So what’s going on with Marvin Sapp? Let’s start out by giving a quick background: Marvin L. Sapp is a gospel singer from Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2007, he hit the gospel charts with his single ”Never Would Have Made It.” He also founded the Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Michigan with his wife, MaLinda. Later, Sapp became the senior pastor of The Chosen Vessel Church in Texas.
Marvin Sapp’s Big Ask
In the summer of 2024, Baltimore, Maryland, hosted the 109th Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Convention at the Baltimore Convention Center. It was fairly well attended, and Marvin Sapp got an idea to start raising money in grand fashion. He called on both attendees and online registrants to donate as much as they could, even asking for thousands, so he could raise $40,000 (or more) to help offset the cost of the convention. At that point, he was heard on video instructing ushers to “close the doors” to the facility!
Marvin Sapp Video Resurfaces
In March of 2025, the Marvin Sapp demanding donations video came back into light. The video showed Sapp challenging people to donate as much as they could, as he said that it costs money for setting up the convention and participation.
Marvin Sapp had a few supporters, but for the most part, people reacted negatively. Social media blew up with its users saying he never should’ve held attendees hostage like that. Sapp later denied he was holding anyone there, but did say that giving is biblical and reverent.
What Now for Pastor Sapp?
Marvin Sapp has issued a statement saying he didn’t mean to make anyone feel uncomfortable; he just wanted to show how important giving was, Sapp continues to be a pastor for The Chosen Vessel in Texas. In August of 2024 he released ‘Then and Now.’
We will see if this Grammy nominated musician has damaged his reputation from his donation demands from last year. Hopefully his reputation can recover from this. Meanwhile, we do still have his music.
