Common Church Culture

 

Let’s Talk About the Offering Plate

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, asking for clarity, wisdom, and compassion in how we view and support Your church.

Help us not to be swayed by viral opinions or public pressure, but to be guided by Your Spirit in truth and understanding.

Lord, check our hearts.

Help us to give not out of guilt, but out of gratitude.

Teach us how to support the vision without being moved by emotion or manipulation.

And for every leader, Father, grant wisdom and humility—so that every ask is made in love, not pride.

Let Your Kingdom be advanced through integrity, unity, and sincere giving.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

— 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Now when Teddy Pendergrass told y’all to “close the door,” y’all ran and did it—no questions asked. Many of y’all sinned right behind it, too.

But now that it’s gone viral that Marvin Sapp asked the ushers to close the doors during offering, the internet is having a collective meltdown—over a measly $20 seed.

Here’s the truth:

You either had it to give, or you didn’t.

It was either purposed in your heart to give, or it wasn’t.

Even with the doors closed, you could’ve stayed… or left.

The choice was yours.

Trust me—I’m living proof that there’s blessing in your giving when it’s given freely, not grudgingly, and only what you’ve purposed in your heart. A true man or woman of God should never want your money any other way.

Now that this year-old clip has resurfaced and gone viral like it happened this past Sunday… let’s get into the Church Culture of it all.

People will drop $2000 for Beyoncé tickets and not bat an eye.

But let a pastor ask for a $20 seed for the Kingdom, and folks start acting like they’re being extorted. Marvin Sapp wasn’t asking for himself—he asked for the church. And now he’s getting dragged through the digital mud like he pocketed every dollar.

Our priorities are off.

A concert won’t save your soul, cover your rent, or pray you through. Yet the MOG gets condemned for asking for a seed to support ministry?

If you’re unfamiliar with Church Culture—just ask somebody.

It’s customary during conventions, convocations, and other major gatherings to collect a seed offering—not just for the building, but for the leader. In many churches, this is the only time in the year where that type of seed is even requested, and it’s used to sustain the church and care for the shepherd.

Let’s be real: how many of y’all are comfortably living off $40K a year in 2025?

I’ve trained myself not to be disturbed when it’s giving time.

Instead, I pray to be a good steward over my finances—to be in position to give freely. And when I don’t have it, I don’t panic. I just pray that I’ll have it next time. Because listen—somebody is always asking for your money.

So why is it only a problem when the church does?

Let’s talk leadership and delivery.

That said—I did have an issue with how Marvin Sapp delivered the ask. It came across as arrogant and authoritative. He could’ve simply said:

“If you have it, find it in your heart to give. And if you don’t, do your best and be blessed.”

But instead, it felt like pressure. And that’s what the video showed—intentional or not. Leaders, let’s be mindful of how we say what we say.

Some of y’all get in the pulpit and start feeling bigger than God.

Tread lightly.

Scandal is only a step away when pride leads the sermon.

Pastors—you do not have the authority to pressure your people into giving.

Ask. Pray. Trust God.

That’s it.

He supplies the need—not manipulation.

The Bottom Line:

There’s a difference between Church Culture and Kingdom Principle.

One is man-made, the other is God-ordained.

There’s a proper way to handle church business.

Some will get it. Others won’t.

But ultimately—God sees and knows all.

Let no trending topic dictate your faith, your generosity, or your obedience.

Seek first the Kingdom—and everything else will be added.

Let go, and let God.

I give with purpose, not pressure. I sow with wisdom, not emotion. I honor God with my resources and trust Him to provide—freely, fully, and faithfully.

If this message spoke to you, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it—and drop a comment below. Let’s talk about it.