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Marvin Sapp is going viral for making an unusual demand for money from his congregation. The gospel singer and bishop told ushers to lock the church doors before asking his church members for donations.

The incident happened during his sermon at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World annual summer convention in 2024. But the video resurfaced on social media this week.

The video clip shows Sapp telling ushers to close the church doors until 1,000 people gave him $20 each.

He asked the people on stage with him to make an offering of $100 each. Viewers at home were also asked to donate online.

Sapp said his goal was to raise $40,000 for the church, but he didn’t specify why.

The Internet took issue with Sapp telling ushers to lock the church doors. Holding people against their will is kidnapping in every state.

Sapp responded to the public backlash by posting a response on Facebook on Wednesday night. He said he asked his parishioners to “plant a seed” of $20.

“I also challenged leadership to lead by example by sowing $100. That evening, I personally gave much more,” he wrote.

Sapp suggested he told ushers to close the doors for the safety of the congregation.

“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.”

He continued: “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.”

Sapp concluded: “I felt it was necessary to provide context to this clip, and I hope you’ll share this explanation with the same passion and speed that the original clip was shared. Honor, clarity, and truth are what I owe the people and I’ll always provide just that.”