Bishop Marvin Sapp says he has received death threats over him repeatedly demanding that ushers “close the doors” on a congregation during a $40,000 fundraising effort in a 2024 video that recently went viral. Critics commenting via social media have suggested that the award-winning gospel singer and pastor essentially held people of God hostage for a church offering.
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Both Sapp and the organization he was representing at the time (the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.) have since issued statements clarifying their intent and apologizing for causing any offense over the July 2024 event.
However, Sapp revealed Monday (March 31) on “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” that he has received threats against his life over the viral video.
“People have called my church and cussed me out,” Sapp said. “My staff are afraid because I’ve received death threats. People have come to our campus. They have come to my church to try to cause problems, issues, challenges.”
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Sapp, pastor of The Chosen Vessel Church based in Fort Worth, Texas, is a single father.
“I’m their only parent. I’m a widower,” he told Smiley. “They’re afraid for my safety, so now we have to update and increase security.”
Listen to Sapp’s interview below or on YouTube.