapp is responding to a viral clip showing him asking his congregation to contribute a total of $40,000 in tithes before leaving a church service.

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In case you missed it, the clip began circulating earlier this week, featuring Sapp on stage instructing the ushers, “I said close them doors.”

“There’s one thousand of you tonight and those that are watching, it’s a thousand that’s watching online. This is a small seed. If I get a thousand online to give this, if I get a thousand in the sanctuary to give this, that’s $40,000 tonight. I’m challenging each of you all down here to give a $20 seed,” he stated.

He then directed those on stage with him to sow $100, explaining, “It cost to sit up here.”

The video sparked backlash online, with many criticizing Sapp for what they saw as greed. In a lengthy Facebook post, he fired back at his critics and defended his request, insisting it was reasonable.

“Recently, a clip has gone viral of me challenging 2,000 individuals (virtually and in person) to plant a seed of $20 during an international gathering held at a convention center, with over 4,000 people in attendance that evening plus virtual viewers. In that same moment, I also challenged leadership to lead by example by sowing $100. That evening, I personally gave much more,” Sapp wrote.

He clarified that his instruction to close the doors was not meant to hold visitors “hostage.”

“The truth is, when finances are being received in any worship gathering, 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. 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,” he explained.

Sapp further noted that he was responsible for helping with the conference budget.

“Conferences have budgets. Churches have budgets. And people have budgets. As the assigned ministerial gift for this international gathering, one of my responsibilities was to help raise the conference budget. That’s not manipulation, it’s stewardship,” he added.

His Facebook post received mixed reactions, with some supporters standing by his explanation, while others took the opportunity to criticize the “Never Would Have Made It” singer.