Marvin Sapp Locks Church Doors Until Donations Reach $40K

Marvin Sapp is making headlines on social media, but not for a new hit song. The gospel singer is under fire after a video of his recent fundraising plea in Baltimore went viral.

In the clip, Sapp, known for his song “Never Would’ve Made It,” is seen urging a crowd of at least 1,000 churchgoers to “sow a seed” for the church. What raised eyebrows was his order for the ushers to close the church doors—essentially locking people in until they donated money.

“I said close them doors. Ushers, close the doors, close the doors. We all gon’ leave together. Y’all ain’t going no place but to the restaurant,” Sapp declared. He added that he needed 1,000 people inside and another 1,000 watching online to give $20 each, aiming to raise $40,000.

Later, he asked the pastors on stage to give $100 instead of $20, saying that “it costs to be up here.”

“I said close them doors. Ushers close the doors, close the doors. Close the doors,” Sapp said. “We all gon’ leave together. Y’all ain’t going no place but to the restaurant.”

The video quickly spread online, with many social media users condemning Sapp’s actions. Commenters on Twitter and other platforms criticized him for what they described as holding people “hostage” for money, arguing that such tactics are not in line with the spirit of church fundraising.

“Marvin Sapp would be getting Marvin SLAPPED if he held me hostage for money when he could go in the studio and make my annual salary in a couple months. That ain’t the work of the Lord,” one other user said.

The controversy has sparked a heated debate within the church community and among fans, with many questioning whether Sapp’s approach is appropriate for a place of worship. Despite the backlash, Sapp’s fundraising plea continues to trend as people weigh in on what they believe is acceptable in church fundraising practices.