Pastor John Gray III Defends Marvin Sapp’s Controversial Fundraising Tactics Amid Viral Outrage | WATCH

foraa754@gmail.comMarch 29, 2025

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Pastor John Gray III Defends Marvin Sapp’s Controversial Fundraising Tactics Amid Viral Outrage | WATCH

*Pastor John Gray III, known for his celestial congregation and charismatic leadership, has stepped into the spotlight to defend his friend Marvin Sapp following backlash over a viral video.

The clip features Sapp, a prominent gospel singer and pastor, instructing ushers at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) annual summer convention to close the doors until the congregation raises a whopping $40,000 through contributions of $20 each. This unconventional method (to some) of soliciting donations has ignited fervent discussions about church fundraising, prompting Gray to provide insight into the situation.

Known for his large social media following which includes celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian and Chris Pratt, Gray spoke with TMZ to share his perspective on the incident. He stated that Marvin Sapp is a close friend and expressed empathy towards the pressure and scrutiny that church leaders face regarding their fundraising techniques.

“I’ve seen a lot worse donation requests in other churches,” Gray commented, implying that what some perceive as controversial may not be as unusual as it appears. He underscores the importance of understanding the cultural and situational context behind Sapp’s fundraising approach rather than reducing it to mere optics.

Marvin Sapp stops service to demand his congregation to raise $40,000 before they leave.

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— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) March 27, 2025

Context Matters: Different Cultures in the Church Community
In the viral video, Sapp calls on 1,000 worshippers to contribute $20 each to meet the financial goal, while also encouraging those watching on live stream to participate. He candidly tells both congregants and other pastors on stage about his own commitment to the campaign.

However, tensions escalated when he asked congregants to physically approach the stage to donate. Critics highlighted the instruction to lock the doors as an inappropriate and coercive tactic, arguing that it pressures church members into giving and ultimately holds them against their will.

Responding to the ensuing backlash, Sapp took to social media, clarifying his intent. He stated, “My directive was not about control; it was about creating a safe, focused, and reverent environment for those choosing to give.” This distinction emphasizes that Sapp aimed to promote an atmosphere conducive to reflection and support, rather than an oppressive fundraising environment.

John Gray weighs in on this, highlighting that different churches operate under diverse cultural norms. He suggests that, in some communities, methods of fundraising that may look questionable to outsiders could be considered standard practice. Understanding this context is crucial before passing judgment on Sapp’s actions.

Pastor John Gray Defends Marvin Sapp After Viral Backlash // Pastor John Gray — Pastor John Gray / Getty

Rethinking Fundraising Strategies in Contemporary Churches
While Marvin Sapp’s approach has sparked dialogue regarding ethics and obligations in fundraising, John Gray emphasizes that the broader issue of monetary contributions in churches must also be critically examined. As he explained, fundraising is an integral aspect of many churches’ operations.

Gray advocates for the “reverse offering” method his church employs, where monetary gifts are offered to congregants allowing them to take what they need to meet their financial obligations. He argues this compassionate gesture reflects a church’s duty to support its community rather than just request donations.

Gray’s insights provide an alternative perspective to the public outcry, suggesting that churches have considerable latitude in how they ask for support. While some methods may seem alarming, they often stem from a place of urgency about the church’s operational needs.

A Call for Compassion in Conversations about Church Fundraising
Ultimately, the debate surrounding Marvin Sapp and his fundraising approach underscores larger issues within religious communities. Although financial support is essential, the methods by which churches generate this support are similarly critical. Pastors like John Gray urge for a more compassionate understanding of the pressures church leaders face and their motivations behind unconventional fundraising appeals.

As this conversation continues, it serves as a reminder of the diversity in practices across faith communities and the importance of context, culture, and the compassionate intentions that often underpin these calls for support.