Bishop Marvin Sapp Demands $40K From Church Members, Tells Ushers to “Close the Doors”

Nationwide — Bishop Marvin Sapp,  the Senior Pastor of The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas, has sparked a national debate about the Black church after clips from his recent sermon went viral. In the videos, Sapp urged his congregation to help raise $40,000 by asking 1,000 people in the church and 1,000 viewers online to give $20 each.

In one clip, Sapp instructed the ushers to close the doors, indicating that no one would be allowed to leave until they donated. According to Blavity, he mentioned that $20 used to be enough for a movie date with his late wife, MaLinda P. Sapp. While churchgoers laughed, Sapp emphasized that giving was “worship” and called their contributions “an easy miracle.”

Sapp also asked fellow clergy members to give $100 each, saying, “It costs to sit up here.” The clips showed churchgoers walking to the stage to drop their offerings, while Sapp repeatedly quieted the crowd, reminding them to stay silent during the giving.

Reactions on social media were mixed. Many criticized Sapp, accusing him of exploiting his congregation.

“The pressure is what’s wrong. If ppl want to give, it should be their choice. He up there sounding like it’s an auction not a house of God,” one person wrote on X.

“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,” another posted.

However, others defended Sapp, arguing that giving to the church is normal and that people overreacted. Some pointed out that Sapp himself gave money, questioning how that could be considered hustling.

Despite the online backlash, Sapp has yet to respond to the criticism.