Grammy-nominated gospel artist Bishop Marvin Sapp announced the release of a new song in response to the widespread criticism sparked by a viral resurfaced video showing him asking for donations and instructing ushers to close the doors at an international church convention.
Titled “Close the Door,” the single will be released on digital streaming platforms on April 18. Sapp says it “isn’t just a song, it’s a soundtrack for survival.”
“I’m releasing it this Good Friday, the day we honor the crucifixion of Jesus Christ,” Sapp added in an Instagram post. “Just like He closed the door on death, Hell, and the grave, I’m closing the door on the noise, the pain, and everything that tried to break me.”
The controversy stems from a viral video in which Sapp speaks in front of the congregation at the 109th Pentecostal Assemblies for the World Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, in July. In the video, he called on churchgoers in the building −and those watching online − to help raise $40,000 by giving $20 each.
“Ushers close the doors,” the singer said repeatedly. “There’s 1,000 of you tonight, and … it’s 1,000 watching online. This is a small seed.”
After the clip went viral, social media exploded with memes, parodies, and backlash. Some people argued that Sapp was aggressive and held the congregation hostage. However, the singer known for gospel hits such as “Never Would’ve Made It” and “Praise Him In Advance”, has since reiterated that his request was taken out of context.
Sapp describes times as ‘tough’
In his Instagram post, Sapp admitted that the “last few weeks have been tough.”
“Misunderstood, misrepresented, misinterpreted, and even maligned,” he continued. “But I’ve learned that when life hands you lemons, you don’t just make lemonade… you build the lemonade company. And that’s exactly what I’ve done.”
During a recent interview on “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show”, Sapp − the Senior Pastor of The Chosen Vessel Church based in Fort Worth, Texas − shared that he has received threats, which have led to safety concerns for his family. The bishop addressed his request for donations and apologized for his approach towards the ushers.
“I never said lock the doors. I said shut the doors,” Sapp emphasized. “Shutting doors mean that people still have the ability to go in and out. They’ve taken issue with my tone and I can honestly say looking at the video maybe I was a little more assertive than I should have been. I can apologize for that. “
On the radio program, Sapp clarified that he didn’t pocket any money and was solely fundraising for the non-profit church organization that had supported him for many years. The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. also issued a statement, saying it was “never our intent for our proceedings to be an offense or hindrance for anyone.”
Sapp said “Close the Door” could help others through a turbulent chapter.
“This song will bless you. I believe that with everything in me,” he said. “My assignment in this season through this song is to help you close the door too.”
USA TODAY reached out to The Chosen Vessel Church for comment.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].
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