On July 23, 2024, Bishop Marvin Sapp ministered at the International Summer Convention of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. Inc. After ministering a dynamic and thought-provoking message, Bishop Marvin Sapp, at the request of our organization, proceeded in receiving a free-will offering that would go towards expenses incurred for this gathering. For those familiar with conference planning at the scale of our International Convention, these events are high-budget and require extensive planning, strategy, organization, and funds. Months later, a short clip from our convention has now gone viral and unduly misrepresented not only Bishop Marvin Sapp, but the P.A.W., and churches worldwide.
We are incredibly grateful for every participant and giver who freely supports our organization financially at our conventions and therefore prioritize security during all giving opportunities. When money moves, it is highly advisable that we limit the movement of bodies to ensure the safety of our finance team, our givers, and the resources entrusted to our organization. Closing doors during giving is an internal security protocol, that was, unfortunately, taken out of context. No doors were locked, and no one was held in the room against their will. We do not force or coerce anyone into supporting the operations of our organization, and we never will. We do request that our leaders lead by example, which is what Bishop Sapp was articulating during this moment.
As an organization, we apologize to those who may have been offended by the manner of receiving donations. It is never our intent for our proceedings to be an offense or hinderance for anyone, as it is our goal to win as many as we are able to Christ. Fundraising is a critical component to the success of our non-profit organization, and the funds raised are utilized to support not just this event, but our extensive international missions work, auxiliary programming, educational endeavors and more. We care deeply for all souls, and we do not desire for the work of Christ in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. and in the church worldwide to be misconstrued by an all-too brief video.
Bishop Marvin Sapp has been a devoted member of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. for many years. We are grateful for Bishop Marvin Sapp’s ministry and how he has demonstrated leadership through financially supporting not just the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, but the local church, and communities and individuals in need. Bishop Marvin Sapp has generously given and supported many initiatives in a manner that is not widespread, to not bring the focus on himself, but Christ. Attacks against his character are an unfortunate byproduct of the social media age, and we disagree wholeheartedly with these attacks.
It is our hope and prayer that additional context will go a long way in reestablishing trust between the institution of the Church and any offended by the manner of receiving donations. It is our goal to be better as an organization and to continue to serve God and His people in the earth.
Bishop Theodore L. Brooks, Sr.
Presiding Bishop
Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.
Eleventh in Succession