In the world of gospel music, humor and controversy often intertwine, and recent events involving renowned gospel artists Bishop Marvin L. Sapp and Kirk Franklin have sparked a lively conversation online. Following Sapp’s eyebrow-raising request for a $40,000 donation from his churchgoers, Franklin decided to join the fray with a lighthearted jab that has resonated with fans and critics alike.
The background of the controversy
Sapp, known for his hit song “Never Would Have Made It,” faced significant backlash after a video of him ordering ushers to “close the doors” during a church service went viral. This incident occurred at the 109th Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Convention in August 2024, and it quickly became a hot topic on social media platforms. The video, which began circulating on March 26, led to a wave of reactions from fans and followers, many of whom found humor in the situation.
Kirk Franklin’s comedic response
On April 3, Franklin, the celebrated composer of “Stomp,” shared a group photo on his Instagram featuring himself alongside fellow gospel artists John P. Kee, Marvin Sapp, Zacardi Cortez, Jon McReynolds, Isaac Carree, and producer Eric Dawkins. The image was taken at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards in Atlanta, where Kee was honored with the Trailblazer of Gospel recognition. Franklin’s caption, “Open The Doors!” was widely interpreted as a humorous response to Sapp’s earlier comments, cleverly sidestepping the tension while engaging his audience.
Public reactions and speculations
The playful exchange did not go unnoticed, with fans expressing a range of reactions. Some users suggested that Franklin should consider a career in comedy, while others referenced past controversies, including Franklin’s own leaked phone call with his son in 2021. One commenter quipped, “Pastor beef? Good lord,” highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
However, not all reactions were positive. Some fans found Franklin’s post distasteful, indicating that the humor might not have been appropriate given the serious nature of Sapp’s initial request for donations and the subsequent backlash he faced.
Sapp addresses the backlash
In an interview on the “Rickey Smiley Morning Show” on March 31, Sapp opened up about the fallout from his “close the doors” comment. He revealed that the backlash had escalated to the point where individuals were calling his church, The Chosen Vessel Church in Fort Worth, Texas, to express their anger, even issuing death threats. Sapp clarified that his intention was never to lock the doors but rather to manage the flow of attendees more assertively than necessary.
