Once the story came out, netizens were divided on the preacher's request, with some bashing him while others said he was within his rights.

In a Facebook post, Sapp said he wanted to add context to the clip doing rounds on social media in which he challenged 2,000 individuals (virtually and in person) to plant a seed of KSh 2,000 each during an international gathering held at a convention center, with over 4,000 people in attendance that evening plus virtual viewers.

"In that same moment, I also challenged leadership to lead by example by sowing KSh 10, 000. That evening, I personally gave much more," he said.

"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 added.

According to Sapp, 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 as well as security teams; any movement during this sacred exchange can be distracting and, at times, even risky.

"My directive was not about control, it was about creating a safe, focused, and reverent environment for those choosing to give, and for those handling the resources," he said.

"Unfortunately, in this social media age, snippets are easily shared without context, and assumptions are quickly made without understanding the full picture," he added.

The preacher also revealed that conferences have budgets, and so do churches as well as people.

"As the assigned ministerial gift for this international gathering, one of my responsibilities was to help raise the conference budget. That’s not manipulation, it’s stewardship. Now allow me to give you some biblical context, not opinion, not tradition, but scripture," he challenged.

Sapp said in 1 Chronicles 29, there was a powerful moment where David, preparing for the building of the temple, challenged the people to give. He started by giving of his treasure over and above what he had already set aside. Then he called on the leaders to do the same.

"What happened next? The people gave willingly and generously. In fact, they gave so much that a record was kept of each gift, and ultimately, David had to tell the people to stop giving because the need had been exceeded," shared Sapp.

"The Bible says they gave gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones. Specific amounts were recorded not because God needed their money but because the people needed to show their commitment to the vision and because stewardship demands accountability," he added.

Sapp said when someone challenges people to give a specific amount, it is not unbiblical. It is not manipulation. It is in order; consistent with scripture.

"But here’s the tension: people’s traditions often conflict with biblical truth. That’s why Jesus Himself said the traditions of men make the word of God of no effect. (Mark 7:13)," said Sapp.

"So yes, you saw a moment. But I invite you to understand the movement behind it. 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," he added.

In a past story, Neno Evangelism Centre's James Ng'ang'a discarded offerings collected in his church because of being too little.

In a clip shared on TikTok, Ng'ang'a was seen demanding to be given the basket with the cash, but when he received it, he looked at it in disgust.

After watching the video, Kenyans registered their disappointment, adding that a man of God should not demean offerings of church members.

Source: TUKO.co.ke