June 24, 2008. Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Hutchins Photo/Depositphotos
*Marvin Sapp has revealed that he received death threats following criticism of a viral video in which he instructed church staff to close the doors during an offering at a Christian conference. While some accused him of using coercion, Sapp insists the decision was necessary for financial stewardship and security.
The gospel singer and pastor of The Chosen Vessel church in Fort Worth, Texas, addressed the controversy on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Vibe reports. In the interview, he discussed the clip where he urged attendees to donate $40,000 to cover the cost of the event that took place in August 2023.
“People took issue with my tone, and looking at the video, maybe I was a little more assertive than I should have been, and I can apologize for that,” the Bishop explained, denying claims that the church doors were locked.
He described how the controversial video has impacted his life, his church, and his children.
“People have called my church and cussed me out. My staff are afraid because I’ve received death threats,” Sapp elaborated. “People have come to our campus. They have come to my church to try to cause problems, issues, (and) challenges.”
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Marvin Sapp stops service to demand his congregation to raise $40,000 before they leave. ??
— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) March 27, 2025
Last month in a Facebook statement, he defended ordering ushers to shut the doors until attendees collectively donated $40,000.
“Some have taken issue with a particular moment when I instructed the ushers, rather firmly, to close the doors during the offering. To those unfamiliar with the church context or who may not regularly attend worship gatherings this has been misinterpreted as holding people hostage as well as offensive. That was never my intent,” Sapp stated.
He further elaborated on the reasoning behind his directive, emphasizing that moments of financial collection in worship settings are particularly vulnerable for both the finance and security teams.
“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,” he continued.
“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,” Sapp added.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Close the Doors! Y’all Ain’t Going No Place’ – Pastor Marvin Sapp Defends Controversial $40K Church Fundraising | WATCH-it-Happen
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